regional

Capitol Graphic logo

Transit Day at the Topeka Capitol

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  • All Kansans -Republican and Democrat, rural, suburban and urban, public transportation user and not – benefit from public transportation.
  • Strong public transportation makes our economy grow and makes Kansas more livable.
  • Public transportation is an integral element of the nation’s and Kansas’ transportation system providing over 10 million trips annually in Kansas for Kansans who depend on public transportation to work, school and medical appointments.
  • Nearly 70 percent of voters polled in the presidential election support investment to repair and improve public transportation.
  • Public transportation helps our communities prosper. For every $1 invested in public transportation, communities get $4 back in economic returns.
  • Public transportation benefits us all, regardless of whether we use it or not. It makes our communities safer, better connected and stronger economically. From shorter commute times to greater business connectivity, public transportation improves the way our communities work.
  • Residential property values perform 42% better on average if they are located near public transportation with high-frequency service.
  • 87% of public transit trips impact the economy by getting people to work and connecting them to local businesses.
Learn more about public transportation here.
highway, blue sky

I need a ride. . . what do I do?

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Our region has a great system of public transportation that covers all eight counties.

If you find yourself needing a ride, or you know of someone that might need a ride, check out this site:  https://ksrides.org/i-need-a-ride/

Here you will find the transportation providers that operate in each county.  You can find hours, fares and contact information.

Use public transportation to get where you need to go!

May the road rise to greet you

On the road again . . .

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Do you ever wonder who takes care of the roads in Kansas.  It’s KDOT, the Kansas Department of Transportation.

They have the state divided into six Districts.  Our eight county region falls within District 2.

This District is responsible for construction and maintenance activities for 16 counties in North Central Kansas.   These responsibilities include providing snow and ice removal on the 4,345 miles of state highways that are housed in this district.

Read more about what is happening with roads in our North Central Kansas district here:  http://www.ksdot.org/divoperat/district2.asp

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Ten Reasons to Use Public Transportation In Kansas

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  1.  Public Transportation enhances personal opportunities.  It provides personal mobility and freedom and allows people to get to work, school, visit friends and more.
  2. Public transportation saves fuel and reduces congestion.  Less cars on the road means less fuel that is purchased and less time looking for a parking spot.
  3. Public transportation provides economic opportunities and drives community growth and revitalization.  Every $1 invested in public transportation generates at least $4 in economic returns.  Good news for rural Kansas!
  4. Public transportation saves money.  Using public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices, car payments and insurance.  It’s an easy alternative to driving!
  5. Public transportation reduces gasoline consumption.  Households near public transit drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles than households with no access to public transit.  Less trips to the gas station!
  6. Public transportation reduces carbon footprint.  A single commuter switching to public transportation can reduce a household’s carbon emissions by 10%.  Just think what would happen if we all did that?  An easy way to go green.
  7. The weather always changes in Kansas – let someone else deal with road conditions.
  8. You can legally read a book or text on your phone while riding!
  9. Riding a bus is way less stressful than driving in traffic!
  10. Everyone loves to make new friends!

For more public transportation facts, see the Public Transportation Fact Book.

white bus, for sale, holyrood

Local agencies offer used vehicles for sale

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There are some vehicles available for sale from OCCK and the City of Holyrood. Please share with anyone you know that is looking for a bus!

The OCCK vehicles are listed on the Purple Wave Auction site – the auctions end January 10th:

2010 Ford Econoline shuttle bus – https://www.purplewave.com/auction/170110/item/J5713

2007 Ford Econoline shuttle bus – https://www.purplewave.com/auction/170110/item/J5722

2002 Ford Econoline shuttle bus – https://www.purplewave.com/auction/170110/item/J5721

Contact the City of Holyrood about their bus.

Local Agencies are Working Together

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Local Agencies are working together to ensure that the transportation needs of north central Kansas residents are being met. This transportation coordination effort falls under the umbrella of the KDOT Regional Transit Business Model Implementation project and is a partnership of transportation stakeholders who recognize that in order to meet the transportation need in north central Kansas everyone needs to work together.

The district meets quarterly and its membership includes representatives from: OCCK, Inc., Central Kansas Mental Health Center, the City of Holyrood, the City of Wilson, the Concordia Senior Citizens Center, Ellsworth County Council on Aging, Lincoln County Public Transportation, Ottawa County Transportation, Pawnee Mental Health Services, Republic County Transportation, and Solomon Valley Transportation.

Leadership for the district is provided by Mobility Manager, Michelle Griffin, who says “It is so imperative that we work together to use our finite resources efficiently so that we can help the maximum number of people. By working together everyone can benefit, most importantly, the people we are trying to serve.  Transit is not just a social service, transit is also an economic develop initiative, an economic development asset that benefits rural areas.”

The primary goals of the district are to improve the efficiency and availability of rural transit service throughout the region, making transit more accessible and more useful to the region’s rural residents.

Contact us for more information.