Submitted
OCCK Transportation is excited to announce a significant development for 81 Connection, the regional fixed-route bus service for North Central Kansas, as part of an ongoing pilot program.
Starting March 3, 2025, 81 Connection will become fare-free, offering all rides at no cost to passengers for the next three months, ending May 30, 2025. This initiative is a partnership between OCCK Transportation and the North Central Regional Planning Commission. The program aims to increase transportation accessibility for all North Central Kansas residents and improve community health and mobility.
"The decision to make 81 Connection fare-free during this pilot project is a game-changer for residents," said Trell Grinter, Director of Transportation for OCCK, Inc. "This is a significant step toward creating a more equitable and connected North Central Kansas."
The fare-free pilot program is designed to remove financial barriers to transportation, helping residents throughout North Central Kansas easily access essential services. This initiative supports the region’s overall health and economic development by making it easier for individuals and families to get where they need to go, whether that’s medical or mental health appointments, nutrition sites, job interviews, seniors’ or veterans’ services, or school.
The North Central Regional Planning Commission has been instrumental in bringing this project to life, recognizing the vital role that transportation plays in improving overall health outcomes and fostering regional development.
81 Connection operates three fixed routes each day, Monday – Friday. Routes can be found online at salinacitygo.com, or through Google maps, Apple maps, and the Transit app on either Android or Apple devices. OCCK Transportation will collect data during this pilot to evaluate its success and consider extending programs beyond the initial period.
This work is made possible by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT’s) Thriving Communities Program. The North Central Regional Planning Commission was selected to participate in this two-year program to receive technical assistance to identify, develop, and deliver transportation projects that strengthen communities.
Through the Thriving Communities Program, the North Central Regional Planning Commission was matched with the national nonprofit Main Street America, which is providing technical assistance to build capacity and implement transformative transportation projects in 20 rural and Tribal communities.