Passenger Link – October 2025

Service Alert

Saturday, October 18th, our last fixed-route lineup will depart from the Transit Center at 2:15 p.m. Passengers impacted are encouraged to find alternative transportation ahead of this date.

This disruption in CityLink fixed-route bus service DOES NOT include the CityLift paratransit service. Regular service will resume as scheduled on Sunday, October 19th.

Bus Operator Graduation

Congratulations to our newest bus operators on their graduation and successful completion of training on Friday, September 26, 2025! We welcome Tina, Mel, Aries, Crystal, and Courteon to the CityLink team! Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off. We’re excited to see them on the road and working with our customers. Thank you to our dedicated trainer, Tracy for preparing our new bus operators to be safe drivers throughout our district.

Drug and Alcohol Training

CityLink was pleased to welcome Jeff from the State of Illinois on September 10, 2025, to provide safety-sensitive employees with the latest statewide Drug & Alcohol Training updates. Some of the employees attended a Q&A roundtable discussion, enjoyed a lunch at Kelleher’s Irish Pub, and participated in an in-depth training presentation in the afternoon.

The training covered essential compliance areas to ensure adherence to Illinois
Department of Transportation regulations when performing drug testing, including
understanding reasonable suspicion and the implications of a positive drug test. Also, there was a comprehensive overview about the Drug Free Workplace Act Requirements.

Afterwards, Jeff received a tour of the CityLink administration building and vintage bus, #1206. Jeff has a deep passion for antique buses and enjoyed ending his tour by reminiscing about the good old days on our bus.

Transportation Town Hall

The Town Hall meeting on public transit, held in Peoria on Monday, September 29, 2025, underscored the urgent need for increased investment in downstate transit systems. Organized by the Sierra Club and State Senator Dave Koehler, the event took place in the City Council Chambers and was hosted by Peoria Mayor Rita Ali. The panel included General Manager Kofi Kisseh, Sierra Club board member Alisha Granderson, and Illinois Environmental Council Legislative Director Dany Robles.

Attendees raised pressing concerns about the challenges faced by transit-dependent residents, especially those relying on buses to reach work, medical appointments, and schools. Panelists emphasized the importance of improved intercity connections and greater coordination among regional transit systems. The event reflected a strong,unified push by local, state, and advocacy groups to support legislation aimed at averting a looming fiscal crisis, as current transit funding is set to expire, putting
thousands of jobs and vital services at risk.

Illinois Public Transportation Association Conference

Members of the CityLink team attended the 50th Illinois Public Transportation Association (IPTA) Conference September 29—October 1, 2025 in Champaign, IL, where they had the opportunity to engage with transit professionals from across the state. Throughout the conference, both CityLink and CountyLink were highlighted in multiple breakout sessions as examples of innovation and effective problem-solving in public transportation, including how CityLink designs Rider’s Guides and provides rural transit service. CityLink was recognized as a model that other transit districts model to  address challenges and implementing solutions.

Additionally, the Greater Peoria Passenger Rail proposed service was raised during discussions, sparking interest and conversation among attendees about the future of regional connectivity and expanded transportation options. Furthermore, Citylink staff has returned from the conference full of fresh ideas that will assist with improving the quality and reliability of the transportation services we provide to the Greater Peoria community, and we are excited to begin implementing what we’ve learned as we further our mission.

Community Engagement

On Friday, September 5, 2025, Marketing & Community Engagement Associate Megan attended the Peoria Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony for Fox & Ford, the newest restaurant addition at the historic Pere Marquette Hotel. Fox & Ford brings elevated dining, a beautiful atmosphere, and even more reason to explore all that downtown Peoria has to offer. Events like these highlight the energy and momentum building in our revitalizing downtown community.

ShamRA, Director of Community Engagement & Public Relationsand Jennifer Davis, Manager of Public Relations with the Peoria Public Library, spoke to WMBD on Friday, September 12, 2025, about the Fine Free x Fare Free promotion. This partnership with all the local libraries in our service area continue to promote public transport and public libraries. We are proud to continue this for it’s third year, and to celebrate National Sign Up for a Library Card month and Peoria Public Library taking the initiative to go fine free, five years ago.

Members of the Human Resources, Marketing & Community Engagement, and Maintenance team attended Illinois Central College’s Agriculture, Diesel & Horticulture Showcase on Friday, September 12, 2025, educating and demonstrating to ICC and high school students the possibilities of careers in public transportation. This event also allowed students to experience an up-close view of diesel-powered equipment and the opportunity to learn about the in-demand careers available after graduation.

At the event, we learned that many former ICC students have completed internships at CityLink as mechanics. These internships often served as stepping stones to successful careers, thanks to the valuable hands-on experience CityLink provided. Ongoing community partnerships like this play a vital role in supporting success for everyone involved.

Filming for the 38th annual Stuff-A-Bus food drive PSA took place on the morning of
Tuesday, September 16, 2025. In partnership with WMBD and the Peoria Friendship House. The PSA will air throughout the campaign season to encourage community
members to support this meaningful cause through donations.

The Marketing & Community Engagement Team represented CityLink at the Peoria Police Department’s Senior Health & Safety Expo on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The event provided plenty of resources for seniors to enjoy in the community, including how they can utilize CityLink to get around town independently.

