It was a full room of Twin Cities residents Wednesday night as the public viewed Connect Transit's proposed fixed routes system. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – The public on Wednesday night had its first look at Connect Transit's proposed fix route system.

Currently buses operate on a flag down system. Business development manager Melissa Chrisman said fixed routes will be safer for riders.

"They're at a place; it is saying 'this is a bus stop.' They're not on a street corner. They're not just in front of their house in their front yard," Chrisman said.

Chrisman added this system will also allow buses to run their routes smoother.

"Instead of stopping every other block where people might be standing outside of stops, they'll be able to keep time a little bit better because they'll already going to know where they're going to stop," Chrisman said.

Connect Transit is asking for the public to give their thoughts on the proposed routes. Illinois State University assistant director of parking and transportation Mary Jo Kocar liked what she sees so far.

"I think this is going to be a very positive change for the system because I think it will eliminate some confusion on the part of the riders. They're going to know exactly where the bus stops are located now," said Kocar. "I think it's probably, eventually, going to improve time schedules for transit operations which, obviously, will be a benefit to the costumer as well."

Kocar believes students will benefit from this change too.

"I think now there is a little bit of confusion in our student body, the fact that they can just get on a bus anywhere they want to," said Kocar. "I don't think that's quite the norm for most transit systems that maybe they've been exposed to before.

"I think knowing exactly where they can get on the bus and where they can get off the bus will help them plan better."

Chrisman said these are just proposals for now and the routes could change as the system gets closer to being fully implemented. The public will have another chance to offer feedback on Jan. 29 from 4:30-6 p.m. in Bloomington's city council chambers.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].