MTD Pulse

For the last 18 months, MTD has suspended fare collection and pass validation to eliminate direct exchange of cash, transfers, or reviewing passenger cards to protect the safety and health of all passengers and employees. MTD also temporarily implemented rear door boarding during this period.

As the Restore Illinois plan has entered into Phase 5, with fewer restrictions, and with the COVID-19 vaccine being available for all Illinoisans 12 years of age and older, MTD will resume fare enforcement with the start of MTD’s new Service Year on Sunday, August 15. Beginning Thursday, July 15, passengers are invited to resume front door boarding. Front door boarding will be required when fare enforcement resumes in August.

MTD reminds the public that until further notice, both Operators and passengers on board our buses or entering MTD’s Illinois Terminal are still required to wear a mask/face covering at all times, except while eating or drinking, pursuant to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Directive 1582/84-21-01, “Security Measures – Face Mask Requirements”.

Beginning Thursday, July 1, DASH Pass and Veteran’s Pass holders are urged to renew their passes at the Customer Service counter at Illinois Terminal. Passengers renewing DASH Passes as a rider with a disability must be sure to bring the appropriate documentation from either a certifying agency or the Social Security Administration. Passes must be valid and unexpired at the start of service on August 15. Illinois Terminal's Customer Service counter is open from 7AM - 7PM seven days a week.

Throughout these last 18 months of the pandemic, all of our passengers received free transportation as part of our community's and State’s response to COVID-19. This year, MTD is thrilled to announce that the cost of an Annual Pass has been reduced to $60, from $84. Beginning Tuesday, July 27, Annual and Monthly Pass holders can purchase their new passes at the Customer Service counter at Illinois Terminal.

Passengers can also purchase fares and passes on their electronic devices using the Token Transit app. Passes can be purchased at any time in the Token Transit app. Annual Passes are valid for 365 days from the first date of activation. Monthly Passes are valid for 30 days from the first date of activation.

Just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we announced the introduction of fare-capping in Token Transit, and we’re excited to remind passengers about this new feature. Fare-capping means that, if you buy $20 in single-ride fares through Token Transit (the cost of our Monthly Pass), you will be automatically upgraded to a Monthly Pass at no extra cost for the rest of that month. Similarly, if you buy three Monthly Passes in the app at $20 each (our Annual Pass has been reduced to $60), you will be automatically upgraded to an Annual Pass at no extra cost. We’re happy to be able to provide this added value to our passengers.

Do you need help planning a trip to one of the community’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics? MTD can help. Give us a call at 217.384.8188 and we can help you plan a trip for a particular day of the week, and even time of day. Clinics are offering vaccinations throughout the community. Anyone 12 years of age and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination is one of the most powerful and effective tools we can use to fight this pandemic together.

MTD thanks our passengers, our valued community partners, municipalities, and public officials for their support and patience during this unprecedented time. This has been a period of transition, and will continue to be, as everyone re-learns habits and procedures surrounding boarding and showing/paying fare.  

We are excited to continue providing safe, efficient and courteous transportation for all of our passengers as we begin our new service year.