Check the classifieds in this issue for information about numerous managerial and supervisory positions!
 

Costello is a member of the Passenger Transport Advisory Board.

The year 2009 was challenging for everyone at the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) and, fortunately, everyone was up to the challenge.

Uppermost among the challenges was the “Extreme Makeover”: a major set of improvements and expansion of MTD services, primarily on the University of Illinois campus. A great deal of negotiation, preparation, and execution went into making this effort a success. Adjustments remain to be made, but overall ridership has remained steady.

Here are a few other examples of what made 2009 a notable year for the system:
* Zipcar carsharing made its debut in the service area, sponsored in part by MTD.
* The MTD was named a “Bike Friendly Business” by the League of American Bicyclists, becoming the first transit system in the U.S. to receive that designation. In other bike-related news, for the second year the agency spearheaded a bike light giveaway on campus.
* Nine new hybrid buses entered service in the fall and are getting a very positive response from the public.
* The MTD completed improvements to the Illinois Terminal, its intermodal center in downtown Champaign, during the year. In addition to driveway reconstruction and a bridge height increase, the overhaul incorporated a number of cosmetic upgrades, particularly in the Amtrak area.
* The MTD introduced significant fare relief by lowering the cost of its Annual Pass from $235 to only $60. Sales are robust and passengers have expressed gratitude for the lower cost of travel in this time of economic hardship.
* Lastly, the agency received federal funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and later was awarded an additional stimulus grant.

All in all, 2009 was another memorable year for the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District. We are looking forward to making even greater improvements, continuing our commitment to sustainability, and exploring opportunities to better serve the communities of Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy.

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