Bloomington Transit Service Change Decision And Implementation Postponed Until 2021

(BLOOMINGTON) – Bloomington Transit (BT) will not implement recommended service changes to most of its fixed routes before January 2021, per last week’s decision by the Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation Board of Directors. 

At their Tuesday, April 21 meeting, the board voted to postpone decisions on approval and implementation of service changes recommended by the Route Optimization Study conducted in 2018-19.  An exception to the postponement affects Route 2 West 11th Street, the name of which will change to Route 2 West 17th Street effective August 24, 2020.  No changes will be made to the route’s service days, hours or frequencies. 

BT Route 2 Service Change 4.24.20.jpg
Map of Route 2 West 17th Street. The route will change on August 24th.

“The COVID-19 pandemic could result in major funding reductions from federal, state, and local sources,” said Lew May, BT General Manager.  “As such, it’s important for us to know what and how much those cuts may be before moving forward with most service changes.” 

BT continues to operate a Saturday schedule with additional service being provided on Route 3 Highland Village and service also operating on Route 7 Henderson/Walnut.  The less frequent schedule reflects current ridership, which has declined to less than 10 percent of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays. 

BT continues to implement protocols to provide physical distancing between drivers and passengers to limit the community spread of COVID-19, including the following:

  • Free fares on all fixed-route and BT Access service buses.  
  • Passengers on fixed-route buses board through the rear doors.  Persons in wheelchairs and using other mobility devices may continue to board through the front door.
  • The Downtown Transit Center is closed to the public.  Portable restrooms have been set up outside of the center.
  • Fixed route and BT Access vehicles are disinfected nightly with special equipment.  

Bloomington Transit is the Public Transportation Corporation for the City of Bloomington.  A fixed-route service is provided on nine routes serving most areas of the City.  Bloomington Transit also offers BT Access, a specialized service available to persons with disabilities who are unable to use regular fixed-route services.  Persons seeking more information on Bloomington Transit services including BT Access may consult the BT website or call 336-RIDE (7433).