Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local transit program warns of funding gap; commissioners urged to form task force
Summary
Developmental Services NWK and Access public transportation staff told the commission the program faces a projected $240,000 shortfall for 2027, is reducing Sunday service (affecting 84 riders), and recommended a joint city/county task force to identify sustainable funding and operating arrangements.
Representatives of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas described a growing funding gap for Access public transportation and urged a coordinated solution. DSNWK staff said reserves will carry operations through the current month but projected a 2027 shortfall of roughly $240,000 if no new local support or structural changes occur.
DSNWK detailed 2025 ridership of 25,758 rides and about 9,600 rides so far through April 2026. The presenter noted that reducing Sunday service would affect about 84 riders each Sunday after July 1 as one cost‑saving step. He said many rides are for work (about 40%), medical appointments (about 10%), and shopping or errands.
"That service is a public infrastructure service," DSNWK said, and recommended forming a task force with city and county representatives to define a sustainable funding model and finalize a KDOT grant submission due in November. The presenters discussed fleet choices (cutaway buses versus minivans), maintenance costs (for example, lift replacement can cost thousands), and KDOT match rules that make vehicle procurement and rates complicated.
Commissioners described the topic as urgent and agreed a task force, convening sooner rather than later, would be appropriate. DSNWK said local match levels and legislative funding dynamics mean the county's share will need careful planning ahead of the KDOT grant timeline.
