Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft have been largely viewed as a threat to public transportation agencies, stealing customers and much-needed revenue. These fears are not unfounded. An October report by the University of California, Davis Institute of Transportation Studies found that urban ride-hailing passengers decreased their use of public transit by 6%.
north central region
81 Connection 2018 Monthly Passes, Punch Cards and Tickets Available to Purchase
Salina, Kansas – Monthly passes, punch cards and tickets are now available for purchase for the new fixed route bus service from Belleville to Salina, 81 Connection, for use by passengers in January 2018.
Additional fare options are available for frequent riders. A six trip ticket strip (6 tickets worth $1.00 each) will be available for $5.00. A punch card with 24 punches worth $1.00 each can be purchased for $20.00. A monthly pass for unlimited rides during the current month can be purchased for $50.00.
Locations to purchase these options include OCCK Transportation, 340 N. Santa Fe, and OCCK, Inc., 1710 W. Schilling, both in Salina; Ottawa County Transportation at 817 Argyle, Minneapolis; and the Concordia Senior Center at 109 W. 7th, Concordia. At this time, drivers will not be able to sell these additional fare options.
The Salina locations will take cash, checks or credit and debit cards. The Minneapolis and Concordia locations will only take cash or checks.
Starting January 2, 2018, regular fares will apply. Basically one-way fares are $1.00 from town to town. A trip from Belleville to Salina will cost $4.00. Passengers will be able to pay a one time fare in cash each time they ride.
Passengers will pay the exact fare to the fare box on the bus. The driver will not make change.
A Salina CityGo bus pass is included in the Salina fare.
The 81 Connection bus service has three bi-directional trips each day, Monday through Friday. The first route starts in Belleville at 6:45 a.m., then heads south on Highway 81 to three stops in Concordia, a stop at the Highway 24/Highway 81 junction, a stop in Minneapolis and stops at 7th and Walnut and Wal-Mart in Salina and then heads back to north to the same stops. The bus runs this loop twice and finishes in Belleville around 5:40 p.m. each day.
A second bus leaves Salina at 1:00 p.m. and heads north on Highway 81 to the same stop in Minneapolis, the stop at the Highway 24/Highway 81 junction, three stops in Concordia and the stop in Belleville, before heading back to Salina with the same stops. The bus finishes in Salina around 6:00 p.m. each day.
Poles and signs have been installed at the stop locations. Riders can find stop and time information on each pole.
The 81 Connection is operated and managed by OCCK Transportation. Initial funding for the project came from the Earl Bane Foundation, who provided the 30% local match, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation, who provided the remaining 70%.
For more information about the 81 Connection and Kansas Rides, visit www.ksrides.org. For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit www.occk.com. For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit www.salinacitygo.com. Or, contact Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager (mgriffin@occk.com), or the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.
Public Transportation Fights Poverty
Access to transportation is the single most significant factor in enabling people to escape poverty. Public transportation access can have a greater impact on a person’s ability to escape poverty than:
- Crime
- Single-Parent Households
- Student Test Scores
Moving Up the Income Ladder
Longer commute times reduce the chances that low income families will be able to move up the income ladder. In areas where there is little or no public transportation, families are more likely to be stuck in the cycle of poverty with much more limited access to jobs or employment choices than people with access to a car or reliable public transportation.
Read more here: http://voicesforpublictransit.org/blog.aspx?id=08-24-2017
81 Connection to Continue Complimentary Fares Through 2017
November 16, 2017
Salina, Kansas – The new fixed route bus service from Belleville to Salina, 81 Connection, will continue complimentary fares for all riders through the end of December 2017.
“With the upcoming holiday season, we wanted to make it easier on people to get around north central Kansas,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager for the region. “By continuing our complimentary fares, we can make sure that happens. Ridership has been gradually increasing the past few months and we want to continue that trend.”
Starting January 2, 2018, regular fares will apply. Basically one-way fares are $1.00 from town to town. A trip from Belleville to Salina will cost $4.00.
Passengers will pay the exact fare to the fare box on the bus. The driver will not make change.
A Salina CityGo bus pass is included in the Salina fare.
Additional fare options are available for frequent riders. A six trip ticket strip (6 tickets worth $1.00 each) will be available for $5.00. A punch card with 24 punches worth $1.00 each can be purchased for $20.00. A monthly pass for unlimited rides during the current month can be purchased for $50.00. Locations to purchase these options will be announced at a later date.
The 81 Connection bus service has three bi-directional trips each day, Monday through Friday. The first route starts in Belleville at 6:45 a.m., then heads south on Highway 81 to three stops in Concordia, a stop at the Highway 24/Highway 81 junction, a stop in Minneapolis and stops at 7th and Walnut and Wal-Mart in Salina and then heads back to north to the same stops. The bus runs this loop twice and finishes in Belleville around 5:40 p.m. each day.
