COMMUNITY INVITED TO SHAPE FUTURE OF TRANSIT ACCESSIBILITY IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY

The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) is calling on residents, transit riders, transit operators, employers and other community stakeholders to help shape the future of public transportation by participating in a new public survey as part of its Transit Vision 2026: Turning Vision into Action report. Community input is essential to understanding the mobility needs of both riders and non-riders, identifying service strengths and challenges, and informing potential route, schedule and service improvements. The brief online survey is available here.

SCCTD has hired Illinois-based transportation infrastructure engineering firm Benesch to undertake this comprehensive review and update of its Transit Vision 2020 plan. The Transit Vision 2026: Turning Vision into Action report will evaluate how well current fixed‑route bus service, ADA paratransit services and on-demand SCCTD Flyer services align with changing travel patterns, demographics and community priorities. It will also analyze trends, identify service gaps and assess opportunities to improve efficiency and connectivity to ensure equitable access to jobs, education, healthcare and everyday destinations.

“This update will guide transit improvements and investments in the coming years, and public input will play a critical role in shaping those decisions,” said Ken Sharkey, managing director for SCCTD. “Transit works best when it’s informed by the people who use it and those who may want to use it in the future. We want to know what’s working and what’s not working as it relates to transit accessibility in St. Clair County.”

The online survey is part of a broader public involvement effort that also includes stakeholder interviews, virtual engagement tools and community workshops. Together, these activities are designed to make participation easy, inclusive and accessible for all residents. The Transit Vision 2026: Turning Vision into Action report—featuring data‑driven analysis and meaningful public input—will be completed in November 2026 and help ensure that SCCTD’s transit investments align with community needs now and in the future.