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MACOMB, IL – Buses are stopping at Macomb's new bus transfer facility every 30 minutes. Waiting passengers are finding their wait much more comfortable. The facility is across North Randolph from the city's Amtrak station.
Macomb Transit Director Gary Ziegler said, "Individuals can get out of the rain, get out of the snow, get out of the sun in the summer time. Much better than having to transfer in the parking lot that they were transferring before."
The facility is across North Randolph Street from the Amtrak station. The facility is not fully enclosed but it does have heaters and protection from the wind.
Go West projects about 260,000 riders will use the facility each year.
Ziegler said the facility might increase ridership, particularly among WIU students. Many students use Amtrak.
Go West Director Jude Kiah said the station shows the city's dedication to public transit.
He said, "It's safe. It's easier. and it will provide a confidence for people in town to know that this is a permanent thing. This is our first permanent physical imprint on Macomb. And this is really more than just a facility. It's a statement that Go West is here permanently."
The facility parking lot also offers long-term parking for over 30 vehicles.
The project took three-and-a-half years to complete. The state's Jobs Now program paid $525,000 of the cost. The city paid the remaining $75,000.