How Do I Get There? Transportation in Monmouth
Within the City of Monmouth, people needing public transportation have only one main option, Warren County Achievement Center (WCAC) buses.
WCAC runs 6 buses weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 and can pick people up and take them where they want to go. But this means there is a lack of public transportation at night and on the weekends. “Some riders talk about how it would be very helpful if the service was available on weekends,” said WCAC Driver Eric Carder. With this being the only public transportation option, Director of Transportation for the Warren County Achievement Center Sean Cavanaugh said they are looking at expanding hours. “However; some of the challenges are getting enough people to work. During COVID a lot of people kind of stopped working and got used to living off the fat of the land,” said Cavanaugh.
After working at WCAC for two years and one and a half as a driver, Carder has developed relationships with some of the passengers. “I know the people who are talkers and the people who keep to themselves,” said Carder. “I myself am a talker. I love hearing people’s stories and learning many different things all the time.” While on his route, Carder lowered the handicap ramp for a disabled passenger and helped them get settled in before taking off to their desired destination.
Warren County Achievement Centers six buses drive six routes and serve around 55,000 people each year. Eric Carder an experienced WCAC driver of two years said, “Right through the lunch hour from about 11 o'clock to about 1 o'clock is usually the busiest part of the day, and the busiest days usually are the first part of the month because a lot of people get their social security check.” A rider who wanted to remain anonymous said, “I ride this bus all the time and it is very convenient to have.” Regular riders cost one dollar one way, children 5 and under ride free, and Seniors also ride free. Call 309-734-6001 for further information or to schedule a ride.
Salvador Alvarado, Carter Boyer, Dylan Cullick, Kain Donohoo