112 www. bus- ex. com NOVEMBER 09 and to shopping destinations. The transit center includes a drivers' lounge and on- site daycare for CityLink passengers and the general public, as well as customer service teams that handle passenger issues or concerns. All bus routes start and end at the transit center, enabling the system to use it as a place to space out travel times and build in extra time to ensure that buses remain on time. " That's helped us to have a good on- time record, and it helps keep our riders coming back because they know they can rely on us," Lucek states. He also says that the weakened economy and high gas prices helped spur the recent spike in ridership during 2007 and 2008, when the number of passengers riding the system's buses jumped 30 percent. Much of that gain has been locked in since, thanks in part to an aggressive promotional campaign emphasizing the green aspects of taking public transportation, with print and television ads highlighting the amount of energy savings that are realized when people leave their cars at home and board a bus instead. " That's helped us get a lot of people who are now riding by choice, rather than by necessity," Lucek adds. The system makes its own green efforts, working with drivers to reduce idling time whenever possible and using a biodiesel fuel blend. The system's location in an area where several plants produce biodiesel from local crops helps it source the fuel at relatively low cost. The system is also expanding its geographic footprint, operating services in suburban communities that request it. Long- range plans for the region call for additional public transportation services, and Greater Peoria is already in talks with more communities that would like to see bus routes added. " We've become a regional transportation entity almost by default," says Lucek. The local Municipal Planning Organization has laid out a plan for additional growth to meet demand as suburbs continue to grow in the future. A longer trip connecting Peoria with Bloomington- about 50 miles away and home to the University of Illinois as well as additional transportation services such as an Amtrak station- has also been discussed. As it grows, the system will build on the foundation of a strong employee base, with many of its 150 workers having logged extensive service time. " We make sure we keep the employees who have shown they understand our culture of providing excellent customer service." Lucek emphasizes safety on a daily basis with all employees, not just drivers, and the system has a good track record of on- the- road safety with relatively few buses involved in collisions compared to transportation systems of similar size. With the new additions to the fleet in the fold, Lucek plans to turn his attention to upgrading the system's technological assets going forward. " The technology is the future piece," he says. " We've had the employees all along, which is the key building block. Now we'll have more modern equipment, and with that in place we can go forward on that journey of excellence." Oberlander Electric is one of downstate Illinois' largest and oldest electrical contracting companies. Oberlander's reputation is to have a project done on time and on budget and done right the first time. We have been pleasing our customers with expert electrical construction since 1940. " Satisfaction is the result of experience and experience is the basis our business." Oberlander Electric Company

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