regional

7 Fantastic Ways Efficient Transit Providers Benefit Community & Environment

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Understanding the importance of how efficient transit providers benefit the community and the environment is crucial to a successful operation. Efficiency conserves fuel, saves money and helps the environment. Efficiency also gets passengers where they need to go faster and with added ease. The benefits are almost too numerous to count.

Read more here:  https://www.ecolane.com/blog/how-efficient-transit-providers-benefit-the-community-and-environment

Kansas Rides Website Provides Statewide Information About Public Transportation

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There’s a new website in town.  Kansas Rides, which can be found online at www.ksrides.org, was created to support the efforts of public transportation agencies across the state to provide more information to current and prospective customers about service options.

Transit services across rural Kansas are provided by a multitude of local providers.  It is necessary to have a unifying theme or identity for all public transit services to increase coordination and public awareness.  Kansas Rides was developed as just that.  Transportation resources representing about 80 counties are listed on the website.  Counties will continue to be added as information becomes available.

“We’re very pleased with the new website and trust the public will be to,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager for north central Kansas. “We hope it provides users with a positive and informative channel through which they can learn more about public transit in Kansas and how we can help them improve their public transportation experience.

The idea behind this new resource is to provide a one-stop shop for people needing to know about public transportation services in their area.  On the website, you can do the following:

  • Get help finding a ride – organized by county
  • Sign up for news and updates
  • Learn about regional transportation options
  • Find social media links
  • Learn about possible employment opportunities
  • Meet regional Mobility Managers

This website does not take the place of local transportation websites, but just adds to the information that can be accessed by people across the state.

Research Report – Aging in Place in Small Urban and Rural Communities

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A new study published by SURTC investigated the current state of aging in place in small urban and rural settings throughout the country and quantified the costs for residents to live at home and ride public transportation versus moving to an assisted living facility. Overall, simulation results showed that the cost of assisted living was almost always higher compared to other alternatives. Homeowners without mortgages had the lowest costs followed by apartment dwellers and homeowners with mortgages. Policy makers should consider the potential cost savings from aging in place found in this study. Seniors and their families can potentially save thousands of dollars annually by remaining at home and utilizing home health and public transportation services.

The full report and executive summary can be found at the link below:

Aging in Place in Small Urban and Rural Communities

For more details, contact Del Peterson at Del.Peterson@ndsu.edu.

81 Connection 2018 Monthly Passes, Punch Cards and Tickets Available to Purchase

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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.

Quiz: How Millennial Are Your Transportation Habits?

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The millennial generation, which is the largest and most diverse generation in history, is leaving a lasting impact on our current and future transportation network. Find out how your local transportation habits stack up with the current and future trends in transportation.

Take the Quiz here:  http://www.publictransportation.org/news/millenial-quiz/index.html

Public Transportation Drives Growth

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It’s a proven fact: investment in our transportation infrastructure, particularly public transportation, drives growth. It attracts development and increased property values along its corridors. It connects restaurants to diners, landlords to renters, families to local stores and employers to employees. Robust investment in public transportation yields results.

  • Increases economic growth.
    • Public Transportation has a positive economic impact on communities.
    • For every $1 communities invest in public transportation approximately $4 is generated in economic returns.
    • For every $10m in operating investment in public transportation yields $32m in increased business sales.
    • Residential property value performs 42 percent better on average if they are located near public transportation with high-frequency service.
  • Creates sustainable jobs.
    • 1 m jobs are created or sustained per year because of public transportation.
  • Public transportation saves fuel and reduces congestion.
    • Access to bus and rail lines reduces driving by 4,400 miles per household annually.
    • Americans living in areas served by public transportation save 865 million hours in travel time and 450 million gallons of fuel annually in congestion reduction alone.
    • Without public transportation, congestion costs would have been an additional $21 billion.
  • Increases access to health care, social services and recreational venues that all generate local revenue.
    • Public transportation provides personal mobility and freedom for people from every walk of life.
    • Access to public transportation gives people transportation options to get to work, go to school, visit friends, or go to a doctor’s office.
    • Public transportation provides access to job opportunities for millions of Americans.
  • Saves Money
    • The average household spends 17.5 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 94% of this goes to buying, maintaining, and operating cars, the largest expenditure after housing.
    • A household can save more than $10,100 by taking public transportation and living with one less car.

OCCK Transportation Plans Ribbon Cutting for 81 Connection

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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

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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

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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

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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/