Who Can I Ask for Help about Bus Service?
Complete information services are available to answer any questions you may have about MTD service. Please do not hesitate to contact the MTD if we may be of assistance in any way. Free route and schedule booklets are available on all MTD vehicles, at Illinois Terminal and other facilities, or can be mailed upon request. Telephone information lines are open whenever MTD buses are operating. Contact the MTD by telephone at 217.384.8188 or by email at mtdweb@cumtd.com. Feel free to ask your vehicle operator for assistance; please try not to distract the operators while they are driving the bus. For those with hearing impairments, the MTD’s TTY number is 217.384.7433. You may contact us by mail at: Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District; 1101 E. University Avenue; Urbana, IL 61802-2009
When are MTD Administration and Operations Offices Open?
Personnel at MTD’s Administration and Operations Offices located at 1101 E. University Avenue in Urbana are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. You may purchase bus tokens at the MTD Administration and Operations Offices, but bus passes are sold only at Illinois Terminal.
Will Bus Operators Help Me?
Of course! The MTD’s vehicle operators are happy to assist customers. Feel free to ask our operators for help, but please do not block access for boarding/alighting customers and try not to distract the operators while they are driving the bus.
When is Illinois Terminal's Customer Center Open?
The MTD’s Customer Service Center at Illinois Terminal is open seven days a week. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Detailed information about all of the services and tenants at Illinois Terminal can be found below.
Where Are the MTD’s Facilities?
MTD facilities include Illinois Terminal, MTD Administration and Operations, Maintenance Department and Bus Garages, Wright Street Transit Plaza, and Downtown Urbana-Lincoln Square transfer facility. Information about each facility can be found in these FAQs.
Where and What is Illinois Terminal?
Illinois Terminal is located at 45 East University Avenue; Champaign, Illinois, 61820. Illinois Terminal provides a central transfer point for MTD buses and other transportation services. All MTD routes operating in Champaign serve this location.
A Customer Service Center Desk is located on the First Floor. Its telephone is 217.384.3577, and hours of operation are 8:00 AM-6:00 PM, Monday thruough Saturday, and 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on Sunday. Individuals can visit the Customer Service Center to purchase an Annual Pass, Seasonal Pass, or to obtain a Dash Pass, and have the photos needed for these passes. Tokens are also available for purchase.
Illinois Terminal houses the MTD, Greyhound, Burlington Trailways, Lex Express, Illini Express, AMtrak, Subway Sandwich Shop, Cameron's Catering, READY School, and C-U Junior League. Meeeting and banquet spaces are available for rentals.
Where are MTD's Administration and Operations Offices?
MTD's Administration and Operations Offices are located at 1101 E. University Avenue; Urbana, IL 61802-2009. Telephone us at 217.384.8188. This is the site of the MTD’s administrative offices, training facilities, and operator services.
Where are the MTD's Maintenance Department and Bus Garage?
These facilities are located at 803 E. University Avenue; Urbana, IL 61802. Located just west of MTD’s offices, this is the site of the MTD’s two large bus garages and maintenance facilities.
What is the Wright Street Transit Plaza?
The Wright Street Transit Plaza is the MTD’s transfer facility located on the University of Illinois Campus on Wright Street between Daniel Street and John Street. The Transit Plaza has sheltered waiting areas and STOPwatch bus departure signs. All Campus routes serve this location, as do many community routes.
Does the MTD Have Facilities in Downtown Urbana?
The MTD has a transfer location with sheltered waiting areas and STOPwatch bus departure signs located on Broadway Avenue in downtown Urbana. The transfer point is just north of Lincoln Square between Main Street and Elm Street. All routes operating in Urbana serve this location.
How Much Does It Cost to Ride the Bus?
The MTD’s one-way regular fare is $1.00. Coins are preferred. Riders may also pay their fare with discounted tokens or with an MTD discounted pass. Transfer passes are free.
How Do I Pay My Fare?
MTD fareboxes accept only coins, so the MTD encourages that the $1.00 one-way fare be paid with coins or tokens. However, MTD operators will make change for up to $5.00 prior to 7:00 PM. Exact coin/token fare is required after 7:00 PM. Simply deposit any combination of coins equaling $1.00 into the farebox at the front of the bus. Fares may also be paid with tokens or passes.
Where Can I Buy Bus Tokens?
You may purchase bus tokens from your bus operator prior to 7:00 PM (but they can make change only for up to $5.00), at the MTD Customer Service Center at Illinois Terminal at 45 E. University in Champaign, or at MTD Headquarters at 1101 E. University in Urbana.
Where Can I Buy A Bus Pass?
All of the MTD’s bus passes must be purchased at Illinois Terminal at 45 E. University in downtown Champaign. A photograph is required for the bus pass, and photographs are taken at Illinois Terminal at no charge.
If I Ride More Than One Bus, Do I Have To Pay Each Time?
No, transfers are free. Transfers are issued only at the time a valid fare is paid. You must ask your driver for a transfer when you first board. Transfers are issued for connections with other routes. Transfers are valid only at points where routes intersect. Transfers are valid on the first connecting route or service time. Transfers are not valid for a round trip.
