Who qualifies to ride?
Everyone, we are a public transportation provider.
How do I get started as a passenger?
Simply call 866-577-6278 or Dial 711 for the Hearing Impaired and dispatch will help you schedule a trip.
Are the vehicles accessible to disabled persons?
Absolutely, 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.
Can I schedule a ride by leaving a message on the answering machine?
Riders must call and speak with a dispatcher to schedule a ride. We are unable to schedule a ride if you leave a message on our answering machine.
Can I cancel a ride by leaving a message on the answering machine?
Yes, you may leave a message on our answering machine if you wish to cancel a ride.
What is the cost?
The cost per trip varies according to the type of service you are requesting. There are set fees for our deviated route services and monthly passes can be purchased for our in-town shuttles. Call dispatch at 866-577-6278 or Dial 711 for the Hearing Impaired 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 deviated route or shuttle services, 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) Monthly passes are available for our in-town shuttle routes, call 866-577-6278 or Dial 711 for the Hearing Impaired for more information.
To schedule a ride, simply contact dispatch at 866-577-6278 or Dial 711 for the Hearing Impaired. 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. Please remember that 24 hour advance notice is required for residential pickup and same day service is not guaranteed.
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!
