Passenger Link – August 2026

Bus Operator Graduation

Congratulations to our new bus operators, Kevin, Sylvette, Britney, Tara and Levi, on their graduation on July 31, 2026! Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off. Thank you trainers Tracy and Tina (and Randy who is not pictured) 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!

Blood Drive

CityLink employees recently had the opportunity to make a difference by participating on an on-site blood drive on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, hosted in partnership with ImpactLife. Throughout the afternoon, employees volunteered 15 minutes of their time to donate blood. Every donation has the potential to help multiple patients facing medical emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other critical health needs right here in our community. ImpactLife ensures that blood donated in Peoria stays within the Peoria community, helping patients at OSF and Carle Health.

We extend a sincere appreciation for everyone who donated and for ImpactLife to set up on-site to make it easy for us to give back to our community.

Great Neighborhood Appreciation Week

As part of Great Neighbor Appreciation Week, the City of Peoria Community Development Department recognized the public service organizations that help make Peoria a great place to live.

On Friday, July 24, 2026, CityLink was honored for our commitment to keeping the community safe, healthy, connected, and thriving. Our team’s dedication to serving residents every day plays an important role in strengthening our city and improving the quality of life for those we serve.

To show their appreciation, the City of Peoria presented CityLink with a succulent plant, which is now proudly displayed at the Customer Service Representative window for everyone to enjoy. We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to serving our community with pride.

Healthy Tips

Community Engagement

On Monday, July 27, 2026, Interim Director of Marketing, Megan, attended the grand opening of the Helena Taylor Youth Empowerment Wing at the Neighborhood House. This new wing celebrates the legacy of Miss Helena Taylor, whose leadership at the Neighborhood House from 1911-1945 transformed lives in her community. Made possible through the generosity of Women of Impact Central Illinois, the wing features rooms named after remarkable women who have shaped the organization’s history: Ms. Gloria’s Sensory Room, Judy Oakford’s Youth Learning Space, and Mayor Dr. Rita Ali’s Life Skills Room. These additions to the Neighborhood House will continue to inspire and prepare the next generation of students for the future here in Peoria.

ADA WOW! Celebration & Resource Fair

CityLink’s 5th Annual ADA WOW! Celebration & Resource Fair on July 23, 2026 was a huge success! The ADA Advisory Committee worked hard to make sure that the event was welcoming, exciting and informative for all. From delicious food, balloon animals and face painting, to our community partners providing valuable resources, attendees left with plenty of goodies and some were even lucky to win some of the amazing baskets being raffled off!

A huge shout out to CityLink, WeDriveU (CityLift & CountyLink), City of Peoria, Best Buddies Illinois, EP!C, Andrea Brock—Just Like You, National Multiple Sclerosis Society — Central Illinois Community Council, CWTC, Center for Prevention of Abuse, Birth to Five, Tri-County Regional Planning Society, Camp Big Sky, Wheeler Sports Photography, The Penguin Project, Expressions Body Art & Design—Face Painting, The Unique Twist and Twisting Crew, Kona Ice, and the CityLink ADA Advisory Committee for helping make such a memorable event for all our attendees!

 Free Admission – Peoria Zoo

CityLink and the Peoria Zoo are partnering for the month of August 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 zoo’s admission desk to gain free general entry to the Peoria Zoo and its exhibits. One bus pass/ticket is required per adult. This free entry promotion does not include any additional costs for giraffe or budgie feedings.

“The Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Gardens are proud to partner with CityLink. Increased use of public transportation is a wonderful way to help the environment. The Peoria Zoo is excited to offer the opportunity for CityLink riders to visit the zoo for the cost of a ticket. A strong public transportation system allows opportunities for everyone to experience the wonderful community attractions that Peoria has to offer.”

~ Max Lakes, Director of the Peoria Zoo & Luthy Botanical Gardens

Current admission prices for the Peoria Zoo are $12.50 for adults aged 13 and over, $11.50 for seniors aged 65+ and active military, $9 for children aged 2-12 and free for children aged 1 and under. The Peoria Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the last admission time at 4:30 p.m. For more information on the zoo, please call 309-686-3365 or visit peoriazoo.org.

Admission to the Luthy Botanical Gardensis free, and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the gate closing at 4:30 p.m. For more information on the botanical garden, please call 309-681-3506 or visit peoriaparks.org.

There will be additional free entry opportunities for CityLink, CityLift and CountyLink passengers at the Caterpillar Visitors Center in October and the Peoria Riverfront Museum in December.  More information on these partnerships will be shared in the coming months.

The Peoria Zoo is located at 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603 and within the Glen Oak Park campus you can find Luthy Botanical Garden and other amenities making it a daylong destination. There is close access to Glen Oak Park on the #12 Heights CityLink fixed route.  For questions regarding CityLink, CityLift or CountyLink services, please call 309-676-4040 or visit ridecitylink.org.