Concordia, Kansas – OCCK Transportation is excited to announce two significant developments for GoConcordia, the city’s local public transportation service, as part of a seven month pilot program.
Starting November 4, 2024, GoConcordia will expand its service area to cover the entire Cloud County region and will launch a fare-free pilot program, offering all rides at no cost to passengers for the next seven months. This initiative is a partnership between OCCK Transportation, the North Central Regional Planning Commission, and the Salina Regional Health Foundation. The program aims to increase accessibility to transportation for all Concordia and Cloud County residents and improve community health and mobility.
The expansion of GoConcordia’s service area to include all of Cloud County means residents in rural areas will now have increased access to reliable transportation. This extension aims to connect more people to vital services, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
“By expanding our reach to serve the entire county, we are addressing a critical need for more accessible transportation in rural areas,” said Trell Grinter, Director of OCCK Transportation. “We are excited to see how both the expansion and the fare-free pilot will positively impact Cloud County.”
The fare-free pilot program is designed to remove financial barriers to transportation, helping residents throughout Cloud County easily access essential services. This initiative supports the community’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 and the Salina Regional Health Foundation have been instrumental in bringing this project to life, recognizing the vital role that transportation plays in improving overall health outcomes and fostering regional development.
GoConcordia’s expanded service area will continue to operate on-demand, meaning rides will need to be scheduled in advance. Service hours will remain the same, with enhanced availability for rural residents throughout the county. OCCK Transportation will collect data during the pilot to evaluate its success and consider extending these programs beyond the initial period.
For more information about the GoConcordia fare-free and expanded service area pilot program, or to schedule a ride, visit www.salinacitygo.com to use the online Schedule Form or contact OCCK Transportation at 855-KSRIDES (855-577-4337).
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.
OCCK, Inc. provides services in north central Kansas to anyone with any type of long or short-term disability, starting as early as birth and following people through their whole lives. OCCK provides an array of supports for success at home and in the community, including independent living skills and supports, employment and career training, Alzheimer’s supports, autism services, assistive technology, children’s services, transportation, specialized therapies, and home health care.
OCCK is committed to providing transportation services to the general public, seniors, and persons with disabilities, through a variety of programs, including a fixed route service in Salina, CityGo, a regional paratransit service that serves fourteen counties, non emergency medical transportation for people with Medicaid, as well as non emergency medical transportation for clients of Salina Regional Health Center, a regional fixed route service, 81 Connection, KANcycle – the regional bike sharing program, GoAbilene public transportation, GoConcordia public transportation, and the newest program, KanConnect.
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.
About the North Central Regional Planning Commission
The North Central Regional Planning Commission serves 12 counties in North Central Kansas, focusing on community development, economic planning, and regional collaboration to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
About the Salina Regional Health Foundation
The Salina Regional Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the residents in Salina and the surrounding region by supporting healthcare initiatives, providing grants, and partnering with local organizations to promote community wellness.