One of the biggest trip generators for the ATA Bus public bus transportation service in Junction City involves the transport of students to Junction City High School.

According to ATA Bus Director Anne Smith they have been in discussion with USD 475 officials in 2018 about the prospect of a partnership with the Freshman Success Academy, the career academy campus at JCHS and potentially in the future, Junction City Middle School. “Where they could, students could ride the bus and they ( USD 475 ) would provide funding to us to meet our local match.”

Smith noted back in August ATA Bus began allowing students to ride the buses at the fixed route stops for free. “I can tell you that between the high school and the freshman academy ridership just at those locations has increased 297%.” Smith added it was a bit of surprise that there had been so dramatic increase.

ATA Bus operates three fixed routes in Junction City from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and there is also a demand response service available. The cost of a ride on a bus is $1 and for those who qualify 50-cents. Those who are disabled, over 60, or meet income guidelines can qualify for the 50-cent rate.