Rockford's Independent Newspaper

Stateline Mass Transit District celebrates 10 years

By Jim Hagerty 
Contributor 

ROCKTON — The Stateline Mass Transit District (SMTD) is celebrating a decade in business.

The company began providing transportation to the people of Rockton, Rockton Township, South Beloit and Roscoe on Feb. 8, 2008.

On Feb. 22, SMTD will welcome the public from 5 to 7 p.m., to help them celebrate their milestone at Rockton Township Hall, 1315 Blackhawk Blvd.

Starting with only four buses and a select ridership, SMTD has grown to an integral transit system used by a wide demographic. The expanded fleet serves students, commuters, shoppers and seniors. Unlike traditional bus services, SMTD’s offers curb-to-curb service.

“The residents of South Beloit, Rockton, Roscoe, Rockton Township and Roscoe Township are very fortunate to have this excellent service,” Executive Director Sharon Hecox said. “SMTD is not just about providing safe, affordable transportation, we’re about providing independence and a quality of life for many area residents.”

Hecox said a lot has changed since former U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo helped the company obtain startup funding for the service, which expanded in 2016.

A highlight of SMTD’s expanded service includes the Ticket To Ride program. It features full- and half-fare ticket bundles and connections to transit systems in nearby urban centers.

“The greater South Beloit, Rockton and Roscoe areas have been without a link to their larger neighbors to the south (Rockford) and to the north (Beloit) for too long,” Hecox said. “Stateline Mass Transit is now able to provide that much-needed connection.”

Riders can connect with the Rockford Mass Transit transfer stop at Target on Illinois Highway 173, and at the Beloit Transit transfer center at 225 Shirland Ave., near Beloit City Hall. Stops are also made along Highway 251.

Reservations can be made at smtd.biz, or by calling 815-624-7788. Reservations are accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Buses run 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday.

Fare are $3 for adults; $1.50 for seniors, youth, children and those with disabilities. Children younger than 7 and personal care attendants traveling with approved riders are free. Buses do not run on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. R.

404 Not Found

404 Not Found


nginx/1.18.0