Connect Transit

What Connect Transit does

Connect Transit is a public transit agency serving Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, and rural McLean County. Founded in 1972 (per firmographic data) and governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the City of Bloomington and Town of Normal, the agency operates four integrated service modes: 16 color-coded fixed-route bus lines (Aqua, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Lime, Mint, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Redbird Express, Sapphire, Silver, Tan, Yellow), Connect Mobility ADA paratransit, Connect FLEX on-demand microtransit (powered by Via), and Connect GO rural door-to-door service. The fleet of 40+ vehicles includes diesel, diesel-electric hybrid (New Flyer DE40LFR), and battery electric buses (Proterra ZX5+ and ZX5Max), supported by GMV-powered real-time GPS tracking.

The technology stack is built on third-party platforms rather than proprietary systems: GMV provides live bus tracking, Umo Mobility powers the contactless fare collection system with fare capping ($3/day, $10/week, $40/month), GENFARE provides legacy fareboxes, and Bonfire Interactive handles the e-Procurement portal. A new ISU Campus East route is launching August 2026, and all paper passes are being replaced by tap-to-pay and fare capping by October 1, 2026. The agency publishes GTFS data for open transit data consumers but does not expose a public API.

Connect Transit operates under a hybrid public financing model typical of federally funded transit agencies: passenger fares ($1.25 adult one-way, with zero-fare for seniors, veterans, disabled riders, and ISU/IWU/Heartland students via Universal Access), transit advertising managed by Houck Ads, federal FTA grants, state funding, and local government contributions. The Universal Access employer program integrates transit benefits with institutional credentials at ISU, IWU, Heartland Community College, Town of Normal, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Youthbuild. Operational scale is modest: 110,000 annual revenue hours, 27 in-service buses averaging 29-30 boardings each, $4.12 average operating cost per trip, and 14-17 year bus lifespans. The agency reports 11-50 employees per firmographic data and is headquartered at 351 Wylie Drive, Normal, Illinois.

Name

Connect Transit

Legal name

Connect Transit

Website

https://connect-transit.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Connect Transit is a public transit agency operating 16 fixed-route bus lines, ADA paratransit, on-demand microtransit, and rural transit service for Bloomington-Normal and McLean County, Illinois. It serves general public riders, university students, employees of major employers, and persons with disabilities, funded by federal grants, local government, fares, and advertising.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Transportation Services

NAICS

Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113), Special Needs Transportation (485991), Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation (48599)

SIC

Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100)

akta.pro primary industry

Integrated Multimodal Transit Agencies (Bus + Rail) (THAIAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Shared-Route Dial-a-Ride (Multi-Stop DRT) (THAIAHAI), ADA/Accessible Paratransit (Complementary to Fixed-Route Transit) (THAIAHAA), Last-Mile On-Demand Feeder to Transit (First/Last-Mile Providers) (THAIAGAJ), Community & Senior Transportation Shuttles (Dial-a-Ride, Non-ADA) (TLAFAJAI)

Keywords

• Public transit services
• Fixed-route bus service
• Paratransit transportation
• Microtransit mobility
• Contactless fare collection

Headquarters

HQ city

Normal

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Passenger Fares: Connect Transit generates revenue through fixed-route, Connect FLEX, and Connect Mobility passenger fares. Adult fixed-route and Flex fares are $1.25 per one-way trip with zero-fare transfers. Children age 5 and younger ride free. Seniors (65+), disabled riders, veterans, and benefit program participants receive free or discounted fares with proper identification. Connect Mobility charges $1.25 each way for ADA-eligible riders. Fares are collected via fare boxes, the UMO app, tap-to-pay, and Connect Ride cards.
2. Transit Advertising: Local businesses advertise on Connect Transit buses and facilities, including interior posters, tail light ads, king-sized ads, and full bus wraps. Advertising is managed through an external partner, Houck Ads. The agency markets to companies of all sizes as a moving billboard reaching the Bloomington-Normal market.
3. Pass Sales at Retail Outlets: Paper passes (1-day, 7-day, 30-day) are sold at retail locations including HyVee, Meijer, Kroger, Jewel Food Store, and Uptown Station, providing a distribution channel for fare revenue.
4. Universal Access Corporate Programs: Partnered employers, universities, and organizations (ISU, IWU, Heartland Community College, Illinois Farm Bureau, Town of Normal, Youthbuild) provide transit benefits to employees/students, who ride free or at subsidized rates using institutional IDs or benefit codes in the UMO app.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Connect Transit is the primary public transit agency for Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, operating 16 fixed-route color-coded bus lines, Connect Mobility ADA paratransit, Connect FLEX on-demand microtransit, and Connect GO rural door-to-door service. The agency sells passenger fares via a contactless fare collection system (Umo app, tap-to-pay, Connect Ride cards) with fare capping, and operates a Universal Access program for employer and university-sponsored free ridership. All services are wheelchair-accessible and supported by real-time GPS tracking, downloadable route maps, and bike racks on every fixed-route bus.

