General Information

The Rural Transit Assistance Center (RTAC) was created in 1990 and operates under an inter-agency agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The RTAC mission is to promote the safe and effective delivery of public transportation in rural areas and more efficiently use public and private resources.

RTAC fulfills its mission through providing the Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) for the State of Illinois. Administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), an RTAP exists in each state to provide training, technical assistance and research, and to promote public and specialized transportation in rural areas.

RTAC served as the clearinghouse for the Illinois Coordinating Committee on Transportation (ICCT) from 2004-2017.  The ICCT was created by Public Act 93-0185 “to encourage the coordination of public and private transportation services, with priority given toward services directed toward those populations who are currently not served or are underserved by existing public transportation.” RTAC developed the ICCT Coordination Primer process to add new counties to the Section 5311 program, which is still in use today.  RTAC also uses portions of the Primer to assist existing Section 5311 grantees with coordinating public and specialized transportation services.

Upcoming Events and Conferences

RTAC Conference March 2-4, 2027

Technical Assistance

Toll Free Assistance Line: 800.526.9943 Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

In some cases we can immediately answer your question, but sometimes we need to conduct research in order to fully answer your question. Regardless, within 48 hours the RTAC staff will completely answer or find you a more appropriate resource for your question.

Rural Transit Assistance Center (RTAC) Staff

John Bannon, Program Director, JR-Bannon@wiu.edu, 309.298.3392

Mable Kreps, Transit Specialist, MR-Kreps@wiu.edu, 309.298.2141

Toll-Free Telephone: 800.526.9943

IL RTAP Advisory Council

Adam Lach, Rides MTD, Chair

Morgan Lewis, Warren County PCOM, Vice-Chair

Kate Downing, Sangamon/Menard Co. Area Regional Transit

Stefanie Eisele, Department on Aging

Sarah Nollman-Hodge, South Central IL MTD

Sherry Hicks, FAYCO, Inc.

Kim Zimmerman, North Central Area Transit

Ron Gorst, Shawnee MTD

Kaycie Sanders, Coles County Transportation