A second bus leaves Salina at 1:00 p.m. and heads north on Highway 81 to the same stop in Minneapolis, the stop at the Highway 24/Highway 81 junction, three stops in Concordia and the stop in Belleville, before heading back to Salina with the same stops. The bus finishes in Salina around 6:00 p.m. each day.
Poles and signs have been installed at the stop locations. Riders can find stop and time information on each pole.
The 81 Connection is operated and managed by OCCK Transportation. Initial funding for the project came from the Earl Bane Foundation, who provided the 30% local match, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation, who provided the remaining 70%.
For more information about the 81 Connection and Kansas Rides, visit www.ksrides.org. For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit www.occk.com. For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit www.salinacitygo.com. Or, contact Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager (mgriffin@occk.com), or the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.
Learn about Transportation Services for Salina and Saline County
The Salina area has a wide array of transportation services to meet the needs of its citizens. Everything from general public fixed route bus service, paratransit, taxi services, and more. Read more to find out what service best works for you:
https://salinacitygo.com/transportation-services-2/
OCCK Transportation Plans Ribbon Cutting for 81 Connection
For Immediate Release
September 7, 2017
Salina, Kansas – OCCK Transportation has scheduled a ribbon cutting for 81 Connection on Friday, September 15th at 11:00 a.m. at 340 N. Santa Fe, Salina.
81 Connection is the new regional fixed route bus service that runs from Belleville to Salina, three times daily, Monday through Friday. The route officially started on September 5th and has stops in Belleville, Concordia, Highway 24 Junction, Minneapolis and Salina.
Members of the Kansas Department of Transportation will be in attendance with a short speech by Catherine Patrick, State Transportation Engineer. The Salina Chamber of Commerce will facilitate the ribbon cutting.
The general public is encouraged to attend.
For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit www.occk.com. For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit www.salinacitygo.com. For more information about 81 Connection, visit www.ksrides.org, or, contact the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.
2‑1‑1 phone number makes it easier to find help or volunteer
What is United Way 2-1-1 of Kansas?
- 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities.
- United Way 2-1-1 covers the state of Kansas.
- In 2000 the FCC assigned the 2-1-1 phone number to be used only for community information and referral nationwide.
What types of services does United Way 2-1-1 help callers find?
- Resources for basic human needs: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.
- Support for older individuals and persons with disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services.
- Support for children, youth and families: child care, after-school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and
recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services. - Physical and mental health resources: Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children’s Health Insurance Program, health
clinics, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation. - Employment supports: job training, transportation assistance, education programs.
What are the hours of operation?
- Statewide service is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How does it benefit Kansans?
- Benefits to Users:
- 2-1-1 is an easy way to find help or give help.
- One call gives people access to 1000s of resources in Kansas communities.
- All 2-1-1 calls are confidential and free (cell phone calls that reach 2-1-1 may have usual cell charges).
- Benefits as a Crisis Tool:
- During and after a tornado, flood, terrorist attack or other tragedy, 2-1-1 is a ready-to use number. There is no need to wait for an information system to be set up when a crisis occurs.
- One call can connect people to needed human services during a crisis. One call also quickly connects volunteers to local needs in a local tragedy.
- Since 2-1-1 is a permanent number, people can find help whether their needs arise a week or several months after a tragedy.
- Community Benefits:
- 2-1-1 acts as a social barometer—providing statistical information on what needs callers are presenting county by county throughout the state.
- 2-1-1 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system—saving that vital community service for life and death emergencies.
- 2-1-1 strengthens the community by uniting people in the area who want to help with those who need help.
How is the service funded?
- Startup Sponsors: Kansas Health Foundation, Capitol Federal, Cessna Aircraft Company, Preferred Health Systems; In kind support: Royal Caribbean International
- General contributions to United Way
81 Connection to Start September 5th with Complimentary Fares for 90 Days
August 28, 2017
Salina, Kansas – The new fixed route bus service from Belleville to Salina, 81 Connection, will start running on Tuesday, September 5, 2017.
For the first 90 days of operation, complimentary fares will be offered for all riders.
The 81 Connection bus service will have three bi-directional trips each day, Monday through Friday. The first route will start in Belleville at 6:45 a.m., then head south on Highway 81 to three stops in Concordia, a stop at the Highway 24/Highway 81 junction, a stop in Minneapolis and stop at 7th and Walnut and Walmart in Salina and then head back to north to the same stops. This route will do this loop twice and finish in Belleville around 5:40 p.m. each day.
A second route will leave Salina at 1:00 p.m. and head north on Highway 81 to the same stop in Minneapolis, the stop at the Highway 24/Highway 81 junction, three stops in Concordia and the stop in Belleville, before heading back to Salina with the same stops. The bus will finish in Salina around 6:00 p.m. each day.
