By: Diane Benjamin

February 2025 and Year-to-Date ridership: PDF page 9

The first circle highlights the COST per ride in February, the second is Year To Date costs per ride.

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Click PLAY to hear the Board Chair, re-elected Ryan Whitehouse, ask David Braun if Flex Ridership is going up because Mobility Riders are switching how they are transported. The Managing Director doesn’t know. Considering Mobility is the most expensive transportation, one would think he would and would even be encouraging it.

FYI: Braun is more than likely going to get a raise at the next meeting.

Now compare ridership to what it was in 2017. I have to stick with fixed route only because the numbers aren’t reflected the same. Demand Response might now be Mobility: PDF page 10

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Fixed Route riders in February of 2017: 221,420

Fixed Route riders in February of 2025: 195,192

That is a 13.4% decrease.

Now look at the budget difference from 2017 to 2025: PDF page 10

41% increase.

2017 vrs 2025

Makes perfect sense.

PDF page 8 in the 2017 packet shows a loss for the month of $883,747.

PDF page 8 in the 2025 packet shows a loss for the month of $1,479,192.

How long is this fleece going to continue?

Is everyone in rural areas excited about bus service? SHOW Bus wasn’t successful. details . .details

https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/public-transportation-service-mclean-county