University News

Go West's 15 millionth rider Shannon Rericha is congratulated by Steve Beck (left) of Beck Bus and Go West Assistant Director Peter Hannen.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Go West: 15 Millionth Rider

March 25, 2011

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – When Shannon Rericha, a sixth grade student at Edison School in Macomb, hopped on the Go West bus after school Thursday, little did she know that she was going to be a part of Macomb's transit history.

Rericha was recognized as the system's 15 millionth rider as she entered the bus Thursday. Go West Assistant Director Peter Hannen and Steve Beck of Beck Bus presented Rericha with a Go West jacket and a $50 University Bookstore gift certificate to commemorate the event.

On Feb. 22, 1999, Western Illinois University launched the Go West Transit System with three buses and two routes. Today, 28 buses and 14 routes, including several community routes like the daily stop at Edison School, comprise WIU's and the McDonough County Public Transportation System's fixed route bus system. Go West carries approximately 55,000 riders each week.

In 2010, Go West was named the inaugural recipient of the Gold Award for Bus Security Program Excellence from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Go West was the only system in the nation in the under four-million ridership category to receive the Gold Award. In 2008, the Go West system was one of 10 transit systems -- and the only rural fixed route system -- in the U.S. honored by the Federal Transit Administration Award for Success in Enhancing Ridership.

"Hitting 15 million in ridership is another tremendous milestone. We've come so far in the past 12 years and have provided a much needed service to people of all ages in this community," said Go West Director Jude Kiah.

All riders, including community residents, can ride the bus without a fare. For more information on Go West, including bus routes, schedules and fares, visit gowest.wiu.edu. To check real-time bus schedules, visit gowesttransit.com.

Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing