City seeks financial support to extend the scope of its public bus service
In the heart of Illinois, the city of Effingham is making strides to improve transportation options for its residents, particularly those from disadvantaged populations. The proposed expansion of the CEFS ETrax public transportation service is set to significantly boost access to essential services and opportunities.
The city administrator, Steve Miller, has reminded the council of an upcoming change that could impact the city's finances. Starting January 1, 2026, the state of Illinois will no longer collect a 1% grocery tax. This development may prompt the city to consider alternative revenue sources, such as a sales tax, to support essential services like public transportation.
The CEFS ETrax expansion, if implemented, could potentially revolutionise transportation in Effingham County. By providing reliable, affordable, and convenient transit options where limited transportation currently exists, it could help reduce barriers such as lack of vehicle ownership, cost constraints, and geographic isolation.
The proposed expansion would offer numerous benefits:
- Improved healthcare access: By increasing mobility to healthcare facilities, the expansion could enable more timely and consistent access to preventive care and treatment.
- Enhanced access to social services: The expanded service would enhance access to social services and support agencies located further from disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
- Boosted workforce and educational participation: The expansion would facilitate participation in workforce and educational programs that require transportation outside immediate local areas.
- Reduced transportation costs: The expansion would potentially offer affordable or subsidised fares on public transit, benefiting low-income individuals.
With rural and semi-rural areas like Effingham County often facing transportation deficits, the CEFS ETrax expansion aims to bridge this gap, improving equity in health and social outcomes. While specific effects would depend on route design, frequency, and fare structures, such expansions are generally acknowledged to bolster access for vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, the city is also focusing on other projects. Economic Development Director Todd Hull has brought a request to the council from the Thelma Keller Convention Center asking for a second grant, this time for $300,000. The funds would be used for interior improvements, including a new sound system, new chairs, and new carpet. The grant money is required to be used for the McGrath Avenue extension in cooperation with Stevens Industries.
City Engineer Luke Thoele is still looking for Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grants to cover the rest of the project. Additionally, Jeremy Deters, a board member and the chairman of the transportation committee, is seeking funding to expand the service to the south half of the city.
The Effingham City Council will discuss these matters further at their next meeting on Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. in the council chambers. As the city moves forward, the potential CEFS ETrax expansion and other projects promise to bring positive changes to the community.
[1] "Transit and Access to Opportunity: A Review of the Evidence," Transit Cooperative Research Program, 2014. [3] "The Impact of Transit Investments on Low-Income Riders," Transportation Research Record, 2016.
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