Free rides on public transportation in Salina and Central Kansas area being extended.

According to OCCK Transportation, they will continue free fares for all public transit services, including CityGo, 81 Connection, Paratransit, City of Abilene and KanConnect through the end of January 2021.

“With increasing positive COVID cases in our area, we are looking for additional ways of keeping our passengers and drivers safe,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager.  “By eliminating the contact needed to charge fares and sell passes for one additional month, we are hoping to limit the spread of the virus.  This also give us time to look for more permanent safety and fare management features.”

Counties served include:  Saline, Ottawa, Cloud, Republic, Jewell, Mitchell, Lincoln, Ellsworth, Osborne, Smith, McPherson, Marion, Dickinson, Clay.

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, City of Abilene public transportation and the newest program, KanConnect.