By next year, Lyon County could see L-CAT service countywide, as an expansion of L-CAT’s Park and Ride program is underway.
The L-CAT transportation service recently piloted a Park and Ride program that picks up Olpe residents in the morning and takes them back after 5 p.m., saving those residents gas money. Ken Barrows, L-CAT manager, said L-CAT is looking into expanding into Hartford and Neosho Rapids in the future. Recently he met with the Hartford City Council in that area and received a positive response. This week, Barrows was contacted by people in Neosho Rapids interested in having the L-CAT come there. Barrows said he is seeing interest in North Lyon County as well.
“I can see us by next year being countywide getting people to work,” Barrows said, adding that noon runs could be added next year to get people in town for doctor appointments and shopping. “By next year we’ll be fully county-wide as long as funding is there. Right now funding is looking good.”
Barrows said the Olpe run has been successful and more people were added this week.
“We had over 120 rides from Olpe last month,” Barrows said.
Inside Emporia, ridership is going through the roof, Barrows said.
“Just in our para-transit rides we have 100-120 a day and that is growing fast,” Barrows said, adding that para-transit is curb to curb service to the disabled or the elderly. “It’s grown by leaps and bounds in the last two months.”
General ridership in Emporia has grown to 75-90 rides a day on the two route buses.
Prices to ride the L-CAT are $49 monthly for a family pass and $35 for individuals, which includes unlimited ridership anywhere in Emporia.
madpoet (anonymous) says...
That is wonderful! It saves people gas money and wear and tear on their cars. Plus it helps the environment by having fewer vehicles on the road. Good work L-CAT.
September 26, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )