Access Public Transportation reports ridership, funding cuts and sharply higher bus costs

Blake Cruz, transportation manager for Access Public Transportation in Hays, briefed the County Commission on the system's ridership and funding on Jan. 21.

Cruz said Access provided more than 15,000 rides since July 1 and delivered over 1,100 Ellis County rides in the prior six months. He said county rides continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays but overall ridership is lower than in previous years.

Cruz told commissioners KDOT reduced operational administrative funds by more than $70,000 for the current year, which required service adjustments. Access shortened operating hours to avoid running a deficit and reduced weekend coverage because demand on Saturdays and Sunday evenings was especially low.

He said two new buses ordered in fiscal year 2023 remain delayed because of chassis availability, and that vehicle costs have risen dramatically: a new paratransit bus that cost about $90,000 several years ago now approaches $190,000. Cruz explained local funding is used as a match to draw down federal funds distributed through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to KDOT and then to local agencies; typical local match is roughly 20 percent of the state allocation.

Cruz said he sits on the Kansas Public Transportation Association board and noted that 27 agencies across Kansas had to suspend operations in the prior fiscal year because of funding shortages. He said Access has asked for additional local support from the city through the care council and would use any additional county funding to request more state/federal funds for operations or fleet replacement.

Commissioners thanked Cruz for the update and noted the rising cost pressures on nonprofit transit providers.