Product overview

Connect Transit operates a multi-modal public transit system serving Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, consisting of 16 fixed route color-coded bus lines (core product), supplemented by three on-demand/scheduled services (Connect Mobility ADA paratransit, Connect FLEX microtransit, and Connect GO rural service). The system offers a contactless fare collection system (Umo app, tap-to-pay, reloadable cards) replacing paper passes by October 2026. Additional services include real-time GPS bus tracking (GMV-powered), downloadable route PDFs and timetables, bike racks on all fixed route vehicles, and an employer-sponsored Universal Access transit benefit program. A Better Bus Stops infrastructure improvement campaign enhances shelter and accessibility amenities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Connect FLEX: On-demand, corner-to-corner service in the southwest portion of Bloomington-Normal scheduled via an app.
• Connect Mobility
• Connect GO

Products and services

• Fixed Route Bus Service Scheduled fixed-route bus service along 16 color-coded routes (Aqua, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Lime, Mint, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Redbird Express, Sapphire, Silver, Tan, Yellow) covering the Bloomington-Normal urban area. Service runs 6:00am to 3:00am. All buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks for up to 3 bikes. Routes serve Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, Central Illinois Regional Airport, Rivian, State Farm, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, and Eastland Mall.
• Connect Mobility (ADA Paratransit) ADA-required shared-ride paratransit service providing origin-to-destination transportation for individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses due to disability, age, or injury. Requires eligibility application and 24-hour advance reservation. Operates same days, times, and areas as fixed-route service. Fare: $1.25 each way for eligible riders; personal attendants ride free.
• Connect FLEX (On-Demand Microtransit) On-demand, corner-to-corner microtransit service in southwest Bloomington-Normal, booked via the Connect Transit app (iOS/Android, built on Via platform) or by calling 309-828-9833. Riders select pickup and drop-off points within the defined service zone with flexible routing based on passenger demand. Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00am–10:30pm, Sat 5:30am–10:30pm, Sun 5:30am–7:30pm. Fare: $1.25 per ride.
• Connect GO (Rural Transit) Zero-fare door-to-door transit service for all rural McLean County residents. Operates Monday–Friday 8:00am–5:00pm, with earliest pickup at 8:00am and last return at 4:00pm. Reservations required by 12:00pm, one to seven days in advance, booked with a Connect Transit representative.
• Contactless Fare Collection System Contactless fare payment system accepting the Umo Mobility app, tap-to-pay with credit/debit cards, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and Connect Ride reloadable cards. Fare capping provides unlimited rides after daily ($3), weekly ($10), or monthly ($40) thresholds are reached using the same payment method. Transitioning away from paper passes by October 1, 2026.
• Universal Access Program Employer-sponsored transit benefit program enabling participating organizations (ISU, IWU, Heartland Community College, Town of Normal, Illinois Farm Bureau, Youthbuild) to provide employees and students with free or subsidized rides on Connect Transit Fixed Route buses using institutional IDs or benefit codes in the UMO app.
• Bus Advertising Program Transit advertising program for local businesses, managed through Houck Ads, offering interior posters, tail light ads, king-sized ads, and full bus wraps on Connect Transit buses and facilities. Markets the advertising as a moving billboard reaching the Bloomington-Normal market.
• Real-Time Bus Tracker (GMV-powered) Live GPS-based bus tracking system powered by GMV, showing real-time vehicle positions on a map with updates every few seconds. Riders can filter by individual route or view the entire system, with route geometry and stop locations drawn from the live service map.
• Transit Fleet (Battery Electric and Hybrid Buses) Fleet of 40+ vehicles including Gillig and New Flyer fixed route buses (35–40 feet), Proterra ZX5+ and ZX5Max battery electric buses, New Flyer DE40LFR diesel-electric hybrid buses, and paratransit vans (Champion/Ford E450, Starcraft/Ford E450, Elkhart/Ford E450, Braunability/Ram ProMaster 3500 FLEX). All fixed-route vehicles are wheelchair accessible with a 14–17 year average lifespan.
• Bike Racks on Fixed-Route Buses Bike racks mounted on all fixed-route buses, accommodating up to three bikes per rack at no extra charge. Maximum tire width is 2.3 inches.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average operating cost per trip: $4.12 (fixed route), vs. $6–$9 for ridesharing
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Umo MobilitycoreTechnology or IntegrationUmo Mobility is the technology partner powering Connect Transit's new contactless fare collection system. The Umo app (available on iOS and Android) enables riders to create accounts, add funds via credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, and tap their phone to pay fares. The app provides automatic fare capping and integrates with Connect Transit's operational systems.
• GMVcoreTechnology or IntegrationGMV provides the real-time bus tracking system used by Connect Transit, powering the live map at rideconnecttransit.com/map and the Connect Transit app. The system updates every few seconds, showing actual GPS positions of Connect Transit buses, route geometry, and stop locations. Riders can filter by individual route or view the entire system.
• Via (ridewithvia platform)coreTechnology or IntegrationThe Connect Transit app for booking Connect FLEX on-demand rides is built on Via's technology platform. Via provides the routing and scheduling algorithms that enable flexible, on-demand corner-to-corner service within the defined southwest Bloomington-Normal zone. Riders download the Connect Transit App (iOS/Android) which is powered by Via.
