Regional transit operator urges Geary County to restore local match as K18 pilot ridership soars

An Adabus executive and the Flint Hills MPO representative told the commission that local matching funds are now the agency’s principal constraint even as ridership climbs. The transit presenter said the system saw a 26% increase in ridership overall and a 113% jump on the K18 Connect pilot that launched in January 2026.

The presenters explained how federal funding streams interact: 5307 (urban) funding gives more latitude for spending inside the urbanized area, while 5311 (rural) funds routed through the Kansas Department of Transportation carry stricter restrictions on capital and non‑vehicle spending. The transit presenter said KDOT rules limit use of 5311 dollars to vehicles (not shelters or benches), leaving local partners to fill gaps in bus‑stop accessibility.

Speakers said service losses and earlier local funding cuts forced the operator to return nearly $300,000 to KDOT over two fiscal years because the agency could not provide the local match. The presenter also told commissioners the agency lost USD 71,528 in student‑fare support from USD 475 and urged the county to consider restoring prior support so the K18 pilot and other services can be sustained.

Flint Hills MPO staff asked Geary County to approve a modest MPO local match request (see MPO presentation) and emphasized the economic return of transit investment: the presenter noted a commonly cited $1 invested → $5 economic input multiplier for transit projects. Commissioners discussed constraints and asked for follow‑up on student‑ridership impacts and how the county might more flexibly use non‑federal dollars to improve stops and shelters.