Business View Magazine - January 2024

fleet transformation journey. New Flyer has been delivering new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, significantly reducing emissions. Gillig is building diesel-electric hybrid vehicles, further advancing their commitment to low-emission and hybrid technologies. FUTURE DRIVEN FOCUS As we gaze into the future of the transit industry, Schoeffel shares how SMTD plans to stay at the forefront. With the younger generation increasingly seeking alternatives to car ownership, he recognizes the imperative to make its system more user-friendly and appealing,“We have made huge strides forward in customer service in the last few years, and it’s a very big focus right now,” Schoeffel states. SMTD’s commitment to affordable fares has also been a cornerstone of its popularity among diverse riders. Schoeffel shares the various fare options, including a 31-day pass for unlimited rides priced at $40. The regular fare for fixed route service on SMTD buses is just $1.25, making it one of the most 263 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01 SANGAMON MASS TRANSI T DISTRICT