Jefferson Lines Expands Commitment to Midwest Communities with New Service in Illinois and Iowa
Company assumes former Burlington Trailways routes, ensuring uninterrupted service across Illinois and Iowa communities
Jefferson Lines, one of the Midwest’s oldest and most trusted intercity bus operators, announced that it will assume and continue to operate key routes in Illinois and Iowa that Burlington Trailways previously served. Beginning September 28, 2025, the company will ensure uninterrupted service to dozens of communities across both states, further strengthening its mission of connecting people and places throughout the region.
In Illinois, Jefferson Lines will maintain critical links to Bloomington, Champaign, Danville, Galesburg, Moline, Normal, Peoria, and Quincy. Many of these routes also provide direct connections to Amtrak, expanding passenger access to the national rail system and creating more integrated travel opportunities. Similarly, in Iowa, the company will serve Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Fort Madison, Iowa City, Keokuk, Marshalltown, Monroe, Mt. Pleasant, Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, and Walcott.
The transition emphasizes continuity for riders. Jefferson Lines is working to preserve existing schedules and stop locations, minimizing disruption for regular travelers while introducing the company’s hallmark conveniences. Passengers can expect seamless booking through Jefferson Lines’ customer accounts, rebooking flexibility, and the added benefit of a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a real-time bus tracker, and a dedicated Customer Care team further enhance the travel experience.
Kevin Pursey, Director of Operations at Jefferson Lines, highlighted the company’s focus on reliability during the transition. “Jefferson Lines has prioritized a smooth transition with no disruption in service,” he said of the Illinois expansion. Speaking about Iowa, he reaffirmed that “Jefferson Lines recognizes the importance of these routes for connecting Iowa communities and is committed to their continued operation.”
With more than a century of experience dating back to 1919, Jefferson Lines now operates across a 17-state network, connecting over 2,000 destinations nationwide. By assuming these key routes in Illinois and Iowa, the company not only fills a critical transportation gap left by Burlington Trailways but also underscores its ongoing role as a backbone of affordable, reliable mobility in the Midwest.
Tickets for the new routes are already available, ensuring that travelers in Illinois and Iowa can continue planning their journeys without interruption. For communities large and small, the announcement ensures that safe and dependable intercity bus service remains an accessible part of the region’s transportation fabric.
