Decatur looks to modernize transit system, overhaul fixed-route system

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Changes could be coming to the Decatur Public Transit System about a year from now as the system looks to modernize its transportation services, with plans to introduce micro-transit services and overhaul the fixed-route system.

The city of Decatur is looking at reducing the number of fixed-routes, creating decentralized transportation/mobility hubs, and implementing micro-transit options similar to Uber using vans, SUVs shuttles, etc.

It is proposed to reduce fixed routes from 16 to 10. The reduction is expected to allow for increased frequency of how often buses run.

Transportation hubs are among the recommendations given to the Decatur City Council where riders could transfer to-and-from fixed bus routes. A new app would also be developed allowing riders to determine the fastest way to get from one location to another by either using micro-transit or fixed-route buses.

The council has not taken action and has requested additional information from city staff. If the plan is implemented, the new services would start in the first quarter of 2025. Decatur transit routes have not been substantially changed in more than 20 years.