How Much Is a Ride for a High/Middle School Student?
The one-way cash fare for high school and younger riders is $1.00. The fare may also be paid with one token which may be purchased by high school and younger students. The cost for six (6) tokens is only $3.00. Tokens are accepted at all times. Only youths in high school and younger are eligible to use school tokens. Individuals using school tokens may be required to prove eligibility.
Do Children Have to Pay to Ride?
Children 46 inches or less in height ride FREE when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger. A yellow line measuring 46 inches to the top is at the front door of all MTD vehicles. Children taller than 46 inches must pay a fare.
Do You Have Discount Rates?
The MTD offers a number of options for riders to receive a discount off the $1.00 base fare. Riders may purchase tokens, annual passes, seasonal passes, or all-day passes (Saturday or Sunday only).
How Much Do Tokens Cost?
One-way fares may be paid with one adult token or one student token (high school or younger students only). Adult tokens are $5.00 for six (6) tokens, and high school and younger tokens are $3.00 for six (6). Tokens may be purchased from any MTD operator prior to 7:00 PM (but they can make change only for up to $5.00). Tokens may also be purchased at Illinois Terminal or MTD Administration and Operations Offices during normal business hours. Adult tokens are accepted at all times.
How Much Do Annual Passes Cost?
Non-transferable annual passes are good for unlimited riding for any twelve month period. The passes begin on the first day of any given month. Purchase an annual pass with your photograph at Illinois Terminal. The cost per year is as follows: Adult passes are $235.00, and School (high school & younger) passes are $145.00.
How Much Do Seasonal Passes Cost?
Seasonal passes are good for unlimited riding during the dates as follows. Fall passes (August 1 to December 31) are $115.00; Spring passes (January 1 to May 31) are $115.00; and Summer passes (June 1 to August 31) are $35.00. You may purchase a seasonal pass with your photograph at Illinois Terminal.
How Much Do All Day Passes Cost?
All day passes are valid only on Saturday OR Sunday. You may ride all day Saturday or Sunday for only $2.00 (per day). Saturday and Sunday passes can be purchased from any bus operator.
I am a Sr. Citizen; How Much Does it Cost to Ride?
Individuals sixty-five (65) years of age and older ride MTD buses at no charge with a DASH Pass. Senior citizens who do not wish to obtain a DASH pass may ride for $0.50. Persons sixty-five (65) years of age and older may obtain a DASH Pass by providing proof of age at Illinois Terminal. DASH Passes will be issued directly to all eligible seniors upon verification of age. The DASH Pass is valid for up to three years, and must be renewed upon expiration. The DASH Pass does require a photo, and all DASH Pass holders must have their picture taken at Illinois Terminal. There is no charge for photographs.
I Have a Physical Disability; How Much Does it Cost to Ride?
Medicare Card holders and persons having significant difficulty boarding or alighting from an MTD vehicle may qualify for a DASH pass as a rider with disability. Riders with a disability ride MTD buses at no charge with a DASH pass. Applications for DASH passes must be submitted at Illinois Terminal, and must include a copy of a Medicare Card or certification from an MTD authorized agency. A photograph will be taken at that time. Please contact ADA Customer Service at 217.384.8188 for the list of authorized agencies. DASH passes will be mailed to the applicant upon approval. Medicare Card holders who do not wish to obtain a DASH pass may ride fixed-route buses for $0.50 (Fifty Cents).
I AM a College Student; How Much Does It Cost to Ride?
Parkland College students pay the regular fare of $1.00 per one-way trip. Discounts are available for the purchase of tokens and passes.
All eligible University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff have unlimited access to all routes and services at all times. Arrangements with the University make it unnecessary for these riders to pay a fare. When riding Campus routes, simply board the bus of your choice. When riding community services, all eligible students, faculty, and staff are required to present their valid University-issued identification card. Employees of allied organizations eligible to rent parking on campus who do not have an I-Card may be eligible for unlimited access. Qualified individuals can obtain an unlimited access card at Illinois Terminal. Please call 217.384.8188 with any questions.
Do Children Have to Pay to Ride the Bus?
Children 46 inches or less in height ride MTD buses FREE when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger. There is a yellow line measuring 46 inches to the top at the front door of all MTD vehicles. Children taller than 46 inches must pay a fare.
May I Bring a Baby Stroller on the Bus?
Yes, you may bring a baby stroller onto MTD buses. You are encouraged to hold your child in your arms whenever possible.
Where Can I Get a Schedule?
Schedules are available on all MTD buses. If this supply is exhausted, you may pick up a schedule at any MTD facility including Illinois Terminal and MTD Administration and Operations offices. Contact us by phone at 217.384.8188, by email at mtdweb@cumtd.com, or write to us at 1101 E. University Avenue, Urbana, IL 61820 and we’ll be happy to mail you a schedule.
How Do I Plan a Trip?
