Sycamore is opening the gates of travel to NIU.

In October, the Voluntary Action Center, responsible for TRANS-VAC and MED-VAC, will open up a new bus line.

The line will stop at employment, shopping and health service locations in Sycamore and DeKalb.

By connecting with the TRANS-VAC green line, the line creates a circuit from downtown Sycamore to downtown DeKalb or NIU. It will run an established route twice per hour and make scheduled stops for the mobile impaired.

“The new line is open for general use, but it is directed at the low income and disabled,” said Bill Nicklas, Sycamore city manager.

In larger cities, necessary public transportation is often provided, but in the increasingly populated suburbs, there is little precedent or structure for transportation services.

“There used to be a Huskie Bus line that went to Sycamore, as well as a line similar to what we are going to offer in October,” Nicklas said. “But even just 10 years ago, there was no support.”

However, Sycamore is facing a situation of population growth and distribution. According to citydata.com, Sycamore’s 2000 population was 12,020, while its estimated July 2006 population was 16,270, meaning Sycamore expanded by one-third in six years.

“Sycamore used to be an old-style community, where one could participate completely in society without transportation, but that is not the case anymore,” said Tom Zucker, executive director of the Voluntary Action Center. “Personal mobility is often taken for granted by those who have it. I believe mobility is a right.”

The fare is 50 cents per rider and includes a potential transfer to the DeKalb green line.

“The state talks of helping but only to a point. It is by strength of will that we are offering this service; it is not our obligation legally,” Zucker said. “The state matches every dollar, but that leaves us to convince local government and charitable organizations to pay the other half.”

The new line is being funded by Sycamore Township, DeKalb County Mental Health Board, Kishwaukee United Way and the Downstate Operating Assistance Program.

The last Sycamore/DeKalb bus route was discontinued due to lack of financial and governmental support.

“Rider fees are not enough,” Nicklas said. “That’s the nature of the service.”
The new route will make stops at Family Services, Gordon Service, Kishwaukee Hospital, Wal-Mart and other locations.

“This is Sycamore’s step toward being a large community,” Zucker said. “Public transportation is more critical now than it ever was, it offers everyone a more equal opportunity.”

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