CityLink Preparing for Route and Schedule Improvements to Fixed Route Bus Service

CityLink is preparing to implement several route and schedule improvements to its fixed route bus service effective on March 6, 2022.  In late 2021, CityLink held five in-person public meetings at various locations and two virtual public meetings to receive passenger feedback on the proposed route and schedule changes.  After listening to passengers and adjusting the proposals, CityLink is preparing to implement several route and schedule improvements.

Route Changes

Proposed route changes include:

• Faster, more direct service
• Better access to grocery stores and employment centers
• More service in high-ridership neighborhoods

Schedule Changes

Proposed schedule changes include:

• More frequent midday service on Routes 1, 7, 10, 13 and 20
• More frequent service on all routes between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
• Later service on Routes 3, 4, 7, 8 and 11
• After 6:00 p.m., all routes improved from 75 to 60-minute service
• Increased Sunday Service
  • Sunday Service will be available for the East Peoria routes (8 and 20) for the first time

“We are looking forward to implementing several route and schedule changes to improve the fixed route bus service provided by CityLink in the Greater Peoria area.  There have been several delays in implementing these changes, but we feel that now is the right time to move forward.  Our ridership will greatly benefit from having better access to grocery stores and employment centers, more frequent service on many routes and increased Sunday Service.  However, we also understand that it will be a big adjustment to our passengers to learn the new route system and the changes to route names.  We strongly encourage passengers to start familiarizing themselves with the upcoming changes by visiting our website.”

CityLink General Manager Doug Roelfs

These improvements are the result a detailed study of the entire CityLink bus system, called CityLink on the Move, that was completed in 2019. The study reviewed current routes, schedules and ridership.  CityLink also gathered feedback from the community through a rider survey, outreach at the Transit Center and several public meetings.  The outcome of the study was a five-year plan to improve and expand bus service.  Implementation of CityLink on the Move recommendations were planned for 2020 but were delayed multiple times due to COVID-19.  Several additional public meetings were held in 2020 and 2021 to provide information about the proposed changes to the public.

With the addition of Sunday Service in East Peoria, paratransit service will be available to CityLift passengers in East Peoria beginning on March 6, 2022.  The CityLift hours of service in East Peoria will be as follows:

• Monday-Friday: 6:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 7:15 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
• Sunday: 8:45 a.m. to 7:10 p.m.

Brand new Rider’s Guides will be available and distributed to passengers in mid to late February.  In the meantime, passengers are encouraged to visit www.ridecitylink.org to view information on the upcoming route and schedule improvements, and to start getting acquainted with the new route system and the changes to the route names.  CityLink Customer Service call also be reached by calling 309-676-4040.