Obtain an MTD schedule and familiarize yourself with the bus routing and timetables. Identify the times to board and locations at which to transfer to get to your destination. You can also use the MTD’s electronic trip planner on this website. Or, give us a call at 217.384.8188 and we’ll help you with your trip planning.
How Do I Recognize My Bus?
Every fixed-route bus has an electronic destination sign above its front window. This sign will tell you the route number and name and will circulate other information to help you determine the direction of travel or major destinations. Bus route identification signs are also found near the front door and at the rear of the bus.
Where Do I Board the Bus?
MTD vehicles board and alight passengers at any safe street corner along a route, except on the University of Illinois campus and a few other areas in the community where heavy ridership requires designated stop locations. Designated stop locations are shown on the route maps in the schedule book and on this website.
Wait for vehicles at street corners, not in the middle of the block, unless a bus stop sign is posted. This is an important safety factor as other traffic on the street must wait while the vehicle is boarding passengers. Arrive at the stop a few minutes ahead of the time the vehicle is due to arrive. The MTD operators make every effort to operate on schedule but traffic and other factors sometimes affect schedules.
How Do I Get the Bus to Stop for Me?
Look at the destination sign above the window on the front of the bus to identify its destination. Hold your arm high in the air and wave to notify the operator of the approaching bus that you would like to board.
What Do I Do When I Get On?
Once the bus has come to a complete stop and the door opens, step on. The operator will kneel (lower) the bus or extend the ramp upon request if you need these devices to board the bus. Be sure to let the operators know if you would like them to kneel the bus.
Please have the exact fare (coins preferred) or pass ready when boarding. Operators make change up to $5.00 prior to 7:00 PM, but having the exact fare ready will speed boarding and help the MTD deliver on-time service to other passengers.
If you need to transfer to another route to complete your trip, request a free transfer from the operator when paying your fare.
Where Should I Sit?
After paying your fare, please sit in the first available seat. If no seats are available, please stand in the area by the rear door and secure yourself. Stand at the front only if the bus is completely full, and always stand behind the white line.
How Do I Transfer to Another Route?
In order to facilitate your transfer to another route, please inform the operator, immediately upon boarding, of the route you are transferring to and the location the transfer is to be made. The operator will give you a paper transfer. This will also provide the operator enough time to contact your connecting bus and inform the operator of the transfer. Once the operator from the connecting bus has been contacted, they are required to wait up to two (2) minutes past the scheduled departure time at the transfer location. Every effort will be made to assist passengers in completing transfers without significantly delaying service to others. Present the operator of the bus to which you are transferring with the paper transfer when boarding. Transfers must be used on the first available bus. Transfers are always free.
How Do I Ask the Bus to Stop to Get Off?
Please give the operator some advance notice when needing to leave the bus. Yellow pull cords are located along the windows throughout the bus. Pull the cord to ring the stop request bell about one-half block before the stop. Once a stop request is received, the operator will stop the bus at the next safe intersection.
Where Should I Exit the Bus?
Please use the rear door whenever possible to exit the bus when passengers are waiting to board at the front. The rear door is activated by touching the silver handles. Use the front door if you need the operator to kneel the bus or extend the ramp. The operator will do so upon request. After exiting the bus, wait for the bus to pull away before you cross the street so that you can clearly see traffic from both directions. TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY, NEVER CROSS IN FRONT OF OR BEHIND THE BUS.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Bus?
No, pets are not allowed on MTD buses. Service animals assisting persons with disabilities are allowed.
What Are the Rules of Conduct?
To ensure that all customers have a safe and enjoyable ride, the following rules are enforced on all MTD properties, including vehicles, shelters, Illinois Terminal , and MTD offices. All MTD vehicles are equipped with audio/video recorders. Do not litter; no smoking, eating, or drinking; riders with disabilities and senior riders have seating priority--be courteous and, when needed, offer your seat to these riders; do not utilize/play any electronic devices or musical instruments in a manner which may be distracting and/or offensive to others; do not use loud or explicit language; wear appropriate attire; no unauthorized solicitations; no hazardous materials allowed.
How Do I Offer a Compliment, Suggestion, or Complaint?
Feedback from our customers is very important to the MTD. Contact us by telephone at 217.384.8188, by email at mtdweb@cumtd.com, or by mail at 1101 E. University Avenue; Urbana, IL 61820 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
I Think I Lost an Item on a Bus. How Do I Get It Back?
The MTD maintains a Lost and Found service at Illinois Terminal for the convenience of its patrons. This service is available during regular MTD Customer Service Center hours. All items are kept two weeks, and claimed items must be picked up within that two week period. Items must be identified and claimed only at Illinois Terminal. The MTD is not responsible for lost items left on buses, in shelters, on any MTD property, or not claimed in the two week period. Contact Illinois Terminal’s Customer Service Center at 217.384.3577 for information.
How Do I Read a Schedule?
Schedules are filled with information designed to make your trip as easy as possible. Following are explanations of the various components of a schedule. Route schedules are also known as timetables.