A Transit Development Plan (TDP) is a strategic planning study that outlines a public transportation system’s vision for a five-year period. TDPs identify current needs, potential service improvements, and detail a plan to implement changes with a focus on maximizing efficiency and effectiveness of transit operations. The primary goal of this TDP is to improve current transit service by identifying current needs and future opportunities for enhancement. These opportunities include:

	Better serving communities by connecting people to desired destinations
	Enhancing regional transit connections
	Operating service more efficiently

The SLATS Metropolitan Planning Area, or Stateline Area, serves as the TDP study area. The Stateline Area includes portions of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The map displays the Stateline Area, and the respective communities within the study area.

The TDP began in Fall 2024 and we anticipate delivering a final report in Summer 2025. The following graphic highlights some key milestones.

BTS operates a fleet of modern, climate-controlled buses equipped with bike racks to support sustainable transportation options. The fixed-route service operates five days a week, with demand-response service on Saturdays, and primarily covers the City of Beloit, and portions of the Town of Beloit in southern Wisconsin, and portions of the City of South Beloit in northern Illinois. Additionally, BTS serves the Gateway Industrial Park, providing essential transit connections for workers and businesses in this key economic zone. BTS also coordinates with Janesville Transit (JT) to operate the Beloit-Janesville Express (BJE) commuter route. The BJE is a vital regional route connecting people to jobs, social services, and educational institutions.

Rock County Transit (RCT) provides complementary ADA paratransit service for BTS, ensuring that individuals with disabilities who are unable to use BTS services have access to door-to-door transportation. RCT service operates during the same days and hours as BTS, offering essential mobility support to qualifying residents.

SMTD operates on-demand transportation services to the Stateline area. Operating seven days a week, SMTD ensures that residents in Northern Illinois have access to essential destinations, including shopping centers, medical facilities, educational institutions, and recreational areas. The service area includes the greater South Beloit, Rockton, and Roscoe areas, as well as Rockton and Roscoe Townships in Northern Illinois.

SMTD vans are designed for accessibility and comfort, ensuring that all residents, including those with mobility challenges, can easily use the service. The on-demand nature of SMTD’s operations allows for flexible and efficient transportation, connecting riders to key locations within the Stateline area. Additionally, SMTD provides limited service to Beloit for medical appointments, ensuring that residents have access to essential healthcare services. SMTD also connects to the Rockford Mass Transit (RMTD) fixed-route service at a transfer point in Machesney Park, providing an important regional connection to jobs, education and other services in the Rockford area.