Passenger Link – April 2026

Bus Driver Graduation

Congratulations to our two new bus operators, Ike and Sharon, on their graduation on March, 6, 2026! Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off. Thank you trainer Tracy for always going above and beyond to help prepare the team to succeed behind the wheel! We’re excited to see you on the road and part of the team!

National Transit Employee Appreciation Day

CityLink celebrated National Transit Employee Appreciation Day with a company-wide fish fry! A big thank you to Stephanie, our executive assistant, for the delicious chicken spaghetti and beverages, and an equally big thank you to Ken for frying fish for everyone to enjoy. We also appreciate the contributions that helped make the fish fry possible. Thank you to the HR Team and LaTasha from the Safety Department for stepping in, collaborating, and helping make the celebration fun and memorable by serving everyone. Thank you as well to Daniel, a part-time supervisor, for helping transport fresh fish down to the Transit Center for staff and operators to enjoy there. Our CityLink employees are truly the heart of our team – they’re all that and a bag of chips!

Jerome Lilly Passenger Appreciation Day

CityLink celebrated Passenger Appreciation Day Thursday, April 16, 2026, by offering free rides on all fixed-route buses and having a special giveaway item available at the Transit Center. This day is in honor of former CityLink General Manager Jerome Lilly, who passed away unexpectedly in 2007. Passenger Appreciation Day is an opportunity to thank passengers for their continued loyalty and to honor a man who dedicated his professional life to CityLink. 

Community Engagement

The Marketing & Community Engagement Team have been busy out in our community at various resource fairs. Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Dr. ShamRA and Valerie participated in the Peoria Public Schools special education department’s School Improvement Planning (SIP) Day mini conference. The conference offered resource breakout sessions for special education teachers, counselors, and other support staff who assist students throughout the district each day. Held at the Woodruff Technical Center, the event featured a resource fair with CityLink and several other organizations. CityLink focused on sharing information about public transportation services.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, we joined community partners at a resource fair at the Peoria Public Library, where organizations came together to highlight services available to residents, from housing and employment support to public transportation. We also provided monthly bus passes as part of their door prize to give away to lucky attendees.

Friday, March 13, 2026, the team supported the UPC Discovery Preschool’s lesson on transit by bringing a bus to their school, giving students the chance to explore the wonders of public transportation firsthand. Children ages 3 to 5 enjoyed a ride around the parking lot and had the chance to ask questions and interview our bus operator, Joe! 

CityLink participated in the Central Illinois Transition Planning Committee Career Summit on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Illinois Central College. Students explored different career paths through hands-on workshops, practiced interview skills, and connected with inclusive employers during the career fair.

On the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026, the Marketing & Community Engagement Team were joined by Stephanie to attend EP!C’s 15th annual Bon Appétit event. This year’s featured culinary artist was Chef Leah Cohen, known for her breakout on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and various Food Network cooking challenges. Chef Cohen curated an exceptional menu that elevated the evening and reinforced EP!C’s mission to provide vital service for adults with cognitive differences. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and supporters, the event surpassed expectations, raising an impressive $266,965!

CityLink participated in the City of Peoria’s Government Contract and Opportunity Expo on Thursday, March 26, 2026. This event allowed attendees to learn about the City’s procurement process, register with the City’s Business Registry, meet with additional government agencies, and network with business owners, entrepreneurs, and contractors. Assistant General Manager Brad, Executive Assistant Stephanie and Director of Community Engagement & Public Relations Dr. ShamRA represented CityLink for the evening.

Earth Month – Eco-Friendly Buses

CityLink has been a leader in piloting and implementing cost-effective and sustainable transportation solutions. Back in 1991, as part of the national ethanol project, the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District was the first community in the country to run ethanol-fueled buses in its fleet. GPMTD’s ethanol project was the largest mass transit test fleet in the nation. Since then, CityLink has consumed nearly 5 million gallons of cleaner-burning biodiesel, reducing emissions equivalent to planting an estimated 134,000 trees while providing a cumulative health benefit of more than $89,000.

Biodiesel is a renewable advanced biofuel made from natural oils and fats, like soybean oil, that reduce greenhouse gases and lower tailpipe emissions. Biodiesel can be used as a substitute for petroleum diesel fuel or blended into diesel fuel to make a cleaner-burning biodiesel blend, like B20.

Biodiesel reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions as much as 86% when compared with petroleum-based diesel fuel, which helps to protect human health and the environment while supporting the agricultural community and our local economy.

Not only is biodiesel safer for the health of humans, it is also safer for the environment.

Biodiesel is a non-toxic and biodegradable biofuel that biodegrades as fast as sugar and is less toxic than table salt. That means that biodiesel poses virtually no risk in the event of an accident or spill.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include zoning out, eating and drinking. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.

Drive Responsibly

In 2024, distracted driving killed 3,208 people. April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices we make when we’re on the road. Follow these safety tips for a safe ride:

· Need to make a call or send a text? Pull over and park your vehicle in a safe location.

· Refrain from using earbuds

· Do not respond to calls or messages.

· Do not scroll through apps while driving. Struggling not to text and drive? Put the cell phone on vibrate, and away in your bag until you arrive at your destination.

The Consequences

During a portion of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, from April 9 through 13, you may see increased law enforcement on the roadways as part of the national paid media campaign Put the Phone Away or Pay. This campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and the legal consequences – including fines – of texting behind the wheel.

Take Action

· Remind your friends and family: If you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s the only thing you should be doing. No distractions.

· If you’re driving avoid being distracted, stay focused on the road.

· Ask your friends and coworkers to join you in pledging not to drive distracted. You could save a life. Share your pledge on social media to spread the word.

Remember: You can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and keep yourself and others safe on the road by refusing to be “Distracted” while driving!

Free Admission – Peoria Riverfront Museum

CityLink and the Peoria Riverfront Museum are partnering for the month of April to offer a free entry opportunity for CityLink, CityLift, CountyLink and Benefit Access passengers who present a bus pass or ticket for one of these services. Passengers simply show their bus pass/ticket at the museum’s admission desk to gain free general entry to the Peoria Riverfront Museum and its exhibits. One bus pass/ticket is required per adult.

“The Peoria Riverfront Museum is committed to building the most engaged community in the nation. This community partnership with CityLink allows us to be a place of inspiration that is accessible to all.” ~John Morris, President and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum

Below is the list of accepted bus passes/tickets:

• CityLink Day Pass – $3 per pass

Offers unlimited fixed route rides for one complete service day

• CityLink 30-Day Pass – $40 per pass

Offers unlimited fixed route rides for 30 consecutive service days

• CityLift Ticket – $2 per ticket

Offers one ride on the paratransit service and this service requires eligibility to ride

• CountyLink/CAUSE  Ticket – $6 per ticket

Offers one ride on the rural transportation service and this service requires that a trip begin or end in the rural part of Peoria County

CityLink Benefit Access Card – Valid and up-to-date

Offers transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities who qualify

Current admission rates for the Peoria Riverfront Museum are $20 for adults, $18 for Seniors 60+ and Students with ID and $16 for Youth aged 3-17 years. The museum is open on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information on the museum, please call 309-686-7000 or visit peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum is located at 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602. It is a short five-minute walk from the CityLink Transit Center, located at 407 SW Adams, and there is close access to the museum on the #2 North Adams and #4 Sheridan CityLink fixed routes. 

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