ELKHART — Monday was the first day of a new transportation program between St. Joseph and Elkhart counties.

The Michiana Council of Governments (MACOG) helped set up a new bus route that connects cities in both counties. It's called the Interurban Trolley, and it's a brand new link between Goshen, Elkhart and Mishawaka.

Kim Hanes and her family, of Goshen, made the maiden voyage Monday.

“There are a lot of possibilities, to be able to travel over to the Mishawaka/South Bend area, for shopping and also for work experience and possibly some school experience for my son,” she told WSBT News.

Expanding the bus route allows people in both counties to inexpensively see and learn about what the neighboring county has to offer.

“They’re really excited,” said trolley driver Diane Lopez. “They’ll really be excited to get to Mishawaka for one thing, not only [to] be able to work, but to be able to visit family, go to the mall, go to South Bend [Regional] Airport, even to South Bend Memorial Hospital.”

“We definitely like to shop in St. Joe County, we like to go to the mall area,” Hanes said. “We're looking forward to the library over at Notre Dame and different parks around the area, so it’s exciting.”

Carol Casillaf of Elkhart took the bus to visit some family members in St. Joseph County.

“It’s a lot easier — it saves a lot of people from walking,” she said.

Elkhart County officials are also expecting to cash in on new visitors from St. Joseph County as well. With all of the businesses and tourist attractions in Elkhart and Goshen, many people may now be able to see them for the very first time.

It will cost you $1 to ride one way on the Interurban Trolley. After this week, it will be an additional 75 cents to transfer to a TRANSPO bus at the Martin's Super Market on Bittersweet in St. Joseph County. Children under 5 can ride for free with an adult. The service will run Monday through Saturday, except for holidays.