Public transit is about more than getting from point A to point B. It’s about possibility. It’s about connection.
And in Fort Wayne, Indiana, it’s about helping people get where they need to go—so they can build the lives they deserve.
FOR CITILINK, THAT MISSION DRIVES EVERY MILE.
On any given day, a Citilink bus might take a worker to their shift, a grandparent to a doctor’s appointment, or a student to school.
With more than 1.6 million rides annually across a 123-square-mile service area, Citilink’s impact reaches well beyond the bus stop.
“Our mission is to link people to life,” said Pam Schieber, Citilink’s Chief Operating Officer.
“And our GILLIG buses are the backbone of our operations. Without them, we couldn’t provide the service our community deserves.”
EVERY MILE, A MISSION
At the heart of Citilink’s work is a simple truth:
public transit is a lifeline.
For riders like Katherine Keener, that lifeline was life-changing. “The bus was my lifeline,” she said. “It let me keep my job, get paid, and rebuild my life. If it weren’t for Citilink, I’d be walking everywhere….from work, to appointments to getting groceries.”
Larry McDaniel echoed that sentiment. “Citilink is more than a bus—it’s the reason I can go to school, the doctor, and see my grandkids. My wife and I rely on Citilink every day.”
That’s the power of reliable transportation. And it’s why, for more than three decades, Citilink has partnered with GILLIG to deliver dependable, accessible, American-built buses that meet the needs of their diverse community.
“GILLIG has been a steady partner through all of it,” said Jason Trabert, Citilink’s Maintenance Director. “Helping us serve with reliability and heart.”
BUILT TO SERVE, BUILT TO LAST
Serving a city with limited pedestrian infrastructure comes with unique challenges. Citilink’s fixed-route, demand-response, and paratransit services are designed to bridge the gaps—supported by a fleet of GILLIG buses that are as dependable as they are inclusive.
That support extends to Citilink’s travel training program as well.
“Our travel training program empowers new and diverse riders with the confidence to use public transit,” said Pecola Trice, Travel Trainer and Outreach Coordinator for Citilink.
“GILLIG’s rider-friendly features make the learning process seamless. GILLIG buses are designed with accessibility and ease of use in mind… creating a welcoming environment for everyone, including first-time and special-needs riders”, Trice continued.
And the impact goes beyond accessibility. Citilink’s buses reflect the culture and pride of the community—from the Rosa Parks tribute bus to the bright pink Breast Cancer Awareness bus and the whimsical ‘Hogworks’ train-themed design aimed at young riders.
“People light up when they see them,” said Casey Claypool, Citilink’s Director of Marketing and Development. “These buses tell our story before they even open their doors.”
MOVING FORWARD, TOGETHER
As Citilink looks ahead, with 11 million dollars of Low-No Emission funding awarded to them in 2024, the focus is on sustainability, rider confidence, and operational efficiency. With a growing hybrid fleet and a commitment to clean diesel technology, GILLIG continues to support Citilink’s push for lower emissions and higher performance.
“GILLIG supports our clean diesel and hybrid goals,” said Trabert. “Their technology and support are essential as we move forward.”
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
Through every challenge and every innovation, the Citilink–GILLIG partnership remains strong.
“The Citilink-GILLIG partnership is rooted in shared values, mutual trust, innovation, and a commitment to providing mobility solutions that connect and empower our community,” said Claypool.
Every GILLIG bus is a lifeline, a link to life, and every GILLIG bus is a promise: a promise to show up safely and reliably, to connect people and places, and to keep Fort Wayne moving forward.