Connect Transit leaders say despite delays and rising costs, they're confident the downtown Bloomington transfer center is moving forward with a targeted December 2026 opening.
"The project is moving along, and we're actually very excited about it," said transit managing director David Braun. The project's expected to go out for bids this summer.
The transit board heard an update Tuesday on plans to raze the aging Market Street Garage and create a block-wide space for public bus transfers, topped with a two-level parking deck.
Originally, the $18 million project was covered with federal and state transportation grants. But currently, the cost could reach $38 million. That means stepping up a search for more revenue, or scaling back the project, said Braun.
At the board's regular monthly meeting that immediately followed, held at the agency's Wylie Drive facility in Normal, the board OK'd plans to expand payment options for riders, approved spending about $13 million on its fleet, and discussed a draft of the FY26 budget.
The budget is about 8% higher than the current one, and is up for vote at the board's March 25 meeting.
Connect Transit originally aimed to open the new downtown Bloomington center in fall 2025. However, its been pushed back a few times.
"Since 2019 when we actually we're awarded the grants, things have gone up significantly. I think everyone knows the manufacturing industry has gone up 20%. The cost of steel and things like that have definitely gone up," Braun told WGLT. So, a once $18 million project could be double that cost, he said.
Still, because the project is only 50% designed, it's still unclear exactly how much more the project will cost. "There's a lot of contingencies involved," he said.
Finding funding to make the project happen is a priority for Connect Transit, said Braun.
"Given the initial cost estimates, there is a shortfall from what we have received in grant funding, versus what it will take to build this. So, as we define that cost, we'll look at alternatives to ensure that we can come in within a reasonable budget," he said.
Board chair Ryan Whitehouse said with projected growth in the Twin City metro area, the need for a new transfer center is great. He agreed it's up to the Connect Transit leaders to make that happen for the Bloomington-Normal community, telling trustees, "This community has always risen to the challenge. And we will find a way to build a transit center that fits downtown Bloomington."
"I'm sure we will find those funds somehow," he added.
The center is intended to provide a covered setting for people to catch buses in downtown Bloomington, with a 24/7 security presence. An estimated 1,500 riders wait for daily transfers at the current Front Street transfer location.
"Our passengers will be out of the elements, and much safer than they are right now in downtown Bloomington. It'll also incorporate parking which will be great for downtown businesses, and Connect Transit," said Braun. "We're looking forward to being a part of the downtown revitalization."
Matt Aklan, project manager of the Chicago-based CDM-Smith design firm, told the board on the latest timeline for the project depends on when razing of the garage begins, and also on which contractor is selected. The structure could open in late 2026, or into 2027, he said.
Several board members responded that they'd like to choose a contractor with a shorter construction timeline.
Under the design proposal, the two-level deck will feature two staircases, two elevators, and 205 parking spaces. That's about half of the parking that exists in the 50-year-old Market Street Garage.
The transit office building at the center will have a public lobby, customer service, public restrooms, vending, and a security office. Aklan said there won't be a Bloomington Police Department substation, but there's a possibility of a partnership with BPD to provide police presence. The building also will have a driver break room/restrooms.
Sharing renderings of the future transfer center, Aklan shared that brick will be incorporated, and architectural designs to blend in with the planned Bloomington streetscape plan. The upper parking decks could have a metal mesh barrier that allows light and air through. The main bus area will include a clouded skylight, opening onto a landscaped area on Center Street.
"These aren't final designs, but we're getting closer to where we are going to be," said Aklan.
The City of Bloomington has decided against investing in a third level of parking at this time. City Manager Jeff Jurgens, who is an ex-officio transit board member, said the city must decide soon whether it wants the project's infrastructure to support the possibility of addinga third level ata future date.
Jurgens noted the city will have 150 additional parking spaces available at Front and Center streets, to coincide with lost parking during the razing of the Market Street Garage.
That'll serve as temporary parking during the project. "We don't always want it to be parking forever. But it'll transition nicely with this project," he said.
Connect Transit leaders say the agency is launching a new automated fare collection system to make it easier to ride buses.
"We're not planning to change the fares," said Braun. A fixed route ride now runs $1.25. But leaders do hope to increase ridership by making it easier to pay, and broadening locations to sell passes, thus projecting increased revenue.
"This allows [riders] to use virtually anything that's in their pocket to pay for transit," said Braun. When launched, the riders can use apps, smartphones and smart watches, transit-issued cards, credit and debit cards, as well as cash, he said.
On Tuesday, the board unanimously approved a nearly $1 million contract to install and operate the Umo system from Cubic Transportation Systems, a leader in the industry.
IDOT will cover 65% of the $982,125 cost, while FTA funding pays for the rest. This will cover installation of the computer system, mobile router installation, and bus fare collection devices, and staff training.
Annual operating expenses are roughly $70,000.
Before the board's vote, procurement manager Ashley Strupek shared highlights about the finalist among bidders. The global company was selected from eight proposals. Umo has similar systems in major cities, from Chicago to London, as well as smaller communities such as Bloomington, Indiana and Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Strupek told the board the bus system's current collection methods are limited to cash, magnetic strip cards, and a QR code associated with the app. More than two-thirds of maintenance calls are related to the fare boxes, with repairs being costly, she added.
Umo greatly expands the ways riders can pay. Plus, because it's app-based, it's easier to obtain loaded cards. The so-called open loop payment format doesn't require fare boxes with moving parts, making it easier to make computer-based repairs.
Also Tuesday, the board reviewed a draft for Connect Transit's proposed $21.8 million budget. This FY26 document is a nearly 9% increase over the current budget, and will come up for a vote March 25.
The proposed budget projects 11% growth in services, and expected collective bargaining agreements, higher insurance costs, and fleet maintenance, said Braun. Some improvements include returning to peak service time or two busy routes, and expansion of FLEX on-demand rides.
In addition to its annual operating budget, the agency proposes a $47.8 million planned capital budget. That's 98% funded with federal and state contributions, he noted.