Public transportation ridership up in Sidney

Riders using the dial-a-ride and fixed route line public transportation systems in Sidney increased in 2014 over the past year.

Dave Doty, Sidney Transportation Department coordinator, presented a 2014-’15 public transportation summary to city councilors on Tuesday night.

The seven-member department includes Doty, a full-time driver and director, and six part time drivers.

Public transportation services are open to all persons within the city limits.

During 2014, the dial-a-ride program accumulated nearly 17,000 miles – averaging 67 miles per day and 35 riders.

The Stage Line fixed-route service, which operates 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, accumulated just under 50,000 miles in 2014. The system served 4,270 riders during the entire year, averaging 14 per day.

The Stage Line makes 12 stops each hour its in service. The most popular stops were Cheyenne/Sioux Villa and Walmart.

Nearly 1,000 extra passengers used the fixed-line service in 2014 than the prior year.

Funding for the transportation system comes predominately from the federal government. The state government then matches what the city contributes.

Doty said in order to secure federal and state funding, councilors must commit to providing money to the system.

A cost breakdown for 2015-’16 noted $323,460 would be needed in operating funds. The majority – $227,461 – will come from the feds. That would leave the city and state to each pay $48,000.

Doty reminded councilors the city’s portion is further divided in half, as it’s split with the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee.

City councilors unanimously passed a motion committing to the funding.

Also at the meeting:

• Councilors recommend approval of a liquor license to Hoondogs – an establishment located at 838 10th Ave. in Sidney, the former location of Harvey’s Inn. An attorney for the bar’s new owner said she did not expect any changes in the need for city services. She added, Calvin Handley, the new owner, has lived in Cheyenne County his entire life.

• Resident Dave Hrbek asked councilors to consider a land swap between the city and a company he represents. After Hrbek explained the proposal, Mayor Mark Nienhueser said there was a dramatic difference in property values, and he didn’t see the benefit to the city. No action was taken on the request.

• Hrbek also requested the city allow a water connection outside municipal boundaries for a development he is constructing. The plat is within two miles of city limits and Hrbek explained three test wells had been drilled but were unable to locate water.

According to state statue, the city can only provide up to five water meters for a development outside of its limits. Councilors were concerned that Hrbek’s development had 16 lots.

Hrbek responded he would only build five houses to ensure he remained within statute.

Less than 300 feet of pipe would be needed to bring water to the edge of the property, and the remaining infrastructure would be the responsibility of future property owners in the development.

After a lengthy discussion, councilors took no action on the request. Nienhueser said he was concerned there was no contract limiting Hrbek to only five houses in the development.

• The next Sidney City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:15 p.m. in city hall.