News Release
Alliance – Nebraska Public Transit Week is a celebration and promotion of public transit services across Nebraska organized by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Nebraska Safety Center, and University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research in cooperation with Nebraska’s public transit providers.
Nebraska’s public transit proved its essential nature in 2022 with over 4 million passenger boardings as transit providers drove nearly 10 million miles to get Nebraskans to their destinations safely. Public transit options, in both rural and urban communities, are vital to those who do not own or cannot use a personal vehicle. For many in the Nebraska Panhandle region, public transit provides a connection to intercity bus and regional airports, medical care, education, jobs, and mobility in their day-to-day lives.
During Nebraska Public Transit Week, Open Plains Transit (OPT) is celebrating their commitment to rural transportation services. OPT will be hosting an Open House and Ribbon Cutting in celebration of their official rebranding to the new Open Plains Transit, formerly Panhandle Trails Intercity Public Transit. Jonnie Kusek, OPT Director of Transportation, states “it is important to be inclusive of all people and all communities in our service area. We have outgrown services provided just within the Nebraska Panhandle region.” OPT provides accessible intercity bus services to 15 western Nebraska counties, Pine Ridge, SD and demand response services in soon to be over fifty communities. There are plans to implement regularly scheduled bus services to Rapid City, SD by July 1st. OPT services extend to the most remote rural areas of Box Butte and Sheridan Counties, with plans to extend this type of county-wide service in Cherry County, also. Advanced paid reservations are required and a minimum of three days request is recommended, as availability fills up quite quickly. For more information and reservations, call 308-761-8747, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Open House celebration is April 13, 2023 from 3-6 p.m. at their operations base located at 323 Flack Ave., Alliance, NE. Presentations from the NDOT Mobility Management Team, Olsson & Associates, regional transportation associates and healthcare representatives will begin at 4:00 p.m. with the ribbon cutting to follow. The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback via completed surveys, which will enter them into a prize drawing.
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Nebraska Public Transit is working together to promote and support safe, affordable, and efficient public transit for the 5.1% of households in Nebraska with no access to a vehicle.
In 2022 Nebraskans traveled nearly 10 million miles via public transit to access critical services like medical care, education, employment, and more.
Governor Pillen has proclaimed April 9-15, 2023, as Nebraska Public Transit Week and agencies near you plan to celebrate the great service they provide. Visit nebraskatransit.com
To learn more about these celebrations and to find transit options near you. Brought to you by the Nebraska Public Transit Team and the Nebraska Department of Transportation.