Elko County transit reports ridership and on‑time performance; schools to receive electric buses next year

Kayla Hopkins, representing Elko County Transit, reported 6,534 total trips last quarter with on‑time performance near 79 percent under a 20‑minute policy window. Hopkins provided a passenger demographic breakdown: 3,443 trips for disabled riders and 3,086 for nondisabled riders; wheelchair users numbered 562 and passengers using walkers numbered 468. She said revenue miles and hours are steady and that a new routing software purchase will be implemented in 3–6 months to improve efficiency and offer app‑based passenger scheduling.

Misty Hoarder, who runs the Elko school bus yard, said the district expects electric buses next school year and that grants have funded those vehicles. "Electric busing will be here next school year," Hoarder said, and she invited coordination with RTC and NDOT on bus‑stop placement and related grant opportunities.

Transit staff said they are fully staffed as of March and expect service and revenue‑mile increases due to restored routes. Hopkins also described community outreach including a radio show to discuss transportation issues and said the agency is exploring partnerships to maintain local Medicaid transport options.