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Freeport to pilot fixed-route bus service Aug. 3 aimed at grocery and health access
Summary
City staff presented a six-month pilot for a single fixed route starting Aug. 3, running 6 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays with a $2 fare; the route uses two buses in opposite directions to provide continuous service and may be adjusted based on ridership.
The City of Freeport will begin a six-month fixed-route pilot for Petzl City Area Transit (PCAT) on Monday, Aug. 3, city staff told the council.
Director Heimerdinger described a single route served by two buses running in opposite directions, with approximately 25 stops that aim to connect residents to grocery stores, clinics and Walmart. "The fixed route pilot is anticipated to operate for approximately 6 months," Heimerdinger said. The fare will be $2 per ride and the pilot will maintain on-demand service during the trial.
Heimerdinger said the route design intentionally doubles stops at key locations (for example, Walmart and the hospital appear twice per loop) to shorten travel time depending on direction and that the loop is expected to take about an hour initially, with three minutes allotted per stop to allow boarding. Service hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with opportunities to expand hours and add buses if ridership grows and IDOT approvals are obtained.
This presentation was for council information only; no action was required. Staff said signage and permanent stop infrastructure likely will lag the pilot’s start and that temporary markers and outreach to existing riders will help seed initial use.
