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Sharon Hecox, Executive Director of Stateline Mass Transit District (SMTD) cuts the ribbon signifying the opening of their new office at 11722 N. Main St. in Roscoe. The ribbon cutting was followed by an open house.
“We’re Here to Get You There,” a slogan coined by Stateline Mass Transit District when the bus service debuted in 2008, has continued to keep their word 13 years later.
For $3.00 per trip for riders 17-64 years old, and $1.50 for seniors and disabled, riders have been able to travel to medical appointments, schools, libraries, grocery store, restaurants and shopping destinations such as Walmart and Target. The service has allowing them mobility, independence and an inexpensive, worry-free way to get around. And no, the cost has not gone up in those years.
Sharon Hecox, Executive Director of the program, has worked hard to bring about public awareness of the program and make the service available to anyone living in Roscoe, Rockton, South Beloit and Rockton Township. It’s a safe and affordable way to get around. The dial-a-ride service offers curbside pick-up and drop off.
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Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit provide $25,000 annual funding. Rockton Township and Roscoe Township contribute $3,000 annually. These funds are matched by the Federal Transportation Authority and the Federal Highway Administration.
An Illinois Capital Vehicle Procurement Grant provides assistance with the purchase of vehicles.
Recently, SMTD received a $225,000 Rebuild Illinois Grant that will enable the purchase of additional busses equipped with back-up cameras and a security system.
When the service began in 2008, office space was shared with the Rockton Township building at 1315 N. Blackhawk Blvd. Since that time, SMTD had grown consistently. It was determined that now was the time to look for a larger office space. Not only was more space needed, more busses needed to be added to the fleet.
“We began with four busses and now have eight, all handicap accessible and operating daily,” Hecox said.
Executive Director Sharon Hecox and the SMTD bus were decked out and ready to transport visitors at Old Settlers Day last summer.
SMTD found their new home in Roscoe, at 11722 N. Main St. “It’s in the heart of our service area. We will now be able to deliver better service,” Hecox said. A ribbon cutting and open house was held Oct. 27, at the new office.
New rider options are now available: a Token Transit App allows a purchase without cash. No card, no contact with the driver. Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store and send to any mobile phone number.
SMTD is funded by an Illinois Capital Vehicle Procurement Grant.
Hecox said a $225,000 Rebuild Illinois Grant will enable SMTD to purchase additional busses that will be equipped with back-up cameras and a security system.
To set up a ride or schedule an appointment, call 877-561-3330, or email info@smtd.biz.
The service’s web site is www.smtd.biz. Call the SMTD office at 779-771-6778 for more information.
In April, Rockton-Roscoe News reported on the SMTD's ridership and cost statistics.
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