Facing a similar situation as the Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, which last week announced the closure of senior centers in Waterloo, Columbia and Red Bud, the Monroe Randolph Transit District on Wednesday said it will temporarily suspend services effective Monday, Aug. 10.

The MRTD, which provides public transportation to and from medical appointments, work and other purposes, including those who live in assisted living facilities, previously traveled outside of the Monroe and Randolph counties, but was recently forced to limit its range to the two-county area due to lack of funding. Now, with the state still without an approved fiscal year budget, the MRTD is left without any sources of revenue. The MRTD also receives federal funding, but even that is held up with the state at a budget impasse.

“While awaiting the state budget to pass, MRTD sought alternative forms of temporary funding to sustain services while awaiting state funds to resume,” MRTD Director Jesica Gentry said. “MRTD has utilized all reserve funds and will no longer be able to continue to operate.  Until the state passes a budget and state funding resumes, MRTD will temporarily suspend all services.”

 MRTD, which formed in 2005 and is based out of Sparta, provides approximately 3,000 trips per month across both counties.  

 MRTD officials urge the public to contact the following state legislators and let them know how this suspension of service will impact the area:

 Rep. Jerry Costello II  (618-282-7284)

Sen. Dave Luechtefeld   (618-243-9014)

Gov. Bruce Rauner          (217-782-0244)

Speaker Mike Madigan    (773-581-8000)

 “The MRTD hopes to be up and running soon, and looks forward to providing transportation as quickly as possible,” Gentry said.

To read a March feature article on the transit district, click here.