Clinton Transit

What Clinton Transit does

Clinton Transit (operating as The Blue Bus, legal name Clinton Area Transit System) is a public transit agency providing demand-response curb-to-curb transportation services for all residents of Clinton County, Michigan. Founded in 2001 as a volunteer-driven service for seniors and persons with disabilities, the agency has evolved into a professional 11-50 employee operation delivering 72,000+ annual rides and 950,000+ miles of service across St. Johns, DeWitt, and surrounding areas. Its core product is on-demand ride scheduling via phone dispatch and a mobile app, supported by 16+ walk-on locations, the Community Connections program for seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans, and Blugo, a newer on-demand microtransit service in St. Johns and DeWitt (launched May 2026).

The operational technology stack is built on the Ecolane demand-response scheduling platform, which powers a partner scheduling portal and a consumer iOS/Android mobile app for 24/7 ride management. In October 2024, Clinton Transit became the first agency in the region to integrate the Michigan Mobility Wallet for cashless, contactless boarding with ADA-compliant hands-free ticket validation. The agency maintains Title VI, ADA, and FOIA compliance frameworks, and operates a fully wheelchair-accessible fleet.

The business model is publicly funded: roughly 44% of the annual budget comes from a voter-approved local property tax millage (0.70 mills, renewed August 2024), approximately 48% from federal and state operating and capital grants administered through MDOT under Act 51, and the remaining ~8% from passenger fares and other local sources. Fares are zonally priced from $2 to $4 per trip with discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, and youth. Non-residents of Clinton County pay 3x the resident fare. The agency is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Clinton County Board of Commissioners and led by Executive Director MaLissa Schutt (since 2019). A FY2027 state and federal funding request of $12,679,448, including $9.95M in Section 5339 capital, signals an upcoming capital and fleet expansion cycle.

Name

Clinton Transit

Legal name

Clinton Area Transit System

Website

https://www.mybluebus.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Clinton Transit is public transport for the elderly and disabled members of Clinton county.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Transit Services

NAICS

Special Needs Transportation (485991), Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation (48599)

SIC

Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100), Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Community & Senior Transportation Shuttles (Dial-a-Ride, Non-ADA) (TLAFAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Municipal/Transit-Agency Microtransit (First/Last-Mile Feeders) (TLAFAJAH), Transportation & Errands (Non-Emergency) (HLADAGAF), Social, Community & Senior Center Outings Transport (HSABAOAG)

Keywords

• Demand response transit
• Curb-to-curb transportation
• Public transit services
• ADA paratransit services
• On-demand microtransit

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Johns

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Transportation Fares: Clinton Transit generates revenue through passenger fares for curb-to-curb transportation services. Fares are structured by zone: City Fare ($2 regular/$1 discounted), Non-City Fare ($3/$1.50 discounted), and Out-of-County Fare ($4/$2 discounted). Revenue model combines subscription/recurring elements through monthly ridership with usage-based per-trip charges.
2. Local Millage Funding: Local property tax millage constitutes approximately 44% of annual budget. Approved millage rate of 0.70 mills for FY2024, costing property owners less than $5.34/month per $100,000 of property value. This is the largest single funding source.
3. Federal Transit Grants: Federal funding includes Section 5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas ($662,944 operating), Section 5310 New Freedom ($110,000), Section 5311 STBG/STP Rural Task Force Capital ($140,000), Section 5311 CRU Carbon Reduction Program Capital ($65,539), Section 5311 CMAQ Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement ($222,135), and Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities ($9,952,000).
4. State Operating Assistance: Michigan Department of Transportation Local Bus Operating Assistance ($1,485,316) and Section 5311 JARC Job Access Transportation ($41,514) provide state-level operating support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Clinton Transit (operating as The Blue Bus) provides demand-response curb-to-curb public transportation services exclusively within Clinton County, Michigan, available to all residents with prioritized access for seniors (60+), persons with disabilities as defined by the ADA, veterans, and youth. Standard rides are scheduled with as little as 2 hours notice via phone dispatch or the Ecolane-powered mobile app, at fares ranging from $2 to $4 per one-way trip depending on zone. The service is supplemented by the Blugo on-demand microtransit service in St. Johns and DeWitt (launched 2026), the Community Connections program for extended-hours/extended-area trips, walk-on service at 16 high-traffic locations, and non-charter group transportation.

