Area News

First Bus Rides Given at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Through Henderson County’s New Public Transportation 

By Dessa Rodeffer, Quill President/Owner

A good crowd gathered at “The Barn” near Biggsville to witness the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the first Curb to Curb Affordable and Accessible public transportation system in Henderson County.  

Morgan (Hubbard) Lewis of Stronghurst has been Director of Transportation in Warren County where the program has been running for more than 20 years.  Morgan will also be overseeing the Henderson County Public Transportation as well.

Henderson County Board Chair Brad Flatt and Warren County Board Chair Michael Pearson have been working together with state officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation to expand this transit service from Warren County into Henderson County allowing the on-demand service to the more than 6,000 residents in Henderson County, the last county in Illinois to get this service.

Two new buses that can hold up to 14 people and wheel chair assessable with lift, have been added to the Warren County’s fleet of four bringing them to six. The funds for the buses and operation comes through IDOT and cause no additional expense to the county Brad Flatt said.

The service m Henderson County begins July 1st and will offer local and regional destinations to riders including meaningful connections to Galesburg and the Quad Cities where passengers can connect with rail, and air travel to locations across the country and around the globe.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi was on hand to speak and answer questions and to help with the ribbon cutting.

Based in Monmouth, Warren County Public Transportation provides approximately 50,000 rides each year. and is expected to hit 60,000 rides or more with Henderson County added. They also serve Mercer and Knox.

Besides IDOT, Warren and Henderson County boards, the Rural Transit Assistance Center in the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs and joint partners worked together on making this a reality.

HOW IT WORKS

• There are limited hours for scheduling a ride: Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 p.m.

• Ride operating hours are: Monday through Friday: 7:30 am to 4:30 p.m.

• To schedule a ride (or cancel at least an hour before pick-up) call (309) 734-6001, calling 24 hours in advanced is preferred, but same day trips are being accepted upon availability.  

• Fares start at $1.00. Fare payment can be cash or pre-pay with the driver, pay with a card over the phone or in the office to have it added to your balance.  Questions call (309) 734-6001.  On the web check WCPTdispatch@warrencountyil.gov  Medicaid billing is also available.

A FEW RULES

• seatbelts must be worn

• child restraints are required for children 5 and younger and must be provided by parent or caregiver.

• Prohibited is smoking, eating, drinking, illegal substances, firearms.

• Rude, vulgar language and aggressive behavior will Not be tolerated.