Which car services are available in Normal, IL? How good are they compared to taxis and relative to each other?

In Normal, IL, and the surrounding Bloomington area, there are several car services and transportation options available. Here’s a breakdown of what is available and some comparisons:

Auto Repair and Maintenance Services

For car repairs and maintenance, there are two notable services:

• Twin City Garage: Specializes in full-service auto repair, including brakes, oil changes, transmissions, engine repair, new and used tires, alignments, diagnostic testing, and more. They serve Normal, Bloomington, and surrounding areas1.
• Baird's Auto and Tire: Offers full auto services, including front-end services to engine repairs on most makes and models. They provide competitive pricing, friendly service, and additional amenities like free Wi-Fi, after-hours drop-off, and a waiting room4.

Car Rental Services

Several car rental companies operate at the Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA), which is convenient for those in Normal:

• Avis Rent-A-Car
• Budget Car Rental
• Enterprise
• Hertz Rent-A-Car2.

Transportation and Shuttle Services

For getting around, the following services are available:

• Connect Transit: A public transportation system serving the Bloomington-Normal area2.
• Bloomington Normal Shuttle: Operates from CIRA and can be used for local transportation5.
• BN Limousine and Shuttle Service: Offers limousine and shuttle services2.
• Central Illinois Limo Service, LLC: Provides limousine services2.

Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services

For taxi and ride-sharing, the options include:

• Checker Cab & Shuttle
• Red Top Cab
• Uber
• Lyft: It is recommended to preschedule rides, especially for late-arriving flights5.

Comparison

Auto Repair Services

Both Twin City Garage and Baird's Auto and Tire are highly regarded for their comprehensive auto repair services. They offer similar services, but Baird's Auto and Tire is noted for working with extended car warranty providers and offering financing options, which might be an advantage for some customers14.

Transportation Services

• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis like Checker Cab and Red Top Cab, along with ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft, provide convenient door-to-door service. However, ride-sharing services may offer more flexibility and often better pricing compared to traditional taxis.
• Shuttle Services: The Bloomington Normal Shuttle and other limousine services are useful for group travel or those needing a more luxurious experience.
• Public Transportation: Connect Transit is a more affordable option for those who do not need door-to-door service.

In summary, the quality of these services is generally good, with each catering to different needs:

• Auto repair services are reliable and comprehensive.
• Car rental services offer a range of options for those needing vehicles.
• Transportation services, including taxis, ride-sharing, and shuttles, provide various levels of convenience and luxury.
• Public transportation is available for a more budget-friendly option.