ST. CLAIR COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT TO SEE UPGRADES TO BUS STOPS THROUGH FEDERAL GRANT

SCCTD Transit Operator Advocates for Additional Rider Services Where They Are Needed Most

The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) will see upgrades to bus stops by late 2019 with the help of $917,884 in federal funds available to support bus stop enhancements and signage updates in St. Clair County. Upgrades could include enhanced shelters, benches, trash receptacles and signage. SCCTD will provide the required local match of $229,471.  The Transit District will be working with community partners, riders and operators to help meet the needs in the communities it serves.

One example of these upgrades is the new bus shelter at Trinity United Methodist Church.  With the help of long-time transit operator Larry Dozier-Malone, a new shelter was installed at Trinity United Methodist Outreach Center located at 5201 Forrest Blvd, Washington Park, IL. This bus stop is highly utilized by area residents, and Operator Dozier-Malone was honored for helping identify this need community need on Jan. 7.  SCCTD Trustee, Lonnie Mosley, presented Dozier-Malone a $100.00 Schnuck’s Gift Card as a thank you for Dozier-Malone’s years of service and advocacy of rider amenities and services like this stop.

“Larry is a standout operator and acts as so much more than a driver.  He cares for the community deeply and advocates for the things his riders need.  Larry has suggested a number of improvements that we are proud to see come to fruition for the benefit of our riders,” said SCCTD Trustee, Lonnie Mosley.

Dozier-Malone proposed a re-route on the #9 Washington Park bus to better serve senior citizens and disabled persons living in Lansdowne Towers.  SCCTD implemented the new route change with welcomed success.  Additionally, Dozier-Malone advocated for a bus shelter and concrete pad at the Trinity United Methodist Outreach Center.  This location has a high volume of riders on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays when the church serves as a local foodbank.  SCCTD installed the shelter and concrete pad that is now being utilized by riders.

SCCTD will continue to work with community partners to help identify highest utilized stops and other priority improvements. “The St. Clair County Transit District is continually identifying new partnerships in the community to help improve service and build ridership,” added Mosley.