The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) announced the launch of Pilot Program on November 1 to provide flexible, on-demand, shared ride service for areas outside walking distance in East St. Louis to transit. The St. Clair County Transit District’s six-month pilot program is made possible through a partnership with TransLoc and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) which operates Alternative Transportation Services (ATS). This app-based, curb-to-transit microtransit service will be branded as the SCCTD Flyer.
“This service will provide a great option for customers where walking is not an option due to inclement weather, darkness or safety to four MetroLink Stations and connecting MetroBus lines at those stations and is a better fit than a fixed route MetroBus line. Other cities including Kansas City, MO; Sacramento, CA; and Arlington, TX have implemented similar programs to allow for more flexible service to meet a community demand that does not necessitate the larger bus vehicles. This pilot will provide SCCTD the opportunity to determine whether this type of demand response service is a better fit for smaller transit ridership markets while still providing access to residences, jobs, and school and the transit system. This flexible, on-demand, shared ride service should boost ridership on the overall transit system,” said Lonnie Mosely, member of the St. Clair County Transit District Board of Trustees.
SCCTD Flyer will provide door to transit service or vice-versa with access to four MetroLink stations (5th and Missouri, Emerson Park, Washington Park, and JJK) and 11 connecting MetroBus routes serving those stations (1, 2, 2X, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 22) and to home, employer or school in East St. Louis from these four stations. Similar to ride-hailing services, riders are able to request a ride anywhere within East St. Louis city limits to one of four MetroLink stations to connect with rail or bus services. This pilot program could be expanded in the future to other markets depending on rider response.
When the program debuts in early November, passengers will be able to request a ride through TransLoc’s app or ATS Reservations at 618.800.6884. The app will provide passengers with an estimated pick-up time, track their ride in real-time and alert them when their ride is about to arrive. With accessibility being a critical component to the program, customers without smart phones will be able to request same-day rides by contacting ATS by phone and making a reservation.
Program specifics:
- $3 one way fare with transfer to MetroLink or MetroBus
- Service within East St. Louis boundaries
- Service times 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. five days a week
- No cash fares will be accepted
- Fares can be purchased at the following locations:
- East St. Louis Township Building, 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, IL 62201
- Gateway Market located, 2511 State Street, East St. Louis 62205
- Neighbors Marketplace, 1001 N 15th East St Louis, IL 62205
- A Quick Bite at the Belleville MetroLink Station, 718 Scheel Street, Belleville, IL 62221
- Rides can be requested via the TransLoc App or ATS Reservations at 618.800.6884
The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) is committed to ensuring a safe, effective and efficient transit system. SCCTD is currently conducting a comprehensive 9 month analysis of the 18 fixed bus routes in St. Clair County – Transit Vision 2020. While this study is underway, SCCTD will be piloting options to meet the changing needs of the St. Clair County market.
For more information visit: www.scctd.org