These funds come primarily from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311). Per the FTA, Section 5311 funds are annually distributed to states based on a formula that includes land area, population, revenue, vehicle miles, and low-income individuals. KDOT in turn allocates Kansas’ share of the federal funding to rural public transit providers. The grants do not cover 100%of provider costs; to receive a grant, a provider must come up with local matching funds of 20 to 50%. 

Under Section 5311(f), each state is required to spend at least 15% of its grant funding on intercity bus transportation. The 5311(f) percentage is the funding source relevant to the current study. In recent years, KDOT has allocated its 5311(f) dollars to Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Village Travel. This study will help determine how KDOT should allocate those funds in the future. 

The study is evaluating two types of service:  

• Intercity bus (ICB) service is provided by private, for-profit carriers. In Kansas, the carriers include Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Village Travel (dba Beeline Express), and Los Paisanos Autobuses. These companies typically operate long, multicity routes, many of which pass through Kansas on their way to and from other states. 
• Public transit services are provided by cities, counties, nonprofits, and other local organizations. These organizations usually have a smaller service area. Their services are mostly demand-response (when rides are booked in advance and provide door-to-door pick-ups and drop-offs). Some providers also offer fixed bus routes that stop in certain cities at set times.  

• Participate in our community survey.

• When potential service concepts are ready to share, another online survey will be available to collect your feedback.