Might as well stick this here.
Illinois has a subsidized, free to low cost rural bus service called the Show Bus. The subsidies come from a mix of public and private grants.
Given the culture of rural areas; it's very much a niche market, but it does fill a limited need.
The biggest problem they have, right now, is finding drivers. Most of the current ones have been there for years. The typical driver is a white male, age 70+, already collecting retirement checks, just driving a bus for pocket change and something to do.
It's hard to find young people who are interested, can pass a background check, and will show up.