Saturday, December 14, 2013

Snow Delays Start of Bus Service

The start of DMT bus service will be delayed by one hour this morning (Saturday, Dec. 14) due to heavy snow and poor road conditions. Below is a list of the first trip that will operate for each route:

1 Grant/Logan: 9:15AM
2 Gilbert: 8:45AM
3 Vermilion: 9:15AM
4 Bowman: 8:15AM
5 Fairchild: 8:45AM
6 Main/Fairchild: 8:15AM
7 Williams/Main: 8:45AM
8 Douglas Park: 8:45AM
10 Danville-Champaign: 10:20AM
11 Vermilion: 8:45AM
13 Tilton: 9:45AM

Update 7:41AM: The first route 10 trip to/from Champaign Urbana has been cancelled.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Christmas and New Year's Schedule

As you plan your holiday hustle and bustle, please keep in mind the following holiday service schedule for DMT buses.

Christmas Eve
On Tuesday, December 24, DMT will operate the Saturday bus schedule.

Christmas Day
No bus service, and the office will be closed on Wednesday, December 25.

New Year's Eve
DMT will operate the Saturday schedule on Tuesday, December 31.

New Year's Day
Buses will not operate and the office will be closed on Wednesday, January 1.

All of us at DMT wish our riders a happy holiday season.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Free Rides on Friday, Nov. 29

Danville Mass Transit (DMT) is inviting transit riders to “shop until they drop” by riding free on buses in the Danville area on Friday, November 29, the day after Thanksgiving.

DMT Director John Metzinger said the city has traditionally offered free rides on the day after Thanksgiving to thank riders and encourage new customers to try using DMT buses.

Metzinger says this year’s focus for the event is on holiday shopping, in recognition of the significant number of new stores opening in Danville this year, including Burlington Coat Factory, Kohl’s, Ross, and Meijer.

“The city has worked very hard to bring new retail shopping to Danville,” said Metzinger. “Our free ride day is a way to promote holiday shopping and using mass transit, which is a great way to travel in and around our community.”

Rides will be free on all fixed route buses in Danville, Tilton, Westville, and Georgetown, however regular fare will apply to DMT’s service between Danville and Champaign-Urbana.

DMT will not operate on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. The regular weekday schedule will operate on the free ride day, Friday, November 29.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Downtown Events to Cause Detours

A lot is happening in Downtown Danville this weekend with the Taste of Downtown Danville, a 5k run, and the Viking Marching Band Invitational at Danville High School. Nearly every DMT bus will re-route around road closures associated with these events. The following detours will be in effect:

For Friday, September 27:
  • 1 Grant/Logan buses will follow North, Jackson, Main, and Walnut to and from the Transfer Zone.
  • 2 Gilbert/Danville Crossing buses will follow North, Jackson, Main, and Walnut to and from the Transfer Zone.
  • 3 Vermilion outbound buses will follow Hazel, Madison, and Vermilion from the Transfer Zone.
  • 6 Main/Fairchild outbound buses will follow North and Jackson to Main; the stop at County Market will not be served.
  • 8 Douglas Park outbound will follow North, Jackson, and Main to Walnut street.
  • 9 Georgetown buses will follow North, Jackson, and Main to and from the Transfer Zone.
  • 10 Danville-Champaign buses will follow North, Jackson, Main, Walnut and North (west of Walnut) to and from the Transfer Zone.
  • 11 Vermilion outbound buses will follow Hazel, Madison, and Franklin from the Transfer Zone.
  • 12 Heights/South Danville buses will follow Hazel, Madison, Walnut and North outbound, and Main, Jackson and North inbound.
  • 13 Tilton will follow North, Jackson, Main, Walnut and North to Gilbert when outbound, Gilbert, Main, Jackson, North when inbound.
For Saturday, September 28:
  • 1 Grant/Logan buses will follow North, Jackson, Main, and Walnut to and from the Transfer Zone. 9:15 and 10:15AM trips will follow Main to Gilbert when outbound, and Gilbert to Main when inbound.
  • 2 Gilbert/Danville Crossing buses will follow North, Jackson, Main, and Walnut to and from the Transfer Zone. The 9:45AM outbound bus will follow Main to Gilbert, and the 8:45 and 9:45AM inbound buses will follow Gilbert to Main.
  • 3 Vermilion outbound buses will follow Hazel, Madison, and Vermilion from the Transfer Zone. The 9:15 and 10:15AM trips will travel around barricades at Vermilion and Seminary and Hazel and Vermilion with assistance from Taste volunteers.
  • 4 Bowman trips at 9:15 and 10:15AM will travel around barricades at Hazel and Seminary with assistance from Taste volunteers.
  • 5 Fairchild will follow Jackson to left on Williams, right on Hazel, right on Fairchild when outbound, and buses will travel around barricades at Hazel and Seminary with volunteer assistance on the 9:45AM trip.
  • 6 Main/Fairchild outbound buses will follow North and Jackson to Main; the stop at County Market will not be served. The 9:15AM bus, when inbound, will travel around barricades at Hazel and Seminary with event volunteer assistance.
  • 7 Williams/Main bus at 9:45AM will travel around barricades at Hazel and Seminary with volunteer assistance.
  • 8 Douglas Park outbound will follow North, Jackson, and Main to Walnut street.
  • 10 Danville-Champaign buses will follow North, Jackson, Main, Walnut and North (west of Walnut) to and from the Transfer Zone. At 10:20AM, the outbound bus will follow Jackson to Main and will not serve North street.
  • 11 Vermilion outbound buses will follow Hazel, Madison, and Franklin from the Transfer Zone. The 8:45AM and 9:45AM buses will travel around barricades at Hazel and Seminary and Hazel and Vermilion when inbound.
  • 13 Tilton will follow North, Jackson, Main, Walnut and North to Gilbert when outbound, Gilbert, Main, Jackson, North when inbound. The 9:45AM trip will follow Jackson to Main and will not serve North street.

