Logan Mason Public Transportation program prepares to initiate "Option C"
If no state grant funding is awarded program will be suspended with exception of Senior transportation services

[June 23, 2017]  LINCOLN - Logan Mason Public Transportation (administered through Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois) has begun a reduction of service design plan (Option C) per the ruling of the Logan County Board. Members of the Logan County Board, LMPT staff and the Executive Team have been collaborating to develop a program design based on the needs of the community (Logan and Mason Counties). During the roll-out phase, LMPT will continue to operate the flex route, limited on-demand services, and critical medical appointments.

Due to division at the State level, proactive thinking has become common at CAPCIL. Therefore, the possibility of not receiving a Notice of Grant Award through IDOT to provide funding for LMPT come July 1, 2017 has been openly discussed. Without a Notice of Grant Award in the possession of Logan County by July 1st, services through LMPT will be suspended as allowed under the current contract. CAPCIL would be at risk of being unable to recover any expenses incurred, unless an active grant award exists and an appropriation is in place.

Senior Transportation services are funded under a grant provided by Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland and therefore will continue from July 1st through the end of September on a limited basis. Riders must be 60 years of age or older, with a priority to critical medical appointments and veteran transports. All senior transports will be available through On-Demand services only. The ALMH Market Route on Saturday’s will continue through September unless there is no Notice of Grant Award.

If the Notice of Grant Award letter is received on or before July 1st, CAPCIL will initiate the new “Option C” plan, with full implementation expected by Mid-August of 2017. The key elements of “Option C” include a cost-effective design that ensures services for seniors, medical appointments, veterans, socialization, Head Start, and the local workforce who most need access to reliable transportation.

“Option C” for Logan County will include Flex Route services on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday’s from 8:00am-1:00pm. On-Demand Services will be available Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s from 7:30am-4:00pm and available Tuesday and Thursday’s for up to three hours (Hours To Be Determined)

Mason County’s “Option C” will include On-Demand Subscription services in the Manito area and Flex Route services in Havana. The Flex Route for Mason County is currently under development, so the On-Demand services will be available in Mason County until those design details are established. Once “Option C” is fully implemented, On-Demand services will be available Monday through Friday from 7:00am-10:00am and from 3:00pm-4:00pm. The Flex Route will run from 10:00am-3:00pm Monday through Friday. Hours and days may be subject to change based on need and availability.

As more information and details become available, CAPCIL will update their website to keep the community informed (www.capcil.info). Questions regarding the reduction of service can be directed to the Logan County Board by calling 217-732-5927 or CAPCIL's Assistant Transportation Director, Craig Farnam, at 217-732-2159 ext 253.

It is the mission of CAPCIL, in partnership with communities in our service area, to empower persons with low income and the aged by creating and implementing poverty-fighting initiatives for those in crisis and those that endeavor a life of lasting independence.

Logan Mason Public Transportation is funded and contracted by the Logan County Board. Funding provided in whole or part by Illinois Department of Transportation, The United Way of Logan County, and Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland.

[Breann Titus
Volunteer Services Director
Fundraising Co-Chair
Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL)]