Navigating Butler County, Kansas, just got easier with the Butler County Transit Program. Operated by the Butler County Department on Aging, this public transportation service is designed to meet the diverse travel needs of residents throughout the county. Whether you’re heading to a medical appointment, running errands, or simply exploring the area, Butler Transportation offers a reliable and accessible solution. This curb-to-curb service operates Monday through Friday and is open to everyone, regardless of age. Keep in mind that children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and for the safety of younger passengers, children under 8 years old or under 80 pounds are required to be secured in a child safety seat. Importantly, all Butler Transportation vehicles are fully handicapped accessible, ensuring comfortable and convenient travel for all passengers. Please note that Butler County Transit does not provide wheelchairs.
Funding for this vital public service is generously provided through a combination of sources, including the Kansas Department of Transportation, federal and state funding, and the Butler County mill levy, demonstrating a commitment to accessible transportation for the community.
Explore Butler County with Convenient Route Options
Butler Transportation offers several routes designed to connect key areas within Butler County and even extend to Wichita. Take a look at the route options available to plan your journey:
Augusta & El Dorado Routes: Connecting Town Centers
For those within Augusta and El Dorado, consistent and reliable transportation is readily available. Butler Transportation vehicles serve both towns from Monday to Friday, operating between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. These routes are popular for accessing essential destinations such as medical facilities, beauty salons, grocery stores, and residential complexes. The routes also facilitate travel between Augusta and El Dorado, with morning trips connecting Augusta to El Dorado and afternoon trips returning from El Dorado to Augusta. This inter-town service enhances connectivity and accessibility within Butler County.
Andover Route: Growing to Meet Community Needs
The Andover route is an expanding service, reflecting the growing demand for public transportation in this area. Currently, rides on the Andover route are available by reservation from Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 12:00 noon. As this route continues to develop, it aims to provide even greater transportation options for Andover residents. It is recommended to book your ride in advance to ensure availability on this popular route.
Wichita Route: Accessing the City
Need to travel to Wichita? Butler Transportation provides a dedicated route to Wichita every Wednesday and Thursday. The van departs for Wichita and arrives at approximately 10:30 am, providing ample time for appointments or errands in the city. The return trip departs Wichita at 2:00 pm, allowing for a convenient day trip. The service area in Wichita extends as far west as Broadway, covering a significant portion of the city for Butler County residents.
Understanding Butler Transportation Fares
Butler Transportation strives to keep fares affordable and accessible for all riders. The fare structure is simple and based on the distance traveled:
- Inside City Limits: Just $0.50 per stop makes local travel incredibly economical.
- Town to Town within Butler County: Travel between towns within Butler County for only $2 each way, facilitating easy movement throughout the region.
- Into Wichita: A trip to Wichita is available for $4 each way, a cost-effective option compared to driving and parking in the city.
For frequent riders, Butler Transportation offers even greater value with ticket books:
- In-Town Ticket Books: Purchase a book of tickets for $10 and receive 25 rides – effectively getting 5 rides for free! This is ideal for those who regularly use the service for local trips.
- Wichita Trip Ticket Books: For those planning multiple trips to Wichita, a ticket book for $20 provides 3 round trips, saving you $4 compared to purchasing individual fares.
How to Schedule Your Butler Transportation Ride
Planning your trip with Butler Transportation is straightforward. To ensure you get a ride when you need it, it is best to call and schedule your ride at least 24 hours in advance. While last-minute requests are sometimes accommodated, reservations made after 4:00 pm for the next day may not be accepted.
To schedule your ride, simply call the Butler County Transit Program directly at (316) 775-0500 or toll-free at 1-800-279-3655. Friendly and helpful staff are ready to assist you with your booking.
Are you looking for transportation options outside of Butler County? For information on transportation services beyond Butler County, please visit www.ksrides.org to explore additional resources and options available throughout Kansas. Butler Transportation is your local solution within Butler County, connecting communities and individuals with reliable and affordable travel.
