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County transit reports higher ridership, slightly lower cost per trip in 2025
Summary
Normal County Transit reported 41,466 trips in 2025 (up from 40,172 in 2024) and a reduced cost per trip ($33.71 vs. $34.31), citing increased trips and vendor price adjustments; the transit administrator flagged remaining local-match funds and potential grant timing issues for 2027–2028.
County transit staff presented the Normal County Transit end-of-year operating and financial report at the Jan. 28 workshop, reporting modest ridership growth and a slight reduction in cost per trip compared with 2024.
Diane Jacobic, senior lead administrator, told commissioners the system provided 41,466 trips in 2025, up from 40,172 in 2024. She said total complaints for the year were seven and there was one incident reported in the period. "The reason for the decrease [in cost per trip] is the vendor that we had basically fixed from the number of trips — they dropped their price," Jacobic said, noting the cost per trip decreased to $33.71 from $34.31 the prior year.
Funding and grant outlook: Jacobic reported remaining local-match dollars in the senior levy (about $97,000 currently tracked) and stressed that the ModaDOT (ODOT) grant is not guaranteed; she urged careful oversight if there is a transition in the transit administrator position. Commissioners asked for clarifications on trip categories (separating 60–64 vs. 65+ seniors because ODOT does not fund 60–64) and scheduling practices (providers schedule directly with riders). Staff said the county will continue preparing for upcoming grant application windows and technical assistance events in May–June.
No formal action was taken beyond receiving the report; commissioners thanked transit staff and asked staff to continue monitoring grant timelines and local-match balances.
