Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – What’s being described as Sangamon Mass Transit District‘s contribution to the 100th anniversary of Route 66 has officially been unveiled.

Much like they do around Christmas, SMTD has wrapped two of its busses in a Route 66 theme, and will be seen throughout the city at the two dozen what are called “co-branded” events throughout the summer and fall.

“It’s something that has been part of the community for a long, long time, as well as the bus service has,” said Steve Schoeffel, Managing Partner.  “There’s a lot of pictures of old, vintage buses driving around town, some of them driving up and down 9th Street and whatever has been Route 66 through the area.  We’re really happy to just do a little piece of something that will bring some joy to people in the community.”

Schoeffel says one bus they call “Buddy” (pictured) will be at the events, while the other will be seen running various routes.

“Everybody is pretty well aware of ‘Holly,’ the lighted bus we do along Christmastime.  But, this is something that’s going to be out for several months, because they’ll be celebrating this anniversary up into November.  We’ll be able to do Spring, Summer, and Fall events, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Schoeffel says SMTD is in the midst of a busy couple years, working on purchasing property for a secondary transit hub, obtaining 17 new transit buses, and other projects.  Ridership, he says, is continuing to “steadily improve” since the lows of the pandemic era.