A pilot transit service operated by Reagan Mass Transit District in rural Winnebago County is generating growing demand, county committee members heard Thursday. Greg, reporting to the Lee County Executive Committee, said local riders are responding positively and officials will apply for a federal rural transit grant to expand service hours.

The program has produced increasing call volume and monthly ridership that “will grow to, a more significant number of more than 8,000 rides being provided in a monthly period of time,” Greg said. He added that some local users have been surprised at the low fare: “it only cost me $1 to go within my ZIP code 1 way.”

Why it matters: the pilot tests how reliable public transportation can be in low‑density rural areas and whether extended hours would enable more people to take jobs on nontraditional shifts. Greg told the committee the program currently has roughly the equivalent of one full‑time driver dedicated to the rural Winnebago service and that Reagan Mass Transit is coordinating with Rockford Mass Transit District on trips that move between the rural area and Rockford.

Committee discussion focused on funding rules that limit which agencies may operate rural routes. When a committee member asked why Rockford Mass Transit District did not cover the rural Rockford service, Greg said the difference stems from eligibility for federal Section 5311 funding that supports rural transit: “they are not a recipient of 53 11 funding, which is what supports, that funding mechanism for rural...”

Looking ahead, Greg said the agency will apply for a Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) grant to pilot service for second‑ and third‑shift workers and will survey businesses about interest. He said the pilot could “open up obviously a lot more opportunities for employees and those persons whose quality of life would be also improved, by those employment opportunities.”

No formal action was taken; the report was informational.

Ending: The committee will receive a follow‑up report in September that the presenter said will include ridership updates and the results of the proposed employer survey.