Connect Transit general manager Andrew Johnson said the agency saw a continuing increase in ridership in 2014. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Connect Transit is reporting a successful 2014 and looking forward to what it wants to accomplish in 2015.

"When I started here in 2011, the transit system had just finished its fiscal year and reported a little over 1.8 million trips," said general manager Andrew Johnson. "Fast forward to fiscal year 2014, we provided almost 2.6 million trips and we're closing in on three million trips for 2015."

Johnson added some changes are in store as Connect Transit will soon be moving to fixed stop system to replace the current flag stop system.

"With bus stop signs, poles, and other amenities like that," said Johnson. "We will be holding open houses in January to show what the new bus stops will look like and where they will be located."

Connect Transit is also looking to put in more transfer points.

"We've had a great start here in Uptown Station. We desperately need more transfer point infrastructure at our other three locations in downtown Bloomington, Eastland Mall, and the shops at College Hills," Johnson said.

Johnson said the company is leading a multi-state joint procurement for new buses. The effort will mean 30 new buses for Connect Transit over the next five years.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].