Tribal transit launches Kenai–Sterling service; operators say federal grants and formula funding support expansion
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Summary
Brandy Bell told the council that a tribal transit service began operations Dec. 2 between Nikiski and Sterling with one combined route at launch, Gillig buses, ADA access, FTA grant funding and fare structure of $5 single ride/$10 day/$100 monthly; operators plan route expansion, stops coordination with the city and paratransit connections.
Brandy Bell, the transit program manager for the tribal operator, reported to the Kenai City Council on Dec. 3 that the service launched the previous day with a single combined route between Nikiski and Sterling and stops in central Kenai.
Bell said the fleet includes four 37‑foot Gillig buses (34 seated, up to 52 capacity), ADA ramps, bike racks and bike capacity on front mounts; initial service hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Friday. Funding for two initial routes came from Federal Transit Administration grants, and the operator expects continued formula FTA funding based on annual ridership and miles. Current fares are $5 single ride, $10 day pass and $100 monthly; half‑price discounts apply to youth (5–17), Medicare cardholders, veterans and seniors (55+); a paratransit shuttle service will serve those within three‑quarters of a mile of a fixed stop.
Bell said first‑day ridership was small (three riders on day one, more on day two) but the operator had already received maintenance calls for suggested stops and will pursue memoranda of agreement with businesses and property owners to establish specific stop locations. Council members asked about potential stops at large retailers, parking availability at stops, coordination with taxi/shuttle providers, and airport access constraints for the larger buses; Bell said she would pursue conversations with property owners and coordinate with the city manager for formal discussions about stops in Kenai.
Council members commended the service’s affordability and accessibility; the operator emphasized the service is open to the whole community, not only tribal members.
