Update 8AM: Due to worsening weather conditions, SMTD will suspend service with the last trip leaving the transfer center at 9am and last trip out of junction circle at 8:45am. All passengers should catch the next available bus if they need SMTD transportation home today. Further announcements about Thursday service will be made later today.

Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) announced today they plan to begin operating on snow routes Wednesday morning in anticipation of several inches of snow predicted overnight by the National Weather Service. Staff will assess conditions early in the morning to determine the need for any delays or cancellations, but SMTD will begin the day on snow routes.

SMTD’s snow routes can be seen at smtd.org/snow . Some snow routes can be significantly different than regular routes. So, if residents must travel, SMTD encourages any riders to check the maps to make sure they can get to their route.

SMTD is also canceling its Urbanized Area Service to Chatham, Riverton, Rochester, and Sherman Wednesday. In addition to significant snowfall, forecasts call for substantial wind gusts which could lead to drifting snow, and SMTD anticipates those communities working to clear streets on Wednesday.

SMTD’s office on 9th Street will be closed to the public Wednesday with only operations staff reporting to work and administration employees equipped to work from home doing so.

As long as fixed route service is operating, scheduled Access Paratransit passengers will be picked up if vehicles can get to their buildings and sidewalks are passable.

SMTD will decide on Wednesday afternoon what Thursday service will look like in Springfield and in the surrounding Urbanized Area communities, and they caution passengers to only travel Wednesday if absolutely necessary.