What is Intercity Bus Service?

The Federal Transit Administration defines Intercity Bus service as regularly scheduled bus service for the general public operating with limited stops and fixed routes connecting two or more urban areas not in close proximity, that has the capacity for transporting baggage carried by passengers and making meaningful connections with scheduled service to more distant points, where available

Intercity buses serve rural Illinois communities and connect those communities to urbanized areas, local transit networks, and the broader regional or national transportation network.

• Intercity bus services play a critical role in connecting Illinois residents to jobs, education, medical care, and other essential services.
• Intercity bus service does not include commuter, charter, tour, or school bus service

IDOT Intercity Bus (ICB) Plan

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is undertaking a comprehensive Statewide Intercity Bus (ICB) Plan to identify opportunities to improve:

• Connectivity of intercity bus services throughout Illinois
• Accessibility for riders statewide
• Sustainability of intercity bus services

The study will combine public input, analysis of the existing condition of services, and research of other state networks to generate recommendations.

Intercity Bus Service Survey

Take the survey and help provide insights on where these services should go and improvements you would like to see!

Take the Survey

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the IDOT Transit Planning Team.