The Salina area public transportation provider has been honored with an award. OCCK Transportation was awarded an Innovation Award from the Kansas Public Transit Association at the 2025 Annual Meeting held August 12-13, 2025. The award recognized the organization’s leadership and groundbreaking advancements in public transportation over the past year.
According to the organization, with a service area covering 14 counties, one of the largest in Kansas, OCCK continues to push the boundaries of what rural and small transit systems can achieve. This year’s recognition highlights several transformative initiatives:
- Launch of OCCK On-Demand Microtransit
In November, OCCK introduced OCCK On-Demand, a flexible, curb-to-curb microtransit service offering same-day rides across a wide service area. The program quickly expanded to two drivers and extended hours due to overwhelming rider response, increasing both accessibility and convenience. - Workforce Partnership with Schwan’s
OCCK partnered with Schwan’s to provide free CityGo rides for employees, eliminating transportation barriers and supporting workforce development. This innovative collaboration benefits both employers and the broader community, showcasing OCCK’s people-centered approach to problem-solving. - CityGo Route Changes
OCCK completed the first redesign of CityGo routes in nearly two decades, improving speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Enhancements included onboard Wi-Fi and automatic stop announcements, while the redesign process itself emphasized community input and collaboration with new partners. - Implementation of TransLoc Fixed Route Software
OCCK introduced TransLoc, a modern fixed-route software system, improving scheduling, real-time tracking, and overall system management. Riders will have easier access to live route and arrival information, improving reliability and satisfaction.
“OCCK Transportation continues to set the standard for rural and small urban transit systems,” said Michelle Coats, Regional Mobility Manager for North Central Kansas, who nominated OCCK for the award. “Their ability to innovate, form strong partnerships, and prioritize rider experience makes them a model for other agencies across the state.”
OCCK provides services in north central Kansas to anyone with any type of long or short-term disability, starting as early as birth and following people through their whole lives. OCCK provides an array of supports for success at home and in the community, including independent living skills and supports, employment and career training, Alzheimer’s supports, autism services, assistive technology, children’s services, transportation, specialized therapies, and home health care.
OCCK is committed to providing transportation services to the general public, seniors, and persons with disabilities, through a variety of programs, including a fixed route service in Salina, CityGo, a regional paratransit service that serves fourteen counties, non emergency medical transportation for people with Medicaid, as well as non emergency medical transportation for clients of Salina Regional Health Center, a regional fixed route service, 81 Connection, KANcycle – the regional bike sharing program, GoAbilene public transportation, GoConcordia public transportation, KanConnect fixed route, and the newest program, OCCK OnDemand.
Read the full article here: https://www.ksal.com/salina-public-transportation-earns-award/