Product overview

Clinton Transit (operating as The Blue Bus) is a public transit agency providing demand-response curb-to-curb transportation services exclusively within Clinton County, Michigan. The core offering is the Curb-to-Curb Transportation service, a demand-response system where vehicles run only when passengers request rides. The portfolio includes Blugo, a newer on-demand microtransit service for St. Johns and DeWitt launched in 2026. Supporting services include the Community Connections Program (expanded hours/areas for seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans), Non-Charter Group Transportation, and Walk-On Service at designated locations. The Clinton Transit Mobile App (built on Ecolane platform) enables 24/7 ride scheduling and integrates with the Michigan Mobility Wallet for cashless boarding. Services operate Monday through Saturday with standard fares ranging from $2-$4 depending on zone, with discounted fares for persons with disabilities, veterans, seniors (60+), and youth (under 18).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Blugo: An on-demand ride service operating in St. Johns and DeWitt, offering service Monday through Saturday, 7am to 7pm. Part of Clinton Transit's expanded microtransit offerings.
• Community Connections

Products and services

• Curb-to-Curb Transportation Standard demand-response transportation service available Monday through Friday 6am-9pm and Saturday 8am-6pm. Passengers are picked up at their requested location and dropped off at their destination. Scheduling is available via phone (dispatch 989-224-8127) or mobile app with as little as 2 hours notice. Available to all Clinton County residents, with priority access for seniors, persons with disabilities (ADA-defined), veterans, and youth.
• Blugo On-demand microtransit service offering affordable, reliable rides in St. Johns and DeWitt. Operates Monday through Saturday, 7am to 7pm. Riders use the Clinton Transit mobile app to book rides, with vehicles arriving in as little as 10 minutes depending on availability. Pick-up and drop-off must occur within the same zone.
• Community Connections Program Expanded service program for eligible community members with needs outside standard operating hours, service areas, or county boundaries. Provides rides outside normal business hours, to surrounding counties (Gratiot, Ionia, Shiawassee), and in some cases further. Targets seniors (60+), persons with disabilities as defined by ADA, and veterans.
• Non-Charter Group Transportation Transportation service for groups (offices, friends, organizations) attending events or locations. Guarantees adequate space on bus or van but does not provide exclusive transportation for the group. Individual fare rates apply for each person in the group.
• Walk-On Service Limited walk-on rides at designated locations throughout St. Johns, DeWitt, Bath, and East Lansing from 10am-2pm, Monday through Friday. Passengers board Blue Buses stationed at high-traffic locations on a first-come, first-served basis. Available at 16 locations including Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, and apartment complexes.
• Clinton Transit Mobile App Mobile application available on iOS and Android for managing ride schedules 24/7. Built on Ecolane platform technology. Allows registered users to schedule, modify, and cancel rides. Also supports Michigan Mobility Wallet for cashless, contactless boarding.

