SCCTD Invests in ATS Partner in St. Clair County

The St. Clair County Transit (SCCTD) is investing significantly in their service partner ATS, Alternative Transportation Services operated by Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), as the partnership continues to grow. The SCCTD Board of Trustees authorized more than $600,000 to assist ATS with delivering service in St. Clair County over the past year.

The board approved investing $400,000 earlier this year for renovations for the ATS offices at the Illinois MetroBus garage which was the former Motor Coach Employee Credit Union and a Metro meeting room across the hall.  These renovations allow for the consolidation of all ATS operations under one roof.  Once ATS completely vacates its current space at the Belleville MetroLink Station, this station will be renovated for other transit district purposes.

Additionally, the SCCTD Board authorized the procurement of a new scheduling software system with an investment of $246,000 for ATS.  This new system replaces an antiquated scheduling system.  This improvement will create more efficiency in scheduling passengers and buses assigned for scheduled trips and will be a better overall use of resources.

“ATS and SWIC are key partners for SCCTD assisting us with delivering service in St. Clair County.  Our goal is to ensure safe, effective transportation options for our residents and tourists alike.  Our partnership with ATS and SWIC continues to grow and expand, and these investments were imperative to ensure the quality of service continues,” said Herb Simmons, Chair of the SCCTD Board of Trustees.

Historically, SCCTD offered call-a-ride services through a partnership with ATS to provide curb-to-curb community service for individuals certified as American Disabilities Act (ADA) eligible and service for those age 60 and older in some areas. In recent months, this partnership has expanded to include ATS replacing Metro Transit service on Scott Air Force Base as a fixed route and operating the St. Clair County Flyer service in East St. Louis and Fairmont City.