Aug 28, 2025

OCCK wins Kansas Public Transit Association’s innovation award

Posted Aug 28, 2025 6:41 PM
Trell Grinter, OCCK Transportation Director, with Anne Smith, Chair of the KPTA Board. Courtesy of OCCK Transportation Inc.
Trell Grinter, OCCK Transportation Director, with Anne Smith, Chair of the KPTA Board. Courtesy of OCCK Transportation Inc.

OCCK Transportation Inc.

OCCK Transportation was awarded an Innovation Award from the Kansas Public Transit Association at the 2025 Annual Meeting held August 12-13, 2025, at the Kansas Public Transit Conference in Wichita.

This award recognizes the organization’s leadership and groundbreaking advancements in public transportation over the past year.

With a service area covering 14 counties—one of the largest in Kansas—OCCK continues to push the boundaries of what rural and small transit systems can achieve. This year’s recognition highlights several transformative initiatives:

  1. Launch of OCCK On-Demand MicrotransitIn November, OCCK introduced OCCK On-Demand, a flexible, curb-to-curb microtransit service offering same-day rides across a wide service area. The program quickly expanded to two drivers and extended hours due to overwhelming rider response, increasing both accessibility and convenience.
  1. Workforce Partnership with Schwan’sOCCK partnered with Schwan’s to provide free CityGo rides for employees, eliminating transportation barriers and supporting workforce development. This innovative collaboration benefits both employers and the broader community, showcasing OCCK’s people-centered approach to problem-solving.
  1. CityGo Route ChangesOCCK completed the first redesign of CityGo routes in nearly two decades, improving speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Enhancements included onboard Wi-Fi and automatic stop announcements, while the redesign process itself emphasized community input and collaboration with new partners.
  1. Implementation of TransLoc Fixed Route SoftwareOCCK introduced TransLoc, a modern fixed-route software system, improving scheduling, real-time tracking, and overall system management. Riders will have easier access to live route and arrival information, improving reliability and satisfaction.

“OCCK Transportation continues to set the standard for rural and small urban transit systems,” said Michelle Coats, Regional Mobility Manager for North Central Kansas, who nominated OCCK for the award. “Their ability to innovate, form strong partnerships, and prioritize rider experience makes them a model for other agencies across the state.”

For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit www.occk.com. 

For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit www.salinacitygo.com. Or, contact the OCCK Transportation Center at (785) 826-1583. 

For more information about Kansas Mobility Management , visit www.ksrides.org. 

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