Quantifiable outcome

• 72,000+ rides provided annually across Clinton County
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Clinton County Arts CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partnership for 'Creating Everyday Connections' Art Contest celebrating Clinton Transit's 25th Anniversary. Contest invites middle school, high school, and adult artists to create artwork reflecting transportation and community connection themes.
• Greater Lansing Food BankminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership to support residents affected by SNAP benefit interruptions by offering free rides to food bank pantry locations. Ensures Clinton County residents have equal access to essential food resources.
• Voices for Clinton County's ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Employee-led Adopt-a-Family for Thanksgiving program sponsored a local family referred through this organization, providing groceries and essentials for holiday meals.
• Clinton County RESAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Books on the Blue Bus program partnership delivering 4,000 books to area children. More than 4,000 books purchased and placed on 28 Clinton Transit buses with support from MiLEAP, Talking is Teaching, and Clinton Great Start Collaborative.
• Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Support for Books on the Blue Bus literacy program helping boost early brain and vocabulary development in children through access to books on public transit vehicles.
• Michigan Mobility Wallet (MDOT/OFME)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024First in region to implement Michigan Mobility Wallet for cashless, contactless, queue-less boarding. Mobile app connects users to transportation options including fixed-route, demand-response, rail, taxis, scooters, bikeshare, and rideshare through single interface.
• Beacon of HopeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership for delivery of commodities during COVID-19 pandemic. Also partnered for Adopt-a-Family Christmas giving program supporting families in need.
• Clinton County Meals on WheelsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership for delivery of frozen meals to distribution sites during COVID-19 pandemic response.
• Basic Needs Center of St. JohnsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership for delivery of groceries and essential items to vulnerable residents during COVID-19 pandemic to avoid exposure risk.
• Tri-County TRIADminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Implemented wellness checks on local vulnerable seniors as requested by social workers during COVID-19 pandemic.
• Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021MDOT Local Bus Operating Assistance funding provider. Clinton Transit receives state formula operating assistance and administers federal transit programs through MDOT approval.
• Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTri-county regional collaboration providing seamless 'one-seat rides' across Clinton, Ingham, and Eaton counties. Partnership enables Clinton Transit riders to connect with CATA services for extended regional coverage without transferring vehicles.
• Eaton County Transit (EATRAN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional transit partnership for seamless cross-county mobility. EATRAN, CATA, and Clinton Transit collaborate on voter transportation initiatives including free rides to early voting and polling sites for elections.
• Clinton County Board of CommissionerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCounty government oversight and partnership. Board appoints Clinton Transit Board of Directors for 3-year terms. Collaborated on free rides for veterans program.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights12 records

Direct peers

• Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA): CATA operates fixed-route and on-demand transit services across the Lansing metropolitan area and is Clinton Transit's primary tri-county partner. It is the most directly comparable Michigan transit agency in terms of service area adjacency and demand-responsive offerings.
• Eaton County Transit (EATRAN): EATRAN provides demand-response and deviated-route transit services in Eaton County, Michigan, and is a co-partner with Clinton Transit in the tri-county one-seat ride initiative. Closely matched in service model (dial-a-ride, county-level operation, small fleet).

Broad incumbents

• Modivcare: Modivcare is a large national broker of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and paratransit services, serving Medicaid and managed care populations. Comparable in targeting riders with mobility, disability, and senior transportation needs, though operating at vastly greater scale.
• Uber: Uber and UberAssist provide app-based on-demand passenger transportation with accessibility options. Comparable in providing point-to-point rides in Clinton County and serving as the primary price benchmark ($13 average fare) cited by Clinton Transit.
• MV Transportation: MV Transportation is a large private contractor operating paratransit, fixed-route, and microtransit services for transit agencies nationwide. Comparable as a contracted or alternative operator for ADA paratransit and demand-response services.

Emerging players

• Via Transportation: Via operates on-demand microtransit and shuttle services for transit agencies and municipalities globally. Comparable in deploying app-based dynamic routing and zone-based shared rides, and a likely software partner or competitor to the Ecolane platform underpinning Clinton Transit's Blugo service.
• RideCo: RideCo provides on-demand transit software for paratransit, microtransit, and demand-response services, including partnerships with transit agencies. Directly comparable as an alternative technology platform to Ecolane for agencies running dial-a-ride operations.

Regional players

• Indian Trails (Michigan intercity bus): Indian Trails operates intercity bus service across Michigan, connecting smaller communities to larger hubs. Comparable as a Michigan-based passenger carrier serving rural populations similar to Clinton Transit's catchment.
• Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA): BATA operates fixed-route and demand-response transit in Michigan's Grand Traverse region. Comparable as a small-to-mid-sized Michigan transit agency with mixed urban-rural service and demand-response offerings.

Others

• Ecolane: Ecolane is the demand-response transit scheduling platform that powers Clinton Transit's mobile app and dispatch operations. Relevant as the enabling technology vendor whose capabilities shape Clinton Transit's service offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ClintonTransit
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clinton-area-transit-system

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Clinton Transit