City, county officials discuss fixed bus routes
By KALEY LYON
The feasibility of establishing fixed public transportation routes throughout Hays and Ellis County was discussed Tuesday evening, as Ellis County Commissioners and the city of Hays Commission gathered for a joint meeting.
The two governmental bodies have established a transportation committee to look into this option, and graduate students from the University of Kansas conducted a study of how the change could affect local transportation.
Those results are in, and Ron Straight, transportation manager for Access Transportation, said the committee needs guidance on whether to proceed.
"I don't think I'm expecting an answer from the two commissions tonight," Straight said. "The big question is do you want us to continue, or do we just say, 'Here it is' and put it on the shelf?"
Access Transportation operates on a para transit system, meaning it serves individual customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
This service likely would be available even with the implementation of fixed routes, keeping in mind that not all clientele are physically able to walk to a bus stop, Straight said.
The majority of riders -- hopefully 75 percent to 80 percent -- would be transitioned to a system where they walk a short distance, about a quarter mile, to a fixed bus stop near their location, he said.
Implementing this change would not come without a price tag. Costs could be more than $100,000 higher on an annual basis, depending on what type of system is pursued.
"Basically what I'm saying is we have the study ... the recommendation of the committee the two of you have appointed," Straight said. "We want to look at a fixed-route type service ... but there is a cost."
These costs would then be split between the county and the city, which already help fund the public transportation system. Fare costs are another factor that could be taken into consideration, Straight said.
Assistant City Manager Mark Loughry, a member of the original transportation committee, said a fixed route could make public transportation more reliable for many riders.
Because the current system is on a first-come, first-served basis, it's not reliable for individuals who need regular transportation at a fixed time, such as to work every morning.
"That's where the complaint was, and they thought the fixed route would take care of that," Loughry said, referring to a public survey previously conducted.
Commissioners have been given information to review, and discussion will continue at a later date.
In other business:
* The commissioners discussed the current law enforcement center lease, and governmental funding of emergency services, including jail space, costs of housing prisoners from different jurisdictions, employees and equipment.
Both governments ran into an issue where a former prisoner attempted suicide, which resulted in a large amount of medical costs, which the city and county agreed to share following legal proceedings.
The issue of responsibility for city and county inmates is one issue the commissions hope to resolve, County Counselor Bill Jeter said.
Jeter and City Attorney John Bird are working together to revise the agreement.
* Jurisdiction regarding nuisance complaints within the 3-mile radius of Hays also was discussed. County commissioners said they often are contacted about such complaints but were unsure how to proceed.
Bird said no city ordinances except zoning apply outside of city limits, meaning the city would be responsible for enforcement if a land-use issue arises. Other sanitation issues, however, are addressed by county proceedings.
* Public safety communications also were discussed, and Loughry was appointed to the 911 task force, which is comprised of county and city officials to oversee communications.