WILLMAR -- Ever since service by Willmar's lone taxi car and driver was eliminated last month by a St. Cloud company, requests for rides have been increasing at the Kandiyohi Area Transit system.
That has resulted in increased ridership and fare box revenues on the KAT buses, said John Groothuis, transit director.
But the lack of taxi service during early morning and late evening hours, when KAT buses don't run, still means some people are not receiving the service they need, he said.
The KAT Joint Powers Board -- which includes representatives from the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners, the Willmar City Council and Spicer City Council -- agreed Friday that new options should be explored to help meet those transportation needs.
One option includes KAT purchasing a taxi vehicle and leasing it to a contract driver. Groothuis said the individual who had driven taxi for 12 years in Willmar might be interested in such an arrangement.
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KAT could purchase a car for the taxi but was advised that a handicapped-accessible van would be preferred. Groothuis said it would cost between $30,000 and $40,000 to purchase an accessible van to provide taxi service. KAT had previously made a request to the state Department of Human Services to fund the purchase of a van but has not had a response yet.
The board also discussed running KAT buses longer hours but acknowledged it would be a money loser.
Kandiyohi County Commissioner Richard Falk said losing money while providing a needed service "wouldn't be the end of the world."
"It's a service that's really needed," said Commissioner Dean Shuck.
The board directed Groothuis to take the issue back to the KAT Operations Board to review and recommend options.
In other action the board:
* Approved the 2007 total budget of $1,160,407.
* Agreed to purchase equipment that will allow KAT maintenance staff to change and balance tires, rather than taking them to a local business, a move which is expected to save KAT money and time.
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* Was informed by Shuck that the County Board is expected to take action Dec. 19 on a request to use biodiesel in all county vehicles. If the proposal is approved, Shuck asked if KAT buses could be included. Groothuis said KAT uses fuel from the city of Willmar, which already uses biodiesel.
* Acknowledged Spicer Mayor Bill Taylor's service on the board. He will be replaced by Pennock Mayor Kevin Crowley.
