About the Regional Maintenance Center
The Regional Maintenance Center (RMC) at Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD), in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), was established to extend the maintenance capabilities of rural transit agencies in Illinois.
For over 25 years, the RMC has provided non-profit Section 5310 and Section 5311 grantees, and other non-profit social service agencies in Illinois with affordable and quality repairs on medium-duty vehicles.
Many rural agencies don’t have the repair facilities or technicians to address major repairs in-house. The RMC complements local in-house and out-sourced maintenance work with transit focused experience that may be hard to find in rural Illinois.
In addition, a loaner vehicle is available on a first-come, first-served basis, for the agency's use while its vehicle is in for repairs. There is a mileage charge for use while the vehicle is in service, but no charge is made for miles driving the vehicle from Springfield and back. This will not only allow the operator to continue its current level of service but will make it possible for one person to bring the vehicle in for service and allow SMTD the necessary time to complete the repair properly. A CDL license is not required to operate this loaner vehicle.
Policies and Procedures for the Regional Maintenance Center
Application forms, agreements, etc. for this program may be requested by calling (217) 670-9171 or by e-mailing rmc@smtd.org.
- A pre-registration form and loaner agreement must be completed by the user agency prior to any repair work being performed by SMTD. (printed forms are available at the SMTD offices)
- As part of the pre-registration, an agency must obtain concurrence from its governing board to participate in the program and to authorize payment to SMTD.
- Payments for repair work shall be received by SMTD within 30 days of invoice.
- The agency must provide proof of insurance covering the loaner vehicle prior to its use by the agency, and while it is in possession of the agency.
- Any damage to the loaner vehicle shall be the responsibility of the borrowing agency.
- The loaner vehicle will be provided with a full tank of fuel. The agency shall return the vehicle to SMTD with a full tank of fuel.
- The program for paratransit vehicle repair is open to all non-profit Section 5310 and Section 5311 grantees, and other non-profit social service agencies within a 60-mile radius of Springfield Illinois.
The intent of this project is to serve as a maintenance resource center for non-routine maintenance and repair. This program is not designed to compete with local private repair shops for routine service. The only instances a routine maintenance item would be contemplated would be: (1) if while in the completion of a major repair on a vehicle it would be determined, by both parties, that it would be advantageous in cost, time and/or safety to have the item repaired at that time; (2) if the vehicle owner determines that the needed maintenance could not be repaired satisfactorily by another source.
To schedule a repair time for your vehicle, simply call the SMTD service department. SMTD will work with your schedule and, if needed, will reserve a loaner vehicle for you. When you bring your equipment in for repair, SMTD staff will complete an overall vehicle inspection, and inform you in writing of both the extent and the estimated cost of the needed repair. You will also be notified of any additional need for repair that our staff may note, that was not in the original request. No work will be initiated without your approval.
FAQs
Regional Maintenance Center FAQs
What services are available at the RMC?
Services range from wiper blade changes to engine replacements to floor replacement. The RMC has two full-time technicians dedicated to working on regional vehicles.
Is there anything I need to do prior to scheduling a repair time?
A contract must be completed prior to any repair work being done. This requires the agency to obtain concurrence from the governing board to participate in the program.
How much does this service cost?
Services at RMC costs $60 per hour plus materials for repairs. Prior to beginning the repair, a technician will provide a cost estimate. No work will be done until approved. Payments shall be received by SMTD within 30 days of invoice.