Starting November 1, St. Clair County Transit District will offer flexible, on-demand, shared-ride service for areas outside walking distance in East St. Louis to four MetroLink Stations with connecting bus routes. Reservations available through app or phone. This 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.
The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) Flyer will be 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 (1, 2, 2X, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 22) and on the reverse to home, employer or school. This service will provide on-demand, shared service to the communities in East St. Louis (residence or starting point) to transit to open access to jobs, education, and healthcare. Similar to ride-hailing services, riders are able to request a ride in 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, passengers will be able to request a ride through TransLoc’s app (download at Apple App Store or Google Play) or by phone with ATS Reservations system. 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 smartphones will be able to request same-day rides by phone at 618-800-6884 or online.