Subscribe by RSS
SMTD receives continued support from local municipalities
SMTD had adhered to the motto, “Where here to get you there.” This vital service has been serving communities for the past 15 years. On Feb. 4, 2024 they will celebrate 16 years in the stateline, remaining under the direction of Executive Director Sharon Hecox.
At the Village of Rockton Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 3, 2024 a unanimous vote was taken to approve a yearly contribution of $25,000 in support of SMTD.
Rockton is one of three of the founding municipalities that pay this amount annually. They fund SMTD under the local match of $25K. SMTD receives federal and state in addition to local government funding, which includes fares to ride.
Rockton Township and Roscoe approved an annual contribution of $3,000. The Townships pay a proportionate share as they don’t have the funding stream to provide a match to draw down federal and state funding. The fee is based on the proportionate share of ridership. These funds are used as a match to pull state and federal dollars down, which is required under grant programs to have a match.
SMTD currently has seven buses in their fleet. SMTD originally started with four buses, which were received under a grant with the help of Congressman Don Manzullo. All buses are handicapped accessible.
These were awarded under the State of Illinois. Capital Vehicle Procurement Grant; Grant CVP, through IDOT.
“The buses are 100 percent paid for; we receive no local matching funds,” Hecox said.
“We have been awarded State funding to purchase three expansion vehicles and intend to purchase off an upcoming state CVP contract when available,” Hecox said.
“We have applied for additional buses through the same program and hope to be awarded vehicles to replace our aging fleet,” she said. “SMTD is one of the few in the state to get full apportionment for public transportation. The districts have received a lesser amount and SMTD is not restricted.”
Rockton Township has been integral in the success by working with the SMTD through IGA (Intergovernmental Agreement) for Executive Director Services,” Hecox said. “They have always believed in the Regional necessity for the transportation in the area.
“As the cost of everything goes up, SMTD is continuing to look at ways of maintaining and providing top notch service in the areas we service,“ she said.
Service areas covered by SMTD are Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit including Roscoe and Rockton
Townships. SMTD expands into different towns with a special service for medical needs provided in Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Beloit and the Town of Beloit. Additionally they go to 173 and
Shirland Ave. to hook up with RMTD-Rockford Mass Transit and BTS- (Beloit Transit System).
“Before we started a question went out to the community if they would support the system.”
Ridership has massively grown from the original number of 207 rides in the first month.
In October of 2023 a total of 2,539 riders took the bus, which safely drove them to different destinations.
Our start-up money came from both the communities and organizations who generously gave us seed money. Some were municipalities and others were non-profits. SMTD has an IGA with Rockford Mass Transit for operations.
Formerly each of these municipalities contracted with an independent contractor to provide transportation for their senior and disabled populations only. With the formation of the Stateline Mass Transit District service was expanded to include anyone in the community.
Working alongside Hecox is a Board of Trustees composed of seven members who are appointed by local municipalities in Roscoe and Rockton each have two members and South Beloit has three.
In its first year SMTD and the Rockton Lions Club formed a partnership, which today equals thousands of shuttle rides during the four day Old Settlers Days festival. Shuttles have also been provided at Roscoe’s Hometown Holiday celebration and at Rockton’s Pelican Fest.
They also have worked with South Beloit in their 100th anniversary and have also participated in the Christmas Walks lighted parades, and the OSD parade.
Rides are given to anyone who wishes to utilize SMTD’s Demand Response service on a registration basis and must be scheduled.
Options to ride, in addition to paying an exact cash amount to ride include Token Transit App. Purchase fares using no cash, no cards and no personal contact with the driver. Just download the app from either
Google Pay or the Apple App Store. Pay online and send a pass to any mobile phone number to get your “ticket to ride.”
Specific guidelines and time allowances need to be followed to ride. To set up a ride or to schedule an appointment calls 877-561-3330, or email [email protected] . More information can also be found on the website at www.smtd.biz, or on Facebook.
All are invited to join the Stateline Mass Transit District Text Club. Just text the number 815-269-1999. Text SMTD or go to smtd.biz.for more information on the club.
SMTD changes the lives of students and those who cannot get jobs or may have no transportation because of disabilities, some are able to work and to lead productive lives.
Seniors can feel comfortable getting where they need to go weather shopping or to a Doctor’s appointment. Young adults can grab a ride to work, or anywhere else they may want to go. Teenagers or middle to grade school age children may be picked up at home and taken to recreational facilities, to a swimming pool, to the library or to any number of activities. Anyone can be picked up at any specific location.
Buses operate daily. To schedule a ride call 877-561-3300, or call Sharon at 779-771-6788 between the hours of 5:15 a.m. Until 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All veterans ride free of charge.
SMTD continues to live by their motto while continuously expanding extra opportunities for riders.