The official times are here:
| Bus Stop | SB Link 1* | SB Link 2* | SB Link 3* |
| Belleville—Casey’s | 6:45 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | 3:41 p.m. |
| Concordia—Washington & 7th | 7:10 a.m. | 1:25 p.m. | 4:06 p.m. |
| Concordia—OCCK, Inc. | 7:20 a.m. | 1:35 p.m. | 4:16 p.m. |
| Concordia—Walmart | 7:30 a.m. | 1:45 p.m. | 4:26 p.m. |
| Highway 24 Junction | 7:49 a.m. | 2:04 p.m. | 4:45 p.m. |
| Minneapolis—Casey’s | 8:16 a.m. | 2:31 p.m. | 5:12 p.m. |
| Salina—7th & Walnut | 8:49 a.m. | 3:04 p.m. | 5:45 p.m. |
| Salina—Walmart | 9:01 a.m.** | 3:16 p.m.** | 5:57 p.m. |
| Bus Stop | NB Link 1* | NB Link 2* | NB Link 3* |
| Salina—7th & Walnut | n/a | 1:00 p.m. | n/a |
| Salina—Walmart | 9:26 a.m. | 1:17 p.m. | 3:41 p.m. |
| Minneapolis—Casey’s | 9:59 a.m. | 1:50 p.m. | 4:14 p.m. |
| Highway 24 Junction | 10:26 a.m. | 2:17 p.m. | 4:41 p.m. |
| Concordia—Walmart | 10:45 a.m. | 2:36 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Concordia—OCCK, Inc. | 10:55 a.m. | 2:46 p.m. | 5:10 p.m. |
| Concordia—Washington & 7th | 11:05 a.m. | 2:56 p.m. | 5:20 p.m. |
| Belleville—Casey’s | 11:25 a.m. | 3:16 p.m.** | 5:40 p.m. |
*SB stands for Southbound. NB stands for Northbound.
**Arrival time. The bus will be emptied and secured during a 20 minute driver break.
Poles and signs have been installed at the stop locations.
The 81 Connection will be operated and managed by OCCK Transportation. Initial funding for the project came from the Earl Bane Foundation, who provide the 30% local match, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation, who provided the remaining 70%.
“We are ready to get this route started for north central Kansas,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager for the region. “We have been working really hard the last few months to get all of the necessary pieces in place to provide this service. We hope people are as excited about the opportunity as we are. We are looking forward to working with these communities to enhance transportation options.”
For more information about the 81 Connection and Kansas Rides, visit www.ksrides.org. For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit www.occk.com. For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit www.salinacitygo.com. Or, contact Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager (mgriffin@occk.com), or the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.
Ellsworth Celebrates 150 years with Big Event August 17-20, 2017
From 1867-2017, Ellsworth is a thriving community that is full of rich heritage and history. From damaging floods to Wild Bill Hickock and Indian ravages to wild west gunfights and gambling halls, Ellsworth has prospered and flourished, and is proud to be a community that not only sustains, but continues to grow.
As we celebrate 150 years, we celebrate and honor this heritage, and invite everyone to join in our celebration. We are proud to call this home, and forever know that “Abilene, the first; Dodge City, the last, but Ellsworth, the wickedest” is a phrase that represents our tenacity. From then to now, Ellsworth is a proud community with a welcoming spirit. So, please join us this August and help us celebrate!
Read more here – https://www.ellsworthcowtowndays.com/
81 Connection Fixed Route Bus Service Time Table Announced
August 8, 2017
Salina, Kansas – The bus stop times and locations for the 81 Connection fixed route service from Salina to Belleville have been announced.
The Kansas Rides 81 Connection will serve Highway 81 locations from Belleville to Salina with a tentative start date of September 5, 2017.
The 81 Connection bus service will have three bi-directional trips each day, Monday through Friday. The first route will start in Belleville at 6:45 a.m., then head south on Highway 81 to three stops in Concordia, a stop at the Highway 24/Highway 81 junction, a stop in Minneapolis and stop at 7th and Walnut and Walmart in Salina and then head back to north to the same stops. This route will do this loop twice and finish in Belleville around 5:40 p.m. each day.
A second route will leave Salina at 1:00 p.m. and head north on Highway 81 to the same stop in Minneapolis, the stop at the Highway 24/Highway 81 junction, three stops in Concordia and the stop in Belleville, before heading back to Salina with the same stops. The bus will finish in Salina around 6:00 p.m. each day.
The official times are here:
Poles and signs will be installed in the coming weeks at each of the stop locations.
The 81 Connection will be operated and managed by OCCK Transportation. Initial funding for the project came from the Earl Bane Foundation, who provide the 30% local match, as well as the Kansas Department of Transportation, who provided the remaining 70%.
“We are really excited about starting the 81 Connection and this is one more step in making that happen,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager for the region. “The goal of public transportation is to be efficient, affordable and effective. With this route, we hope to meet the needs of the citizens in north central Kansas who need to be able to travel from county to county for whatever reason.”
For more information about the 81 Connection and Kansas Rides, visit www.ksrides.org. For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit www.occk.com. For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit www.salinacitygo.com. Or, contact Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager (mgriffin@occk.com), or the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.