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Peoria Charter Coach alters train, airport shuttle schedule

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Peoria Charter Coach has adjusted its daily bus schedule times between Peoria, Normal and both Chicago airports, the company announced.

The new schedules include shorter drive times to the airports as the company has discontinued stops in Pontiac and Joliet.

Starting Monday, Nov. 3, the new daily bus shuttle times will correspond with the Normal Amtrak departures and arrivals. In Peoria, passengers can board at the Bradley Student Center, Downtown CityLink Transit Center or Peoria Charter Plaza on Adams Street. In Bloomington-Normal, passengers can board at the Normal Uptown Station.

All customers can enjoy free WIFI on the shuttle and free parking at Peoria Charter Plaza. Riders from both areas will now experience faster times and fewer stops to O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. All information, including departure and arrival times, can be found at peoriacharter.com or by reaching the 24 hour call center at (309) 688-9523.

“We welcome Peoria Charter’s new schedule designed to make it more convenient for Peoria area passengers to access Amtrak trains stopping at Uptown Station,” said Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “Peoria Charter has been a good partner with the town adjusting schedules and adding service to meet the demand of Illinois’ busiest Amtrak station outside Chicago.”

The new daily schedule times will provide the Peoria Area with easy access to trains heading to Chicago and St. Louis. With funding in place for high-speed rail service between Chicago and St. Louis, the Peoria area demand for connections to the train will continue to increase.

“As the largest metropolitan area in the state without direct rail access to Chicago, Peoria deserves a hassle-free connection to the beautiful new facilities in Normal. We are prepared to fill that need,” said Jake Winkler, account executive at Peoria Charter Coach and the fourth generation in the family-owned business.

“Since my great-grandfather founded Peoria Charter in 1941, our mission has always been to offer convenient, comfortable and safe transportation for the people of Central Illinois. The adjustments being made reflect our commitment to meet the shifting transportation desires in our region, and also our willingness to connect the community to methods of travel that leave a smaller carbon footprint on our planet,” Winkler said.

The Normal Uptown Station facility provides comfortable waiting areas, food, and employees that are happy to assist travelers. Peoria Charter Coach passengers going to Normal Uptown Station from Peoria will be dropped off just steps from the rail service loading area.

Tickets on the Peoria Charter shuttle are not yet available on the Amtrak website, but can easily be purchased on the Peoria Charter website, over the phone, or by paying cash to the driver.

After stopping in Normal, bus passengers will now experience direct service to O’Hare International Airport. Buses on the daily schedule will no longer stop at Pontiac or Joliet. The new times reflect a faster trip with less stops.

“The train in Normal is great for many different scenarios, but you cannot beat our daily service to the Chicago Airports. Our buses are transfer-free, and they allow customers to avoid steep parking fees and stressful traffic at the Chicago Airports,” Winkler said.

This service is provided four times each day. Tickets range from $20-$40.