• Houck AdsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHouck Ads manages Connect Transit's advertising sales program, offering bus advertising options to local businesses. Options include interior posters, tail light ads, king-sized ads, and full bus wraps. Contact: Lucas Sogge at 800-777-7290.
• GENFAREcoreTechnology or IntegrationGENFARE manufactures the electronic fare boxes installed on Connect Transit buses, which accept cash and Connect Transit-issued passes. The GENFARE farebox is being supplemented by the new UMO contactless system as Connect Transit transitions to tap-to-pay fare collection.
• Illinois State University (ISU)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerISU is a key Universal Access partner. ISU students and faculty ride free on Connect Transit Fixed Route buses and ISU Shuttles by swiping their ISU-issued photo IDs. The Redbird Express (ISU campus shuttle) is a Connect Transit route specifically serving ISU students. The agency is launching a new ISU Campus East route in August 2026.
• Heartland Community CollegeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeartland Community College participates in the Universal Access program. Students, faculty, and staff receive free transit rides on Connect Transit Fixed Route buses. The Yellow Route serves Heartland Community College via Main Street and College Avenue. Connect GO also serves rural students needing to access the college.
• Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIWU students and faculty ride free on all Connect Transit Fixed Route buses using IWU-issued photo IDs, as part of the Universal Access program. IDs are issued at class registration each semester.
• Town of NormalflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Town of Normal is both a Universal Access partner and a member of the Board of Trustees (which appoints Connect Transit trustees). Town of Normal employees ride free on Connect Transit Fixed Route buses using employee ID badges. The Uptown Station transfer center is located in Normal. The Town appoints trustees who govern Connect Transit.
• Illinois Farm Bureau Family of CompaniescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIllinois Farm Bureau employees receive free rides on Connect Transit Fixed Route buses via employee ID badges and benefit codes in the UMO app as part of the Universal Access employer program.
• Youthbuild McLean CountyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYouthbuild McLean County students who are actively enrolled ride free on Connect Transit Fixed Route buses with valid student IDs and current semester stickers as part of the Universal Access program.
• Project Oz (Safe Place)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnect Transit has partnered with Project Oz to be designated as a 'Safe Place' for youth in crisis. Any Connect Transit bus, employee, or facility displaying the Safe Place sign can provide youth in need with access to Project Oz services including counseling, support, and referrals.
• Bloomington VA ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnect Transit waives the Connect Mobility application process for Veterans needing transportation to the Bloomington VA Clinic. Veteran passes are available at no charge. Veterans call Connect Transit to set up trips to the clinic.
• Bonfire InteractivecoreTechnology or IntegrationConnect Transit uses Bonfire Interactive's e-Procurement Portal for managing vendor registration, soliciting competitive bids, and receiving proposals digitally. Vendors register with NAICS codes to receive notifications of matching business opportunities.
• AmtrakminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConnect Transit provides ground transportation connections to Amtrak service at the Bloomington-Normal area. The bus system serves as a link for travelers arriving by rail to access destinations throughout the community.
• Greyhound Bus LinesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConnect Transit provides ground transportation to the Greyhound station in Bloomington-Normal. The Aqua Route specifically serves the Greyhound Station via Lafayette Street, connecting inter-city bus passengers to local transit.
• HyVeeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHyVee grocery stores (3 locations in Bloomington-Normal) serve as retail outlets for Connect Transit passes and Connect Ride card reloads. HyVee locations at 1403 N. Veterans Pkwy, 901 S. Cottage Ave, and 1550 E. College Ave in Normal.
• MeijerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMeijer superstores (3 locations in Bloomington-Normal) serve as retail outlets for Connect Transit passes and Connect Ride card reloads. Meijer locations at 1900 E. College Ave, 2103 Veterans Pkwy, and 2507 E. Oakland Ave.
• Uptown StationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUptown Station at 11 Uptown Circle in Normal is both a Connect Transit transfer center and a retail pass outlet location. It serves as the primary hub for multiple bus routes including the Green Route, and is home to Connect Transit's Board Room where Board of Trustees meetings are held.
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Transportation Security Administration (TSA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnect Transit participates in the DHS/TSA 'If You See Something Say Something' campaign, a national terrorism awareness program. Connect Transit displays campaign materials and encourages riders and staff to report suspicious activity.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Umo Mobility (by Cubic Transportation Systems): Contactless fare collection platform powering Connect Transit's new Umo-based fare payment system with tap-to-pay, mobile wallets, and fare capping. Comparable as a transit technology vendor rather than a direct operating peer.
• Via Transportation: Technology platform powering on-demand microtransit services, including the Connect Transit app for Connect FLEX. Comparable as the enabling software layer for microtransit rather than a direct operating peer.

