Connect Transit’s Connect FLEX service provides flexible and affordable transportation to help Bloomington-Normal passengers get where they need to go. Sponsored content.
Looking for a ride? Connect Transit’s Connect FLEX service provides flexible and affordable transportation to help Bloomington-Normal passengers get where they need to go.
The on-demand ride-share service, provided by Connect Transit, the public transit system in Bloomington-Normal, allows riders to schedule pickups and drop-offs within a designated area at their convenience. The cost is also significantly less expensive than traditional ride-share services. Here are just a few of the benefits Connect FLEX passengers are discovering.
1. Booking rides is easy
All passengers have to do is download the Connect Transit App and create a free account. Once logged in, simply select the pickup and drop-off locations within the Connect FLEX service zone, review the ride options and confirm the ride. Real-time tracking allows riders to monitor exactly where their vehicle is at all times, and a ride rating system offers passengers the opportunity to provide helpful feedback once the trip is complete.
“This is a great program. Thank you.” — Mark O.
“I like this transportation. It’s cool, I didn’t know about it but now I do.” — Anonymous
2. The vehicles are safe and ADA accessible
Five ADA accessible Ram ProMaster passenger vans make up the Connect FLEX fleet. These vehicles are outfitted with wheelchair accommodations and bike racks, and can comfortably seat up to eight passengers.
“Great service, especially for us that are mobility challenged.” — William S.
3. Riders have greater access to public transit
Unlike traditional bus services that operate on fixed routes only, Connect FLEX allows riders to customize their trips. When booking, they can also select any special accommodations they might need. Since the Connect FLEX vans are only 21 feet, they have the ability to navigate through dense neighborhoods that are inaccessible to standard 40-foot buses.
“This is a great thing.” — Ferrero employee
4. More availability (and cheaper) than traditional ride-shares
App-based ride-share services can get expensive in a hurry, especially if passengers rely on them twice a day to get to and from work, and they may not always be available exactly when needed. Riders can count on Connect FLEX to operate on a consistent schedule Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“I love the service! I use it every single day.” — Anonymous
5. Riders can be more active in the community
For work, school, appointments or errands, how riders use Connect FLEX is entirely up to them, with rides that are ready whenever they are. Passengers find the service has increased their independence and ability to be spontaneous, since they no longer have to rely on friends and family for rides.
“Bless you for the ride. I’m just recovering from being in the hospital and would never have made the walk.” — Lalena H.
Since its launch, Connect FLEX has provided more than 28,000 rides with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. To learn more about this and other Connect Transit services, visit connect-transit.com or call 309.828.9833.
