Connect Transit outlines Connect Go rural service, proposes fares and expanded hours

David Braun, director of Connect Transit, told the McLean County Land Use and Transportation Committee that Connect Transit began operating the Connect Go rural service in July and is taking a phased approach to expansion.

Braun said the program currently provides door-to-door rides Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; riders must call by noon the day before to schedule but can reserve up to five days in advance. "We started very, very slowly," Braun said. "We wanted to understand what the demand might be... and then roll out a more comprehensive program in the near future." He told the committee the service has carried about 404 passengers since rollout.

The presentation explained service rules and revenue mechanics. Brandon (rural coordinator for Connect Transit) said the agency is not offering same-day bookings or subscription trips yet. Braun and staff described a proposed fare structure that would roughly mirror Champaign County: children 12 and under $1 one-way, ages 13–65 $4 one-way, and seniors (65+) $2.50 one-way. Committee members were told this would align rural fares with a one-way model rather than the pre-COVID McLean County practice of a $5 round trip (roughly $2.50 one-way).

Braun said fare collection has a multiplier effect under current state reimbursement rules: "For every dollar we raise in fare, we can put $2.86 in value back into the system," because the state reimburses a portion of operating costs and that payout requires a local "share". He described the present state reimbursement as 65% of operating costs and said a pending state-level change under consideration would increase that to 75% for urban and 80% for rural service; if enacted and supported by downstate legislators, Braun said McLean County’s rural system could draw roughly $121,000 more in state funds under the new formula.

Committee members asked for operational detail. Member Fagan asked whether minors would need escorts; staff confirmed the proposal would treat 12-and-under as requiring an accompanying adult while riders 13 and older could ride unaccompanied. Members asked how additional state funding would interact with fares; Braun said that policy decisions about fare levels or service expansion would be up to the board but that he would prefer to invest additional dollars in expanded hours and weekend service rather than reduce fares automatically.

Connect Transit described near-term operational moves: a survey (digital and paper) aimed at riders and potential riders to inform times and areas of demand; a new scheduling system rolling out soon that will let riders self-book and track vehicles; and a tap-on fare collection system expected next summer to permit contactless payments and passes. Staff emphasized that IDOT concurrence is required for any fare and that the agency must provide IDOT a 90-day review period and specific forms before fares take effect.

Committee members expressed general support for expanding hours and weekend service if local share requirements and state reimbursement changes allow more service to be funded. Braun said rural grant dollars from the Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 program and the state’s reimbursement are restricted to rural operations and cannot be used in the urban system.

Connect Transit staff said they will continue outreach in towns showing the highest use—Lexington and Leroy were named as top rural origins—and will coordinate with neighboring counties and local providers to refine levels of service. The presentation concluded with staff planning additional public outreach and a rider survey to inform next steps.