Direct peers

• Huntsville Transit: Public transit agency serving Huntsville, Alabama, providing fixed-route bus and paratransit with comparable mid-size university-city scale, employer-anchored ridership, and multi-route service mix.
• Corvallis Transit System: Public transit agency serving Corvallis, Oregon, anchored by Oregon State University. Offers fixed-route bus and paratransit services in a comparable university-town setting with similar fleet size and route structure to Connect Transit.
• Tuscaloosa Transit Authority: Public transit agency serving Tuscaloosa, Alabama, anchored by the University of Alabama. Operates fixed-route bus and paratransit with similar university-town dynamics and ridership dependencies as Connect Transit.
• Lane Transit District (Eugene, OR): Public transit agency serving Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, anchored by the University of Oregon. Operates fixed-route bus, paratransit, and on-demand services with a comparable multi-modal service profile and university-town ridership base.
• StarTran (Lincoln, NE): Public transit agency serving Lincoln, Nebraska, anchored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Operates fixed-route bus, paratransit, and microtransit services with comparable scale to Connect Transit and similar university/employer Universal Access-style ridership programs.
• Mountain Line (Flagstaff, AZ): Public transit agency serving Flagstaff, Arizona, anchored by Northern Arizona University. Operates fixed-route bus, paratransit, and on-demand services with a similar multi-modal mix and university-town operating environment as Connect Transit.
• Bloomington Transit (Indiana): Public transit agency serving Bloomington, Indiana, anchored by Indiana University. Operates fixed-route bus service and paratransit with similar university-town dynamics, employer/university ridership capture, and service scale to Connect Transit.

Broad incumbents

• Spokane Transit Authority: Larger regional public transit agency serving Spokane, Washington, with fixed-route bus, paratransit, and on-demand services. Comparable multi-modal approach but operates at greater scale than Connect Transit.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ConnectTransit
• Instagraminstagram.com/connecttransit

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 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 Connect Transit