Committee approves intergovernmental agreement with Connect Transit for county rural transportation

The Land Use and Transportation Committee approved an intergovernmental agreement with Connect Transit to provide rural public transportation services in McLean County.

County Administrator Cassie Taylor said the effort began in June 2024 and followed feasibility work by IDOT consultants; Connect Transit’s board adopted the agreement on April 22, 2025. Taylor said the initial approach is to maintain current service for the next three to four months and then, in a new state fiscal year, examine targeted expansions based on ridership heat maps, employer or social‑service contracts, and veteran services. She emphasized that oversight will include quarterly reports to this committee and annual budget review; Taylor said the county does not expect to contribute local funds in the near term and intends to rely on federal funding and service contracts.

Member Duffy asked whether the committee’s oversight would extend beyond annual budget review; Taylor said Connect Transit will provide quarterly reports to the committee and come before the committee to explain route changes and progress. The committee approved the agreement (motion by Member Fagan, second by Member Ziebarth) in a unanimous vote.