Once again, Barton County residents who party on New Year’s Eve will be able to get a ride home for as little as $5.

The New Year’s Eve Taxi will run from 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, until 2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, taking people anywhere in Barton County for a minimum donation of $5 per person, said Christina Jimenez, transportation director for Sunflower Diversified Services. The number to call is 620-639-TAXI (620-639-8294).

A number of sponsoring businesses make this service available every year. Sunflower is again providing the vehicle, with public transportation driver LaVert Johnson behind the wheel.

Off-duty officers from the Great Bend Police Department handled the driving for many years before Sunflower stepped up to continue the community service, providing a van and later a driver.

“It’s an opportunity for us to give back to the community and keep people safe,” Jimenez said.

Although the van will take its fares anywhere in Barton County, it won’t take people from party to party. It’s intended to take them safely home.

General Public Transportation

Sunflower continues to operate its general transportation service, which is open to the public seven days a week, except on holidays. Jimenez noted that the service won’t be available this Friday, which is New Year’s Day.

Regular hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunflower Diversified Services began offering its bus service to Barton County destinations at no charge. This was made possible because the Kansas Department of Transportation, which usually provides 70% of the agency’s transportation operating expenses, is currently reimbursing 100% of the expenses, Sunflower CEO Jon Prescott told the county commission in October.

The free rides will continue through June 30, 2021.