Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies to ride?
Everyone, we are a public transportation provider.
How do I get started as a passenger?
Simply call 866-577-6278 and dispatch will help you schedule a trip.
Are the vehicles accessible to disabled persons?
Absolutely, all of our vans and buses are equipped with ramps and lifts to make them accessible to all passengers.
How far will Shawnee MTD travel for me?
Our service area covers the five southernmost counties in Illinois, but we often transport riders outside of our district. Some examples: Carbondale, Herrin, and Marion, IL; Cape Girardeau and St. Louis, MO; Paducah, KY; Evansville, IN; Nashville, TN.
Is same day service available ?
Yes, we offer same day service on all of our in-town service routes. We ask that you give us a two hour notice for our in-town routes. 24 hour advance notice is required for all other services.
When should I be ready ?
We ask that you be ready 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time. Our drivers will wait three minutes after your scheduled pickup time for you to safely board the vehicle. If after three minutes you are not safely on board the vehicle, our driver will proceed to the next scheduled pickup. At that point the driver WILL NOT turn around to get you and another pickup time will have to be scheduled. This ensures we are able to stay on schedule as best as possible so we can offer everyone reliable transportation.
What is the cost?
The cost per trip varies according to the type of service you are requesting. Click here to see our fares or call dispatch at 866-577-6278 for more information.
How do I pay for the service?
There are a few ways to pay for our services: (1) when paying with cash for our in-town services and inter-city routes, you will need the exact fare, as our drivers do not carry change; (2) Medicaid will pay for non-emergency medical trips for their clients with prior approval from First Transit (see Services - Non-Emergency Medical for instructions); and (3) Click here to pay for a pass or buy a money card. For more detailed information call 866-577-6278.
To schedule a ride, simply contact dispatch at 866-577-6278. A dispatcher is standing by to talk with you and discuss your transportation needs. Requests for transportation should be made 24-48 hours in advance.
Let the dispatcher know who, when, where you are and where you’d like to go. Be prepared to let them know how many people will be riding and if you need a return trip.
You’ve done all you need to do! Relax, wait patiently and let us take care of the scheduling. Be ready 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time. Remember, same day service is not guaranteed and 24 hour notice is required for our Inter-City Routes (Metropolis to Paducah, Cairo to Carbondale and Cairo to Cape)
Enjoy the ride! Our clean fleet of vehicles are well maintained on site via an experienced crew of mechanics and state of the art facility. You can count on us when you need us the most!
