Southern IL shuttle services get $1.8 million to add routes

Nearly $2 million from the Federal Transit Administration has been awarded to launch a pilot transportation program in 20 counties across the tri-state.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, southern Illinois is getting $1.8 million to help improve access to public transportation for people with disabilities, older adults and those with low incomes.

IDOT said the goal of the program is to integrate trip scheduling across 20 counties in Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri  served by Shawnee Mass Transit District, Rides Mass Transit District, South Central Mass Transit and Monroe Randolph Transit District.

Transportation officials believe linking the four transit services will make it easier for riders to travel beyond their individual districts and relieve the burden of arranging fares and payments.

The Shawnee Mass Transit District currently provides eight routes in southernmost Illinois, including in-town service in Metropolis and Vienna, as well as a shuttle between Paducah, Metropolis and Brookport. The other three districts offer routes in Cairo, Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Marion, Harrisburg, and several more as far north as Centralia and Mount Vernon.