Transportation

Amtrak is performing well nationally, according to an Illinois-based member of the board of the nation’s passenger rail service. Illinois numbers were not as accomplished, according to Amtrak records.

The state of Illinois is giving the Central Illinois Regional Airport $3 million to build an air cargo road. The grant is for half the $6 million estimated cost of the project. A federal grant and airport money will make up the rest.

Heartland Community College and Connect Transit have partnered on a new bus line that will stop along the I-55 corridor from Normal to Pontiac. The line will be free for Heartland students.

Connect Transit began a rollout phase for new fare collection equipment Monday. Riders will be able to pay a fare using a credit card, mobile device or a reloadable prepay card when fully implemented by the end of July.

Brady Lange had been serving as active director since December, following David Braun’s resignation.

The Central Illinois Regional Airport is giving a big thank-you to Congressman Darin LaHood for coming through with $1.5 million in grant money.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin doesn't think the current version of the Farm Bill will fly. During a news conference in Normal, he said the House version will not get his vote.

A Bloomington-Normal historian says bicycles were once a top export from the state of Illinois. Manufacturing centers in the state, including Peoria and Chicago, made two-thirds of all bicycles sold in the country in 1898.

Winter weather complicates an already scarce parking situation in Downtown Bloomington. The Market Street parking deck has closed. And the Front and Center block has yet to finish demolition and become surface parking. That’s likely to become available sometime next spring.

Electric automaker Rivian has unveiled new technology it says will put it at the forefront of autonomous vehicles.