Grand Island, Nebraska is set to see improvements in its urban transit system as Crane Transit looks to expand its fleet and services in the upcoming fiscal year. During a recent Grand Island City Council Study Session, Transit Program Manager Charley Falmen presented the 2024-25 budget and reviewed the previous year’s budget, outlining the changes and enhancements planned for Crane Transit.
One of the key highlights of Falmen’s presentation was the addition of new vehicles to the Crane Transit fleet. Five new ADA approved vehicles that were ordered in 2021 will be joining the fleet, along with two non-ADA approved vehicles. These additions are aimed at improving the overall transit experience for passengers and accommodating the growing demand for urban transit services in Grand Island.
Despite the shift from providing both urban and rural services to focusing solely on urban services, Falmen assured that the budget for Crane Transit will not be negatively impacted. In fact, with the city’s growth and the expansion of urbanized areas, the routes are expanding to cater to more riders in different parts of the city. The Metropolitan Planning Organization’s recent expansion of urbanized area boundaries has allowed Crane Transit to reach more areas and provide pickups in previously underserved locations.
To further enhance transit services in Grand Island, Crane Transit is also strengthening its partnership with Brown Transit. Falmen emphasized the benefits of this collaboration, noting Brown Transit’s experience in school bus transportation and compliance with Department of Transportation regulations. The partnership is expected to bring valuable insights and expertise to Crane Transit, especially as the Federal Transit Administration is scheduled to visit in the upcoming fiscal year to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
In addition to the partnership with Brown Transit, Crane Transit is eagerly awaiting the delivery of the new vehicles ordered in 2021. While inflation has caused delays in the production of these vehicles, Falmen remains optimistic that the fleet will soon be bolstered by the arrival of the new ADA approved vehicles and non-ADA approved vehicles. These additions are intended to improve pickup times and overall efficiency in the transit system, ultimately benefiting passengers and enhancing the quality of service provided by Crane Transit.
Looking ahead, this year’s budget for Crane Transit does not include any capital projects, as the focus remains on operational improvements and fleet expansion. The final budget decisions for Crane Transit and other City departments will be made in a later meeting, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support the continued growth and enhancement of urban transit services in Grand Island.
As Crane Transit prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, the commitment to providing reliable and efficient transit services to the residents of Grand Island remains a top priority. With new vehicles, expanded routes, and a strong partnership with Brown Transit, Crane Transit is poised to meet the evolving needs of the community and deliver a high-quality transit experience for all passengers.