Passenger Link – December 2025

Employee Graduation

Congratulations to our newest bus operators, Cedric, who graduated from training on Friday, November 21, 2025. We also congratulate John who is already making an impact in the maintenance department. Aaron, not pictured here, was assisting us with the Day of Stuffing, missing the graduation, but already stepping up to help within our community.

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Update

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local #416 has long been a dedicated partner of the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service in the annual Stuff-A-Bus food drive, generously donating their time, money, and food to support this important cause. This year, ATU #416 contributed $1,200 worth of food to help feed individuals and families in need within our community.

Corey Sebens, President of ATU #416, visited the Peoria Friendship House to present the monetary donation to Marcellus Sommerville. This contribution is part of the overall support given throughout the 38th annual food drive, which collected a total of 14 tons in non-perishable donations for the organization’s food pantry.

We Drive U Announcement

This memorandum is to officially announce that effective December 1, 2025, all paratransit services currently managed by Transdev will transition to the oversight and operation of WeDriveU. This change is part of our ongoing commitment to provide efficient, reliable, and highquality transportation services for individuals with disabilities in our region, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Service Continuity: Service will continue uninterrupted. All existing, scheduled rides will be honored during and after the transition.

New Provider Details: The new service will be operated by WeDriveU.

Reservations and Scheduling: Reservation call number remains unchanged-309 999 3667. Customer Service: For questions or concerns, please contact the Transportation Specialist at 309-679-8183 to receive an application by mail. Applications can also be picked up at CityLink Transit Center, 407 SW Adams St. Peoria or downloaded from ridecitylink.org.

Eligibility: Your current ADA paratransit eligibility remains valid. There is no need to re-apply for certification at this time. Information regarding the application process for new riders can be found on our website or by contacting the Transportation Specialist at 309 679 8183.

Fares and Payment: Will remain unchanged.

Vehicles and Personnel: You may notice new vehicle branding and uniforms for the drivers. WeDriveU personnel are fully trained to provide excellent customer service which includes necessary assistance with securement systems, ramps, and lifts.

Our Commitment: We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and improving your overall paratransit experience. We believe this consolidation will allow us to achieve greater efficiency and reliability in our delivery service. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this transition period.

For more information, updates, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website at ridecitylink.org or contact our customer service line at 309-679-8183. Thank you for your understanding and continued ridership.

Marathon Health Update

Holiday Schedules

Community Engagement

On November 5, 2025, the Marketing & Community Engagement Team attended the Dunlap Special Education Resource Fair. Over 40 other local agencies were in attendance to provide resources that are available for those with special needs. They promoted CityLift services and how easy it can be for everyone to use accessible public transportation.

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce held their 50th annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on November 20, 2025, at the Peoria Civic Center. James E. Shadid, President of Bradley University, was the keynote speaker. At the luncheon, it was announced that the Peoria Chamber of Commerce had won the 2025 Chamber of the Year award, proving that their dedication to revitalizing this community is being noticed on a national level.

Thanksgiving

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the CityLink administrative staff gathered for a pre-Thanksgiving potluck to share food and gratitude. It was a welcome break from the workday and a great chance to enjoy each other’s company as we head into the busy holiday season and year’s end. The food was delicious, and we’re grateful for every member of our team!

Stuff-A-Bus

On November 8, 2025, the Stuff-A-Bus campaign had the incredible support of the Central Illinois Ghostbusters, who helped us tackle not only busting ghosts, but hunger in our community!

Throughout this campaign, the generosity of our community was truly inspiring. At a time when food insecurity continues to affect so many, seeing donation bins filled to the brim, shopping carts overflowing, and contributions still pouring in was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. The Greater Peoria area always shows up for one another, and we are proud to be part of such a compassionate, giving community supporting such a meaningful cause.

Our partners at WMBD/WYZZ joined us at the Kroger on Lindbergh on November 12, 2025, as news anchors Sheridan Hurtig and Chris Yates went shopping for food to fill the bus with the money that had been collected from employees at the news station.

Friday, November 14, 2025, we were joined by our Board of Trustee Secretary and Chair of the Stuff-A-Bus Committee, Dan Morse, who helped encourage shoppers to donate to the campaign. In just a few hours, we had filled the bin at the Kroger on Lindbergh, and more donations were still coming in. We appreciate the support that we have had from Trustee Morse, who has tirelessly been a champion for this important community
campaign.

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, we returned to the Pekin Kroger location to hold a Rivermen Hockey autographed jersey raffle. Each four donations equaled one entry into the raffle. As many shoppers were heading into the grocery store for last minute Thanksgiving items, we were blessed with their continued generosity to donating to this food drive.

Day of Stuffing

Our 12th annual Day of Stuffing took place on Friday, November 21, 2025, and the event was packed with exciting special guests! We kicked things off with a lively performance from the Peoria High School Band, whose music filled the produce section and inspired shoppers to get into the spirit of giving. Homer, the Peoria Chiefs’ mascot, added to the fun as he danced through the store, energizing the crowd.

Roxy and Brian from Cumulus Media were broadcasting live to spread the word about the celebration at the Kroger on Lake, helping draw in even more shoppers to support the cause. We were also grateful to welcome our partners from Busey Bank, who stopped by with their donation, along with the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, which
generously contributed $5,000. Kroger also provided another pallet of donations to end our day.

Rivermen Hockey PEANUTS Stuff-A-Bus Hockey Games

The Peoria Rivermen Hockey team were a huge partner with the Stuff-A-Bus campaign, hosting the Evansville Thunderbolts for a two-game weekend with CityLink as the sponsor for their PEANUTS Holiday Celebration on November 28 and 29, 2025.

The Peoria Rivermen put out the call for their fans to purchase canned goods for the Stuff-A-Bus food drive raffle. With each food item entered into the raffle, the fans were that much closer to winning an autographed Peoria Rivermen hockey jersey during the CityLink sponsored games. Both Friday and Saturday nights, the bus was filled with many donations from hockey fans, helping CityLink to successfully reach the goal of collecting food donations during the final push.

Stuff-A-Bus Finale

The 38th Annual Stuff-A-Bus food drive to benefit the Peoria Friendship House of
Christian Service officially wrapped up on Monday, December 1, 2025. The campaign began on Friday, October 10, 2025 and concluded with a press conference at the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 to announce the total weight of the food collected during the campaign, immediately followed by the
Peoria Rivermen and Peoria Mustangs players and other volunteers unloading the bus filled with collected donations. The total weight of donations collected on the bus during this year’s Stuff-A-Bus food drive totaled around 30,864 pounds or 14 tons!