Concerns about cost to senior riders and control of local transportation services were discussed at length Tuesday morning as Allen County commissioners weighed the future of the federally funded 5310 program.
The conversation centered on whether Allen County will retain control of the program or if Allen Regional Transit (ART), a nonprofit organization, will assume those services if selected by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). Federal guidelines make that outcome more likely when a qualified nonprofit is available.
ART President Jeff Keithly explained the organization has applied for 5310 funding annually but has never been able to utilize it due to not having a designated vehicle.
The grant would provide both a vehicle and about $10,000 in operating funds.
While the amount is relatively small, Keithly said it still carries value for the growing organization.
ART currently operates under a 5311 grant, which serves the general public, while 5310 funding is restricted to riders that already makes up much of ART’s ridership.
STILL, commissioners’ concerns centered less on eligibility and more on cost to local residents. Allen County currently offers transportation services free of charge, while ART relies on a fare-based system, charging $3 per destination in town and $5 for outlying areas.
Commission Chair David Lee made it clear that shifting to a paid model is not something he supports, saying, “I am not interested in putting our seniors in a position where it’s going to cost them more money than what it is now.”
Commissioner Jerry Daniels shared that concern, pointing out that federal grants are funded by taxpayers.
“We all pay for that. Grants are not free,” he said, noting that adding fares could mean seniors are paying for the service both through taxes and out-of-pocket.
Keithly said ART does what it can to ease that burden, including using additional grants to help cover rides for individuals who cannot afford them, particularly for essential trips like medical appointments.
Keithly described pursuing the grant as a practical decision tied to ART’s long-term sustainability. “It’s a business decision that is beneficial for us,” he said.
That reasoning drew pushback from Lee, who questioned whether the focus should remain on what best serves county residents.
“Are we looking at the betterment of the county? Or are we looking at the betterment of ART?” he asked.
DESPITE THE debate, Daniels noted the decision ultimately rests with KDOT.
If ART is awarded the 5310 funds, the vehicle would go to the nonprofit and Allen County would no longer be part of the state’s public transportation program.
