Beloit Transit is the public transportation system in Beloit, Wisconsin. It is owned and operated by the city of Beloit.

History

Public transit Public transport (also known as public transportation, public transit, mass transit, or simply transit) is a system of transport for passengers by group travel systems available for use by the general public unlike private transport, typical ...

in Beloit began in 1902 with

interurbans The Interurban (or radial railway in Europe and Canada) is a type of electric railway, with streetcar-like electric self-propelled rail cars which run within and between cities or towns. They were very prevalent in North America between 1900 a ...

serving the city. Proper streetcar service followed in 1906 run by the Beloit Traction Company. Buses replaced streetcar service on August 12, 1930, and privately operated buses continued to ply Beloit's streets until April 1, 1972, when the city took over operations. In 1977, service expanded to

South Beloit, Illinois South Beloit, is a city located in Winnebago County, Illinois, USA. It is part of the Rockford Metropolitan Area, but it is also a suburban extension of Beloit, Wisconsin. South Beloit,is directly along the border of smaller cities and towns nort ...

. New automated fareboxes were rolled out in 2020, followed by a new route on the east side of Beloit in 2021. Free fares were offered for one week to raise awareness of the route change. In June 2022, Beloit Transit purchased its first hybrid bus, replacing a 15 year old diesel bus. The new bus was primarily funded by a federal grant and is expected to enter the fleet in 2023. The hybrid bus will allow Beloit Transit to save $1,100 per year in diesel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 tons.

Services

The transit system operates seven routes including the Beloit-Janesville Express, which connects with the

Janesville Transit System The Janesville Transit System is the primary provider of mass transportation in Janesville, Wisconsin. Using twenty vehicles, six regular routes are provided from Monday through Saturday. Late evening service is also available using the Nightline ...

. Service is only provided Monday through Friday from 5:29am to 6:22pm. The downtown transfer facility is located at 225 Shirland Ave. All routes except Route 4 operate from the transfer facility. In September 2020, the council approved changes to the transit system that boosted coverage of the city's population and employment destinations to 86%, up from 70% coverage while also bolstering coverage to Beloit business destinations from 53% to 66% for employees without personal transportation. *Route 1: Serves northwest Beloit, including the Transfer Center, and Woodman's Transfer Point *Route 2: Serves northeast Beloit, including the Transfer Center, and Piggly Wiggly Transfer Point *Route 3: Serves eastern Beloit, including the Transfer Center, and Piggly Wiggly Transfer Point *Route 4: Serves northern Beloit, including the Piggly Wiggly Transfer Point *Route 5: Serves eastern Beloit, and South Beloit, IL, including the Transfer Center *Route 6: Serves northern Beloit, including the Transfer Center, and Piggly Wiggly Transfer Point *BJE: Beloit Janesville Express, connects with Janesville Transit System

Beloit Transfer Center

In 2005, the Beloit Transfer Center was re-located from the Beloit Mall to the corner of Broad St and Pleasant St. A permanent transfer facility was built in 2009 south of downtown Beloit near the corner of Shirland Ave and Mill St, next to the Beloit City Hall. In addition to serving as the hub for local and express bus service, the Beloit Transfer Center includes public restrooms, indoor waiting area, driver break room, and a customer service room. Due to its location on the south end of town, BTS bus routes must travel up to an additional 5 minutes than if the center were more centrally located.

Ridership

References

External links