KIMBALL, NE— Transportation in western Nebraska received a big boost with the launch of new extended bus routes by KCTS, the public transit provider based in Kimball.

Operation of this much-anticipated service launched on Tuesday, July 11th, 2023. The service includes the Sun Line, which runs five days a week, and the Sun Line Express which runs seven days a week between Kimball and Chappell, and also serves the towns in-between. A second route, the Sky Line will operate between Kimball and Scottsbluff with service to towns in-between. It also offers regular service five days a week and an Express Service seven days a week. A third route will be coming later this year called the Star Line with service between Kimball and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Bus schedules and route maps are available at ridekcts.com, on the bus and at the KCTS transit office. Riders can locate a bus stop and board the bus without a reservation. Unlimited daily or monthly passes can be purchased on the KCTS website or by calling the office at 308-235-0262. Daily passes are $10 and monthly passes are $50. Rides on the Sun Line and Sky Line will be free during the month of July so riders can try out the new service.

Each of the extended bus routes can get riders to pick up points for the Red Line Airport Shuttle that serves Western Nebraska Regional Airport in Scottsbluff and Denver International Airport seven days a week.

The demand for public transit in the region continues to grow. KCTS is working with transit partners in surrounding communities such as the Tri City Roadrunner in Scottsbluff, the Stagecoach in Sidney and Open Trails Transit in Alliance to provide seamless service.

KCTS held a ribbon-cutting and open house at their offices in Kimball on Wednesday, July 12th to officially launch the service. “Transportation plays a critical role in our communities and in

the quality of life for residents. Providing transportation options allows access to food, healthcare, education, recreation and jobs. Public transit grows our local and state economies and helps ensure people can get to services they need to access,” stated Christy Warner, KCTS Transit Administrator.

In addition to the extended routes, KCTS will continue to offer reserved rides, which provides curb-to curb service. Riders need to contact the office at least 72 hours in advance to get on the schedule.

“Without the incredible leadership of our Kimball County Commissioners, the Nebraska Department of Transportation, our State Mobility Management Team, and the Federal Transit Administration Region 7 this would not be possible. We are also grateful to our corporate sponsors, Kimball Health Services, Clean Harbors and News Channel Nebraska for supporting our vision,” said Warner.

For more information visit ridekcts.com or contact the KCTS office at 308-235-0262, Monday-Friday from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.