Recently as reported in the Centralia Illinois Sentinel, South Central Illinois Mass Transit District received commendation from both the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Rural Transportation Assistance Center (RTAC) for their productivity, efficiency and overall level of engagement as a transit system.
Under the direction of Sheila Niederhofer since July 2006, the South Central Transit (SCT) organization continues to experience a substantial increase in ridership. Niederhofer’s fist fiscal year as SCT’s managing director was FY07. Ridership was 268,369 in FY07 and ridership in FY15 was 430,790.
An IDOT press release recently stated “The department commends Niederhofer and her staff for exemplary work at South Central Illinois Mass Transit. The department recognizes the commitment and proficiency in applications, budgets, quarterly reports and compliance reviews. This is further demonstrated through the ridership growth and high levels of rider satisfaction.” Niederhofer’s efforts have undoubtedly directed transit agency’s ridership to more than double since being appointed as SCT’s managing director. IDOT expressed this is especially impressive since the district achieved the ridership increase during the 2007-2009 recession, the current state of state budget impasse challenges and the exodus of Central and Southern Illinois businesses to other states.
IDOT further expressed their satisfactions with SCT by stating that with each passing year the transportation company continues to submit their application and budgets on time while reportedly complying with all federal and state requirements.
The FY15 Rural Mobility Index review provided by RTAC measures parameters such as efficiency and productivity. RTAC advised, “South Central Transit’s operating and funding numbers are outstanding, indicating an upper tier rural transit system with well-balanced demographic among the general public, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.”
Receiving compliments and praise from departments such as IDOT and RTAC is truly an honor and demonstrates SCT’s on-going commitment to the citizens of its district.
