Open Plains Transit Still In Limbo As of Friday

by | Dec 20, 2024 | 2-State, Local, News

According to the latest information provided by Jonnie Kusek, of Open Plains Transit, they are still not in a position to resume transportation services to the area. The cease in services effects:

      • 16 OPT intercity bus routes
      • 3 States
      • 2 Indian Reservations
      • 4 Nebraska counties directly, 15 indirectly
      • 50 Nebraska communities w/ some level of transportation
      • Over 2000 registered clients, with 205 as Cherry County residents

        The transportation service has been operating in the area for 2 years and people have become reliant on the services for doctor appointments, shopping and attending community events. According to Kusek, Dating back to October 2023, OPT is owed over, 1.4 million dollars of operating cashflow. Contrary to some of the stories that may be floating around town, Kusek reported that OPT is not being withheld funds due to the non-submission of required paperwork. There is a process that must be followed. OPT cannot submit the next reimbursement request until the NDOT has approved the previous reimbursement request that was submitted prior. Many communities are going through this as well.

  • 2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of this organization providing public transportation services to the public of all ages. They have never seen this kind of turmoil in 50 years.

  • Area residents are encouraged to Contact Local, state and federal Officials such as;
  • Senator Brewer Senator Steve Erdman
    P.O. Box 94604 P.O. Box 94604
    Lincoln, NE 68509 Lincoln, NE 68509
    (402) 471-2628 (402) 471-2616
    Email: tbrewer@leg.ne.gov Email: serdman@leg.ne.gov

     

    Senator Mike Jacobson
    P.O. Box 94604
    Lincoln, NE 68509
    (402) 471-2729
    Email: mjacobson@leg.ne.gov
    (North Platte, serves on the Board Great Plains Health, former North Platte Airport Authority (chair))

    U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith
    502 Cannon HOB
    Washington, DC  20515
    Phone: (202) 225-6435

    U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
    139 Russell Senate Office Building 448 Russell Senate Office Building
    Washington, DC 20510 Washington DC 20510
    (202) 224-4224 (202) 224-6551

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