By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
ACCESS General Public Transportation in Hays is still facing a 2026 funding gap after the city of Hays and Ellis County wrapped up their budget processes.
Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, said the gap is about $161,000. Michaud said ACCESS is reaching out to the Kansas Department of Transportation, which has provided some funding, and potentially to legislators to explore funding solutions.
"We need general public transportation in the community. There's no question about that," Michaud said.
Michaud said ACCESS has not experienced federal funding cuts. He said the shortfall stems from limited state support through KDOT, insufficient local contributions, and rising costs for fuel, insurance, maintenance and vehicles.
Michaud said during the COVID-19 pandemic, match rates helped create reserves. However, those reserves are now depleted, resulting in a greater deficit heading into 2026.
Michaud said he also hopes to include the city and county in the conversation in finding long-term solutions for the service that provides transportation to elderly residents and people with disabilities.
Michaud said the city contributed $82,500 and the county $50,000. The service provided about 28,000 rides in 2024, with more than 11,000 of those trips related to work.
SEE RELATED STORY: ACCESS Public Transportation faces 2026 budget shortfall
Michaid said there are no plans for immediate changes to the service.
You can learn more about ACCESS transportation here.