The public had an opportunity provide feedback Wednesday in Junction City on the service provided by ATA Bus, the public transit company. Similar meetings have been held in Manhattan and Ogden.
One suggestion called for better stops. For example there is no place to sit at a stop in the Wheatland area of Junction City and it is located on an upgrade. Others are located on streets with no place to sit. Many people do not know how to find and schedule a bus ride.
One strength cited was the free ATA Bus service for USD 475 students ages 11 and up. ATA Bus has a contract with Geary USD 475.
The entire bus system will offer free rides Nov. 4-9.
ATA Bus offers both fixed route and on-demand service to residents.
Daphne McNelly, Marketing and Communications Specialist, noted that in the Manhattan area the people want to increased hours of service into the evening and the increased frequency of bus service. She said in Junction City there is interest in increased frequency and hours but officials do need to start looking at the Spring Valley area where many people want more service.
There is also some more interest in routes going east to toward Saint George and Wamego. She added that a large percentage of riders on the Manhattan system are K-Stater's in the area.
There is a survey under way to get input so the data can be evaluated and proposed ideas determined for public consideration. The survey is online at the ATA Bus study page at fhata.org\study where there is a link to take the survey.