CityGo is preparing to launch a sixth bus route and make several changes to its existing public transportation system beginning October 12.

Representatives from OCCK Transportation presented the proposed changes during a public hearing before the Salina City Commission on Monday. Under the city’s agreement with OCCK, proposed route changes must first be presented at a public hearing before they can be approved by commissioners.

CityGo began operating in Salina in 2009 with three routes following recommendations from a University of Kansas Transportation Center study. The system has since expanded to five routes.

The latest proposal would add a sixth route, known as the Orange Route, while modifying portions of the Purple, Yellow, Red and Blue routes.

New Orange Route to Serve South and Southwest Salina

The new Orange Route would primarily serve the south and southwest areas of Salina.

Planned stops include Salina Area Technical College, Kansas State University Salina, Menards, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Schwan’s, the Salina Regional Airport area, Walmart and Lowe’s.

The route would also move CityGo service closer to Avenues A and B, positioning the system for possible future expansion farther south to reach additional employment areas.

OCCK officials said the Orange Route would complete its loop every 30 minutes using one bus. The vehicle is already part of OCCK’s backup fleet, meaning the new route would not require the purchase of an additional bus.

Additional expenses would include fuel and driver time.

The Orange Route would connect with the Purple, Yellow and Red routes at the Planet Avenue Dillons and Walmart stops, allowing passengers to transfer between routes.

OCCK had previously discussed an August launch but moved the proposed start date to October 12 to allow more time to recruit and train drivers and gather additional public feedback.

Changes Intended to Reduce Delays on Purple Route

The Purple Route currently carries more than 5,000 passengers per month, making it CityGo’s most heavily used route, according to OCCK.

Officials said frequent passenger boarding and unloading can cause the route to fall behind schedule.

Under the proposed changes, portions of Centennial Road currently served by the Purple Route would instead be covered by the new Orange Route. The Purple Route would travel along Magnolia Road, Centennial Road and Schilling Road before returning to Walmart.

OCCK said removing part of the current route would create more scheduling flexibility and improve on-time performance.

Yellow and Red Route Changes

The Yellow Route would discontinue service along Ash Street and Oakdale Avenue because those areas are already served by the Blue Route.

OCCK officials said ridership data supports eliminating the duplicate coverage.

The former Central Mall stop has also been moved farther south to an area between Tropical Sno and a nearby gas station. OCCK representatives said the change was made in response to conditions surrounding the mall property.

The Red Route would discontinue service to Kenwood Cove. OCCK said the route had continued serving the area for a small number of passengers whose travel patterns have since changed.

Kenwood Cove would continue to be served by the Blue Route.

Blue Route Would Add Downtown Connection

The Blue Route would add another 30-minute section intended to improve service between downtown Salina and areas near Ace Hardware, the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank and Salina Grace.

OCCK officials said demand for the connection has been high.

During the presentation, an OCCK representative said a bus operating along the proposed section recently reached standing-room capacity.

The agency has been testing the route adjustment for several months.

Driver Schedule Changes Expected to Reduce Costs

OCCK is also proposing to adjust peak service hours by 30 minutes.

The change would allow drivers to begin and end shifts at the Seventh Street and Walnut Street transfer location instead of traveling to Walmart to change routes.

OCCK said the adjustment would reduce driver wages, fuel expenses, vehicle mileage and wear and tear.

The agency recently requested a 5% funding increase. OCCK representatives said the requested increase, combined with the proposed operational savings, would allow the new Orange Route and other changes to be implemented without an additional financial burden on the city beyond the previously requested funding.

Commissioners asked about route timing, passenger wait times and whether the additional service had been considered during OCCK’s recent budget request.

OCCK representatives said the agency now uses transportation software to analyze ridership patterns and route performance. Previously, much of the information was tracked using handwritten records and spreadsheets.

The City Commission conducted the required public hearing Monday. Final implementation of the route changes is subject to commission approval.