One new 12-passenger van equipped with a wheelchair lift is already transporting central Kansas residents to their destinations and another is on order.

The Ford Diamond is the newest addition to the General Public Transportation (GPT) fleet, which is available to all residents of Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.

Sunflower Diversified Services operates the GPT program in these counties, which represent its service territory. Sunflower serves children and adults with special needs.

“Our transportation service is available to anyone, not just individuals served by Sunflower,” emphasized Christina Jimenez, director of Transportation. “We encourage anyone who needs a ride to give us a call.

“We are eager to make life easier for our neighbors who need a lift to a doctor’s appointment, workplace, grocery store, community event or anywhere else you want to go,” she added. “The service truly is for the general public, just as the name of the program implies.”

Last year, GPT traveled 280,909 miles, which indicates “many people rely on us for this great service,” Jimenez commented. “But we can accommodate more.”

A passenger who needs a ride out of town should put in a request 24 hours in advance.

“If your destination is in Great Bend, you can call the same day even though it is better with the 24-hour notice,” Jimenez said. “This helps ensure that we are available when you need us.”

The first-come, first-served schedule is always based on availability.

Hours of operation are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; Saturday and Sunday hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To make a reservation, call 620-792-7797.

Sunflower collaborates with the Kansas Department of Transportation to finance fleet purchases. KDOT provides 80 percent of the cost.

“We really appreciate KDOT,” Jimenez said. “They help us make this system work for individuals served by Sunflower and other central Kansas residents.”

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 59th year.