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McLean County committee rejects plan to begin fares on rural Connect Transit service
Summary
Members of the McLean County Land Use and Transportation Committee on July 7 voted against a resolution supporting fare collection for rural Connect Transit service after speakers raised affordability, equity and implementation concerns and asked for alternatives such as sliding scales, senior/child exemptions and subscriptions.
The McLean County Land Use and Transportation Committee on July 7 declined to approve a resolution supporting the introduction of fares on rural Connect Transit service, after several members said the proposal lacked sufficient affordability measures and implementation detail.
Brandon Miles, a Connect Transit representative, told the committee the agency saw about 3,055 one-way rides in its first year and proposed a flat fare to create a local match for state operating assistance. "The fare that we're proposing is not to make profit, but is to help ensure the sustainability of this service," Miles said, adding that IDOT would reimburse up to 80% of operational costs and that fares would cover roughly the remaining 20% local match.
Committee members pressed for alternatives. Chair Klein said she was disappointed the plan did not include a sliding scale or discounts for seniors and children and said she would vote against it: "I'm just gonna express my disappointment in this. I won't be voting for it." Member Duffy and others suggested subscription passes or zone-based pricing to reduce burden on frequent riders and people traveling long distances. Member Fagan asked whether one-way fares were appropriate given most riders make round trips.
Miles acknowledged concerns and said Connect Transit has run community engagement sessions and would work to help riders who cannot pay: "We will work with folks, you know, who can't pay, try to figure out solutions so they can ride. We're not going to actively deny them." He also warned the committee that systems introducing fares often see a 20%–40% ridership drop initially, and that recovery can take several years.
After discussion, the committee took a vote on the resolution. No affirmative voices were recorded when the chair called for aye; at least two members announced "no" votes and the chair said the committee looked forward to a revised proposal and return. The motion did not pass.
Members asked Connect Transit and county staff to return with more detailed financial analysis, explicit plans for discounts or exemptions (seniors, children, Medicaid recipients), clearer information on how fare revenue would be applied to expand service and more time for public engagement before the item is reconsidered.
