Decatur Public Transit System Past & Present
Decatur Public Transit System Highlights
Decatur's first experience with public transportation dates back to 1876 when the Decatur Horse Railway and Carrying Company was established by Mr. Priest. Although quite successful in its time, the horse drawn railcar soon gave way to the more glamorous electric streetcar. On August 27, 1889, the push of a button started the first streetcar of the Citizen's Street Railway Company. Decatur's new electric streetcars were the first in the state of Illinois. This new enterprise soon became the Decatur Railway and Light Company and in 1923 was purchased by Illinois Power and Light Company a forerunner of Illinois Power Company. At the end of the early 1900's, streetcars were operated from 4:00 A.M. to 12:30 A.M. and logged over 2,250 miles per day. During the peak of the streetcar era, fares were 7 cents each or 25 cents for 4. In 1924 gasoline powered buses were placed into service on the streets of Decatur. After more than 60 years of service, the streetcar began to honorably yield to the more popular bus.
By 1936 the last of the streetcars had given way to the maneuverable and self-contained bus. Today, the only reminder of the streetcar era is the Transfer House that was built in 1885. The Transfer House was moved from Lincoln Square to Central Park in 1962. America's romance with the automobile during the 50's and 60's left the once booming transit system struggling to survive. As profits fell, dependability and ridership began to adversely affect the performance of the system. Realizing the need for a safe and dependable transit system, the City of Decatur held a public referendum in November of 1971 to determine if the City should purchase the assets of National City Lines Inc., which was a privately operated transit system. The acquisition was overwhelmingly approved and the City of Decatur became a public transportation provider, effective July1, 1972.