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Logan County Board
Special Transportation Committee Meeting
Logan County officials say public
transportation is largely unknown
[January 26, 2026]
Members of the Logan County
Board met with service providers, community organizations and local
officials during a special Transportation Committee meeting to
gather public input on transportation needs across Logan County,
with discussion highlighting persistent gaps in awareness, access to
medical care, food services, employment and education.
The meeting was informational only, with no formal action taken. Jim
Wessbecher, committee chairman, said the purpose was to better
understand how existing transportation services are being used,
whether they are meeting community needs, and what changes or
expansions could be considered during future contract and grant
cycles. Board members Michael DeRoss and Kevin Knauer also
participated in the discussion, as well as board administrative
assistant Maddie Hinton
The conversation revolved around Show Bus, the county’s primary
public transportation provider. Committee members and attendees
emphasized that while transportation services exist, many residents
are unaware of how they work, what trips can be scheduled, or that
door-to-door service may be available with advance notice. Several
speakers said misinformation and lack of outreach have become
significant barriers to use.
Krista Miller from the Oasis Senior Center explained that seniors
regularly call seeking information about transportation to medical
appointments, social activities and services, but often lack clarity
about scheduling, costs and routes.
Speakers stressed that clearer communication, particularly through
simplified explanations, social media, newsletters and community
partners could significantly improve utilization.
Healthcare providers described
transportation as a critical component of patient care.
Representatives from Lincoln Memorial Hospital, dialysis providers,
Senior Life Solutions and the Logan County Department of Public
Health said many patients rely on Show Bus to access lab work,
therapy, diagnostic services and routine medical appointments.
Molly McCain, a community health consultant with Lincoln Memorial
Hospital, stated the importance of Show Bus, “Without public
transportation, obtaining necessary care would be extremely
difficult for a significant portion of our community.”
Several speakers noted that while daytime transportation meets many
needs, limited evening and weekend hours can leave patients without
options following emergency department discharges or late-day
procedures, especially given the lack of local taxi services.
Laura Dick, director of Show Bus, clarified that all fares are
currently suspended, including for out-of-town trips. She said that
if fares are reinstated in the future, they would function as
suggested donations for riders of age 60 and over, with hardship
accommodations available to ensure transportation is not denied due
to inability to pay.
Community organizations highlighted additional transportation
challenges tied to food access and economic stability. Patti
Schonauer of United Way of Logan County expressed concern for
residents at Hope on 5th and individuals served by local food
pantries who often struggle to reach distribution sites or transport
groceries.
Representatives from Community
Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL) described how
transportation barriers affect low-income families, particularly
when vehicles break down.
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Speakers said car
repairs are often unaffordable, creating a cycle where
individuals cannot reach work or appointments and struggle to
regain stability. Transportation was repeatedly described as a
“root cause” issue that affects employment, housing and
long-term financial security.
Education officials raised similar concerns. Jennifer Kirby of
Heartland Community College said transportation is a documented
barrier for students in Logan County, affecting access to
classes at both the Lincoln Center and the college’s main campus
in Normal. She said students often rely on rides from family or
friends due to limited options, and that improved outreach and
coordination could support both academic participation and
workforce development.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on transportation
access in the City of Atlanta. Atlanta Mayor Tommy Young said
many residents are unaware that public transportation services
are still available in their community, noting that even local
officials had limited understanding of current operations.
Officials explained that Atlanta is served primarily through a
demand-response model, with designated service days and the
ability to schedule medical trips on other days with advance
notice.
Multiple attendees said awareness, not lack of need, was the
primary obstacle. Suggestions for outreach included distributing
printed materials through City Hall, churches, libraries and
medical offices, posting information on municipal and township
websites, sharing details through local Facebook pages and
relying on word-of-mouth communication to reach seniors who may
not use social media.
Participants discussed the possibility of holding a public
information meeting in Atlanta to explain available
transportation services and gather feedback directly from
residents. Young and town clerk Shellie Reed discussed the
possibility that an evening or weekend meeting, potentially held
at a community center or church, would be more accessible than
daytime meetings. Tentatively, late February or early March was
mentioned as a possible timeframe.
Throughout the meeting, committee members emphasized that
transportation services are reviewed annually through contracts
and grant funding, and that community feedback plays a critical
role in shaping future requests. Wessbecher said identifying
unmet needs is necessary for advocating for service adjustments,
expanded hours or additional resources.
The meeting concluded with a shared recognition that
transportation affects nearly every aspect of community life,
from healthcare and food access to employment and education, and
that continued dialogue will be essential as Logan County
evaluates how to best serve its residents.
[Sophia Larimore]
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