Monday, September 16, 2013

DMT Routes Changing in Two Waves

Danville Mass Transit will be making service improvements in two waves, the first taking effect in October and the second in December. The changes are the result of a year-long planning process that considered riders' needs in a customer survey, evaluation of route performance, and a series of public meetings to discuss customer needs.

The first round of changes will begin on Tuesday, October 1. These changes involve streamlining four routes to improve on-time performance and efficiency, but will not increase operating hours for DMT buses. Routes 1 Grant/Logan, 3 Vermilion, 7 Williams/Main, and 8 Douglas Park will be modified. A summary of the changes is available at http://www.ridedmt.org/servicechanges_Oct2013.html.

The second round of changes will improve service to new retail developments along N. Vermilion, and will enhance connectivity between Danville's east and north sides. Frequency of service along N. Vermilion will improve from every 60 minutes to 30 minutes, and new bus stops will be added at Meijer, which is scheduled to open in November. Buses serving Bowman Ave. will travel directly to and from N. Vermilion. Routes 2 Gilbert, 4 Bowman, 11 Vermilion, 14 Lynch, and Evening Dial-a-Ride will change. These changes will begin on Monday, Dec. 2. A summary of changes planned for December is available here at http://www.ridedmt.org/servicechanges_Dec2013.html.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

DMT to consider service changes in public meetings

Danville Mass Transit (DMT) has scheduled two public meetings to consider proposed changes to bus service. DMT plans to improve service to new retail developments on North Vermilion, streamline routes to help buses operate on time, and improve efficiency of transit service in Danville. The changes could go into effect in October.

Riders and the public are invited to review the proposed changes and make comments. A summary of the changes, route maps, and timetables are available on the agency’s web site at www.rideDMT.org (click the link under “Service Change Proposals”).

Meetings will be held on Tuesday, July 30, from 2:30 to 6:30PM in the center court of Village Mall on North Vermilion, and on Tuesday, August 6, from 2:30 to 4:30PM at the DMT Transfer Zone at North and Hazel streets in downtown Danville.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Public Hearing to Discuss DMT Capital Projects

Danville Mass Transit (DMT) will hold a public hearing to give riders and the general public an opportunity to review its application for capital grant funds. DMT is applying for funds to rebuild the bus transfer facility at North and Hazel streets in downtown Danville, and is also applying for six replacement buses.

The public hearing will be held Thursday, May 30, at 6:00PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the basement level of the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building at 17 W. Main St., Danville.

The City of Danville proposes to rebuild the DMT bus transfer facility located at North and Hazel streets in Danville on property owned by the City. Construction will involve demolition of existing facilities and construction of new parking lot, eight independent bus stop bays, canopied boarding platform, and a 1,700 sq. ft. building with a passenger waiting area and restrooms. Also, the City of Danville proposes to replace 2 heavy duty transit buses and 4 medium/super medium duty buses that are past useful life.

At the hearing, DMT will provide an opportunity for interested persons or agencies to be heard with respect to the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the project. Interested persons may submit comments orally or in writing.

A copy of the application for a state grant will be made available for public inspection at Danville Mass Transit, 101 N. Jackson St., Danville, Illinois, and also on the agency's web site at www.rideDMT.org.

Contact DMT Director John Metzinger at (217) 431-0653 for any questions about the hearing or to arrange for special accommodation for people with disabilities.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Tilton Construction Detours Start Monday

Construction in the 14th Street area in Tilton will begin on Monday, May 13. The street will be closed between King St. to Greenwood Cemetery Rd., and the ramps from Georgetown Rd./Illinois Route 1 will also be closed.

Detours will be in effect on DMT routes 9 Georgetown and 13 Tilton for the duration of the construction project. No completion date has been released, so riders can expect these detours to be in effect for some time.

The route 9 bus will travel southbound on Georgetown Rd., turn left at Southgate Dr., turn around at the end of the street in front of Carpet Store, return to Georgetown Rd, heading south. The bus stop at 14th St. and Hodge St. will not be served while the detour is in effect.

