By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Connect Transit might have found a solution for those concerned about losing bus service near their home if a proposed new route plan goes into effect later this year.

General Manager Andrew Johnson said they’re working with Uber to create a deal in which customers would take a ride to the nearest bus stop.

“There would be a code that you would type in if you were using Uber and that would automatically bill the transit system for a portion of that trip,” he said.

Johnson explained in looking at similar deals around the country, the transit authority generally would pay for half of the ride. He added the ride to the bus stop would likely only cost about $2.

“At the same time, we would provide ADA para-transit service in the same area, so the disabled and those unable to use fixed route or the Uber solution would not be cut off as well,” Johnson said.

Connect Transit plans to vote on the new routes this coming week.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].