The Sangamon Mass Transit District released an update on multiple ongoing projects today ranging from complete or near-complete projects to some stretching through the end of the year.
- Intelligent Transportation Systems technology – Behind Schedule - New technology, including computer-aided dispatch, GPS vehicle location, automated onboard stop callouts and up-to-the-minute bus location via the web for passengers is being pilot-tested in the coming weeks, after which more bus installations will occur throughout the fall. Final completion of the fully operational system is expected late this fall. This project is behind schedule due primarily to a subcontractor for a new phone system, which was supposed to be completed as an early phase of the project. Due to the delays, administration staff, road supervisor, dispatch and operator training on the new systems must take place through the remaining summer and fall months. Because of the serious impact this has on SMTD plans and operations, SMTD is being provided several additional trainings, and, per the contract, liquidated damages could still be imposed if the project falls any further behind schedule.
- Off-Street Transfer Center – Construction on Schedule/Opening Delayed - The new bus facility at 11th & Adams/Washington will be substantially complete in mid- to late-August. Currently, concrete work, asphalt and striping of the new lot are complete as electrical work continues and contracts are out for bid on work to the building to accommodate operator break facilities. This project is partially behind schedule due to lack of qualified responsible bidders and the resulting re-bid. However, the facility will not be fully operational until the route system is switched to the re-designed system in early January.
- Re-designed Route System – Delayed – While the new route system has been designed, presented to the public and approved by the SMTD Board of Trustees, implementation of the new route system is delayed by limitations on personnel and vehicles during consecutive training for both new technology and new routes while still providing bus service to the community. In addition, the Junction Circle Transfer Point project, a key component of the new route system, is also being re-bid. SMTD anticipates beginning of operations on the new routes the first Monday in January. In the meantime, training on new routes and ingress and egress of the new facility and public education efforts will be ongoing.
- Fleet Update – On Schedule - SMTD’s bus fleet has been updated with 17 new New Flyer buses, all of which are now in service. In addition, six ARBOC shuttle-style buses are being added to the fleet. Two have already been utilized for the Downtown Shuttle service, and four more will be put into service soon to be used primarily for routes into surrounding communities and the downtown shuttle route.
