Connect Transit

Almost 11 months ago to the day, Heidi Zimmerman spoke before the Connect Transit board of trustees, making a “desperate plea” that the board not increase rates for Connect Mobility riders.

Bloomington-Normal's transit agency is updating progress toward achieving 100% ADA compliance through a new interactive map on its website.

The group tasked with generating a plan to address a funding gap that could render Connect Transit insolvent by 2026 has concluded its work.

UPDATED 11:25 a.m. | The community panel tasked with helping Connect Transit secure financial sustainability will recommend soliciting a half-million dollar funding increase over two years from Bloomington and Normal to help address the service’s structural deficit.

Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees has ratified a six-month extension of its agreement with Connect Transit to cover free bus access for students, faculty and staff.

Illinois State University and Connect Transit have come to terms on a six-month agreement that would maintain universal access for ISU students, faculty and staff.

Heartland Community College’s Board of Trustees will take up a six-month universal access contract with Connect Transit on Tuesday.

The Illinois attorney general’s office is investigating a complaint related to Connect Transit and whether it’s violating state accessibility laws.

The Connect Transit board is expected to delay a 25-cent fare increase that's scheduled for Jan. 1.

Several draft recommendations that emerged Saturday from the Connect to the Future working group mirrored suggestions in Connect Transit's Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) prepared by regional planners to address changing needs for the next three to five years.

As Normal begins to consider how it wants to approach the upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana, Town Council members hope to get public input from the business and law enforcement communities.

Some Bloomington-Normal community members are criticizing Connect Transit for purchasing electric buses. The transportation agency at the time said by using state and federal grants, the buses will be paid for with “no local funding.”

The Connect Transit board Tuesday approved a contract to bring on four electric buses per year over the next three to four years.

The Connect Transit board voted 4-0 Tuesday to delay a 25-cent per ride fare hike until Jan. 1.

The fare increase was supposed to start this month, but was delayed to Oct. 1. In an interview with WGLT, General Manager Isaac Thorne said a third delay allows the 'Connect to the Future Working Group' time to review the plan and Connect’s finances.

Members of the Connect to the Future working group got acquainted with the group’s new facilitator Saturday morning at Uptown Station. It was their second meeting since Connect Transit board members announced the group’s creation in April to develop recommendations for the future of the agency’s service and funding.

The Connect Transit board on Tuesday approved changes to the Pink route that officials say will soften the blow when the Olive route is eliminated next week.

UPDATED 7 a.m. | The Bloomington City Council doesn’t like Connect Transit’s planned fare increases, Olive route elimination, and board makeup. But it won’t reject the transit system’s budget as a way to force change.

After surveying Connect Transit riders, the McLean County Regional Planning Commission is recommending the agency focus on catering to those who rely on the service.

The Normal Town Council unanimously approved new rules for public comment Monday night, but not without resistance from its newest members.

Bloomington City Council members voted Tuesday to postpone any board and commission appointments until after they can have a public discussion about how those appointments are made.

Downtown Bloomington is one step closer to a new transit transfer center.

Citizens to Ensure Fair Transit asked Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner to appoint a Connect Mobility rider and a fixed route-reliant rider to the Connect Transit board.