Since 2010, with the exception of two years related to the pandemic, Stateline Mass Transit District (SMTD) has provided free shuttle service for attendees of the Rockton Lion’s Club Old Settler’s Days. The tradition continues at this year’s festival from Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16.
“Attendees take advantage of no-hassle, free parking at the Hononegah High School parking lot and enjoy SMTD’s free shuttle bus to and from the festival gate,” says Sharon Hecox, SMTD Executive Director.
The free shuttle service is available throughout the festival on Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The shuttle bus is air conditioned and handicap accessible, so all may feel comfortable attending.
“SMTD was formed in 2007 to provide public transportation to the residents of the Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit communities,” explains Hecox. “The local elected officials at that time wanted to enhance the quality of life to the residents of the area by providing a transportation service that would give everyone the ability to get where they needed to go when they needed to go. Initially, many residents thought SMTD bus service was only for seniors and the disabled; however, ‘SMTD is here to get you there’ applies to all ages and stages of life.”
In 2010, SMTD was approached by the mayor of Rockton, Dale Adams, who was also a Lion’s Club member, to ask if SMTD could assist in shuttling people from the high school parking lot down to the festival gate. Shuttle service would help people who may not be able to attend the festival due to issues related to walking from the parking lot to the gate, and at the same time, encourage attendees to utilize the remote parking.
“The first year, SMTD provided 996 shuttle rides,” Hecox says. “Each year, the number of individuals taking advantage of the shuttle service has continued to grow. SMTD averages 600 to 800 trips per day at the festival. There are no restrictions on who can ride.”
For more information about SMTD, visit SMTD.biz. ❚
SMTD Offers Free Rides at Local Festival