The route 13 bus will travel southbound on Georgetown Rd., exit I-74 westbound, and then use the Tilton exit, turning left on G Street, and then right on 5th St. Bus stops along 14th St. at King St. and Atwood St. will not be served.

For additional information please contact DMT customer service by calling (217) 431-0653.

Friday, March 22, 2013

ADA Paratransit Fare Changes Announced

Danville Mass Transit will make the following changes to ADA Paratransit fares beginning on Wednesday, May 1, 2013:
  • The price of the Paratransit Ticket (5 Rides) will increase from $8 to $10. This is an increase in cost per ride from $1.60 to $2.00.
  • ADA-certified riders will be able to ride fixed route buses for free simply by showing the driver their DMT-issued paratransit photo identification.
If you have any questions, please contact the DMT office at (217) 431-0653. Thank you.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

DMT Cancels Champaign Service Tonight

Due to expected snow and ice Danville Mass Transit is cancelling two evening trips on its “10 Danville-Champaign” route. The bus travels I-74 between Danville and Champaign. The last trip today will depart Danville at 4:20PM, and Champaign at 5:22PM.

Currently no other service cancellations are planned, however riders are encouraged to check the DMT website at www.ridedmt.org, check for updates on the agency’s Facebook Page or Twitter Feed (@ridedmt), or call (217) 431-0653 for any other cancellations Thursday evening or Friday morning.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Public Hearings to Discuss Fare Changes

DMT is considering fare changes for paratransit riders. The proposal is to increase the cost per ride from $1.60 to $2.00 by raising the price of the five-ride ticket from $8.00 to $10.00. DMT also proposes to offer free fixed-route bus rides to riders who are certified for use of paratransit, as an incentive for these riders to use fixed route buses when possible.

The paratransit service is destination-to-destination transportation for people with disabilities, mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). DMT's paratransit service is operated by CRIS Rural Mass Transit District under contract. DMT pays CRIS $11.21 for every paratransit trip taken in Danville and Tilton.

DMT director John Metzinger says the change will place a greater burden of the cost to provide the service upon the rider, which he says is both fair and good stewardship of public resources. "ADA allows transit providers to charge up to twice the base fixed-route fare for paratransit," said Metzinger. Since DMT charges $1.00 for fixed route rides, it is allowable under ADA to charge $2.00 per trip.

To lighten the burden on riders, DMT proposes to offer paratransit riders free rides on fixed route buses. While paratransit riders have disabilities which usually prevent them from using the fixed route bus, Metzinger says fixed route buses are accessible with ramps and wheelchair securements. Free rides may be an incentive for some to try fixed route buses. Each time a rider chooses fixed route service instead of paratransit the city will save $11.21.

A benefit of using fixed route buses is that riders can go when they want instead of scheduling trips a day in advance. Metzinger said use of fixed route buses is more convenient, and aligns with the goal of ADA, which is to mainstream people with disabilities by improving access and mobility.

The next step is to present the proposals in Public Hearings to collect feedback from riders and the community. Public Hearings are scheduled at the following times:

·         Thursday, February 21, 5-6PM in Lower Level Community Room at City Hall

·         Friday, February 22, 10-11AM in Lower Level Community Room at City Hall

·         Friday, March 1, 8-9AM at CRIS Senior Services, 309 N. Franklin St., Danville

Depending on the outcome of these meetings, Metzinger may take the proposal to the city council for consideration in March, and could implement the changes in May.

To make a comment about the proposal contact DMT at http://www.ridedmt.org/comments.html .

Detour on Williams Street

The following detour will be in effect Wednesday, February 13 and Thursday February 14, due to railroad repair.  The 5 Fairchild and 6 Main/Fairchild will use the following re-routes:

5 Fairchild outbound from Transfer Zone:

            Ahead            Hazel

            Right              Seminary

            Left                 Anderson

            Right              Williams into regular route

 

5 Fairchild and 6 Main/Fairchild inbound:

            Ahead            Williams

            Left                 Anderson

            Right              Seminary

            Right              Washington

            Left                 Williams into regular route

 
Return to regular routing will take place when construction is complete on Thursday, February 14.  DMT regrets any inconvenience to our riders.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Route 8 Douglas Park Detour

Beginning January 16th at about 8AM, the City of Danville will be closing Cleveland Avenue, which will last for about two days. The route 8 bus will detour by following Bowman to right on Main, then left on Griffin. The following four bus stops will not be served while this detour is in effect:
  • Cleveland and Columbus
  • Cleveland and Griffin
  • Griffin and Nevada
  • Griffin and Utah
DMT regrets any inconvenience this causes our riders.

Monday, January 14, 2013

No DMT Service on MLK Day

DMT will not operate and all offices will be closed on Monday, January 21, 2013, so that our employees may take part in community events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We wish all of our riders a meaningful remembrance of Dr. King's contributions to civil rights in our nation.