By: Nancy Dowling - Special to the Journal
Cedar County Transit has expanded its public transit capabilities with the recent addition of a 2024 Ford Transit van.
The spacious Ford Transit can accommodate 10 seated passengers or two wheelchair seated passengers. It features an electric lift to onboard large wheel chairs with side securements to help these passengers remain stable during transportation. The van will be available for group outings and tours. Drivers will be required to take additional safety training provided through the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Cost of the van was covered through federal and state funds with remaining cost covered through funds from the CARES Act.
On September 23, Manager Nikki Pinkelman met with the Cedar County Commissioners at their monthly meeting when she received approval from the Board to submit an application with the Nebraska DOT to be approved for seven new standard mini-vans. Pinkelman’s goal is to replace the high-mileage vans. Currently, each of the standard vans have accumulated over 200,000 miles and two vans were recently retired due to mechanical problems.
At this time, Cedar County Transit utilizes a total of 15 vans, including 9 ADA accessible vans and employs 17 drivers. The service operates Monday through Friday 6am to 6pm for a variety of needs such as medical/dental/dialysis appointments, shopping, social visits and airport drop-off’s and pick-up’s. Utilization of this public transportation service has been steadily growing.
Each weekday there are 10-12 vans on the road going in all directions within a 200 mile radius of Hartington. Crofton resident Donna Schmidt has been using Cedar County Transit routinely. Schmidt, who is visually impaired states, “I would not be able to live in Crofton if it weren’t for the transportation services of Cedar County Transit. This service enables me to keep appointments, do my shopping and visit family without being dependent on family and friends.”
Cedar County Transit services residents of Cedar County in addition to residents of Knox County who reside within a 30-mile radius of Hartington, including the towns of Crofton, Bloomfield and Wausa.
Cedar County Transit prefers that its customers schedule rides in advance when possible, but makes every effort to meet the needs of individuals who must schedule on a short notice. To request fare information or to schedule a ride, call the office Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm at 402-254-9147 or 402-640-6147.