Federal dollars boost Connect Transit’s Better Bus Stop Campaign

Posted on November 21, 2019
Connect transfer center
The federal government is awarding Connect Transit a $500,000 grant to make bus stop improvements. (File photo by Howard Packowitz)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Connect Transit’s Better Bus Stop Campaign is receiving federal government support to the tune of a half-million dollars.

U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis and Darin LaHood announced Bloomington-Normal’s public transit system is receiving the money from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Buses and Bus Facilities Grant Program.

The $500,000 grant comes as Connect Transit works to improve safety, and makes bus stops more accessible for disabled riders. During the past 18 months, the transit system has made improvements to 53 bus stops, according to a news release.

In a statement, Davis said he’s seen first hand how bus stop upgrades improve rider safety. LaHood said he’ll continue to work in Congress to bolster Illinois’ infrastructure.

Connect Transit General Manager Isaac Thorne said in a statement the grant money allows the transit system to continue investing in bus stop improvements, which improves riders’ mobility to get to work, school, and medical appointments.

Connect Transit’s Board of Trustees approved the Better Bus Stop Campaign in March of 2018.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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