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Megan had the pleasure of attending EP!C’s announcement of the celebrity chef for the 2026 Bon Appétit fundraiser. Delicious appetizers were served as information about next year’s event was shared, including the
announcement of Chef Leah Cohen.

For fifteen years, Bon Appétit has been a highlight on Peoria’s social calendar, raising vital funds to support EP!C’s incredible work assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We look forward to tasting the delicious multi-course meal by Chef Cohen next March!

Another EP!C celebration occurred this month on Thursday, September 25, 2025, as the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce coordinated a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the EP!C Career Center. The new career center allows individuals with cognitive differences to build their work skills and expand their employment options in the community with the help of trained staff. The center also houses workshops for individuals to learn about job development, retention skills, and allows for accessible recreation use for someone who may not have access to adaptive technology in their home. CityLink’s Marketing and Community Engagement Team was happy to celebrate and support this important proactive effort.

CityLink proudly served as a major sponsor of the Young Professionals of Greater Peoria RISE Summit, held on Friday, September 26, 2025. This impactful professional development conference was created to inspire, connect, and elevate emerging leaders throughout the Greater Peoria region. The event featured powerful keynote speakers, dynamic panel discussions, and engaging breakout sessions, all aimed at shaping the next generation of community leaders.

38^th Annual Stuff-A-Bus Campaign

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Caterpillar Visitor Center Free Opportunity

CityLink and the Doug Oberhelman Caterpillar Visitors Center are partnering for the month of October 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 visitors center admission desk to gain free general entry to the Caterpillar Visitors Center and its exhibits. One bus pass/ticket is required per adult, and children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The Caterpillar Visitors Center is located at 110 SW Washington Street, Peoria, IL 61602. It is a short five-minute walk from the CityLink Transit Center, located at 407 SW Adams.

Current admission prices for the Caterpillar Visitors Center are $7.00 for general

admission, $6.00 for seniors aged 55+, veterans and active military. Children aged 12 and under are free (limit of 4 children per 1 adult ticket). The Caterpillar Visitors Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 3:30 p.m. For information on the visitors center, please call 309-675-0606 or go to visitcaterpillar.com. 

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

Benefits of Drinking Water in the Morning

1. Rehydrates Your Body

After six to eight hours of sleep without fluid intake, your body naturally experiences mild dehydration. Drinking water first thing in the morning helps restore hydration levels, ensuring that all vital organs function properly. Proper hydration supports heart health, joint lubrication, and muscle function, reducing the likelihood of cramps and stiffness.

2. Boosts Metabolism and Energy Levels

Drinking water can temporarily increase metabolism by up to 30%, helping your body burn more calories throughout the day. This process, known as water-induced thermogenesis, occurs as your body warms the consumed water to body temperature. Increased metabolism can help with weight management and sustained energy levels, making you feel more awake and alert in the morning.

3. Aids Digestion and Detoxification

Water plays a crucial role in digestion. Drinking water in the morning helps activate the digestive system, preparing your stomach for the day’s meals. It also assists in the production of gastric juices, which aid in breaking down food efficiently. Additionally, water supports kidney and liver function by flushing out toxins accumulated overnight. A well-hydrated body eliminates waste more efficiently, reducing the risk of constipation and bloating. Some people find that drinking warm water in the morning enhances this detoxification process even further.

4. Improves Brain Function

Dehydration can lead to cognitive impairment, including difficulty concentrating, brain fog, and mood swings. Since your brain is composed of about 75% water, slight dehydration can impact mental clarity and focus. Drinking water in the morning ensures your brain is well-hydrated, improving cognitive function, memory retention, and overall mood.

5. Supports Healthy Skin

Hydration plays a key role in maintaining skin health. Drinking enough water helps maintain elasticity, reduces dryness, and prevents premature wrinkles. A well-hydrated body promotes better blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to skin cells, resulting in a healthier and more radiant complexion.

6. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight

Consuming water before meals can help you feel full, which may lead to a lower calorie intake. Often, people mistake thirst for hunger and eat when their body needs water. Starting the day with water can help regulate appetite and support healthy eating habits throughout the day.

7. Prevents Morning Headaches and Fatigue

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. If you frequently wake up with headaches or exhaustion, it could be due to dehydration. Drinking water first thing in the morning can alleviate these symptoms by improving circulation and oxygen flow to the brain.

8. Balances the Body’s pH Levels

An acidic environment in the body can lead to inflammation and other health concerns. Drinking water, particularly with added lemon, helps alkalize the body and balance its pH levels, reducing acidity and promoting overall well-being.

How Much Water Should You Drink After Waking Up?

Experts recommend drinking 1-2 glasses (about 250-500 ml) of water first thing in the morning. This amount is sufficient to kick-start hydration without overwhelming your stomach. However, individual water needs vary based on factors such as body weight, activity level, and climate. Drinking too much water too quickly may cause discomfort or bloating, so it’s best to sip it gradually. If you’re new to this habit, start with a single glass and gradually increase your intake.

Source: https://www.thewellnesscorner.com/blog/why-drink-water-first-thing-in-the-morning