By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
ACCESS General Public Transportation in Hays is bracing for a 2026 funding gap after state funding fell short to keep rides rolling.
Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, said KDOT has provided some funding for 2026, but it falls short, and with the city and county also unable to fully cover the deficit, a significant gap remains.
Michaud said the gap is about $161,000, with the city of Hays contributing $82,500 and Ellis County providing $50,000.
"We definitely appreciate the support of the county and the support of the city. They've been great partners all along the way," Michaud said.
ACCESS offers public transportation primarily to low-income, elderly and disabled individuals. Michaud said the service provided about 28,000 rides in 2024, with more than 11,000 of those trips related to work.
Michaud said there are no plans for immediate changes to the service.
"We've been able to make it work through 2025, but for 2026, we are seeing a deficit of which we're trying to find a solution to that," Michaud said.
You can learn more about ACCESS transportation here.