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Galesburg transit manager pitches countywide rural service after IDOT-directed study
Summary
Galesburg transit manager Craig Boynton told the Knox County Board that a December transit study found capacity and demand for countywide service; he urged agencies and residents to complete a February survey that will guide phased expansion and funding plans.
Craig Boynton, transit manager for Galesburg Public Transportation, told the Knox County Board on Jan. 29 that a Nelson yigaard study completed in December at the direction of the Illinois Department of Transportation shows potential for expanding transit services beyond Galesburg into the county.
Boynton said GPT provided about 120,000 rides last fiscal year across fixed-route and paratransit service and about 15,000–16,000 paratransit rides. He said extending service to county residents would add roughly 20,000 people to the potential service area and that officials must assess staffing and vehicle needs before any service begins.
The presentation focused on outreach. Boynton said staff are distributing a survey to agencies and residents to identify areas of need and asked board members to encourage local organizations — for example civic groups and township contacts — to complete the survey. He asked that responses be returned by February to inform next steps.
Board members asked whether prior county funding is still available to purchase vehicles and urged staff to pursue legislative avenues; Boynton said he was not aware of earmarked county funds but that the consultant might have identified funding options. He said any pilot would be phased after capacity and funding are confirmed.
The board did not vote on a service expansion at the meeting; instead members were asked to help publicize the survey and await a follow-up report once responses and funding estimates are compiled.
