Wichita’s new transit center, The Hub, opens in Delano

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Wichita’s new transit center, The Hub, opened this afternoon, bringing new routes and free bus rides for the first few weeks.

The Hub replaces the old transit center on Topeka Street and is now in the Delano neighborhood, with routes being redirected to the new location. Riders at the new center said they like the change. “It’s pretty cool to be honest with you,” one rider said. Another said, “The Hub is amazing, more space.”

For the first two weeks at The Hub, all Wichita Transit bus rides are free. Riders said the free fares will help as they commute to and from work. “They say its two weeks are free for the bus rides. Well, that’s gonna save me about 50 bucks,” said Marcus O’Rear, who uses Wichita Transit.

Wichita Transit said the free rides are meant to help with the transition as routes are redirected and to attract new riders. “And so we’re offering free fares to help with the transition but also attract new riders so it’s an easy way to try it out for free,” said Penny Feist, director of Wichita Public Transit.

The Hub is more than a bus station, also doubling as a parking garage. Wichita Transit said the location is an advantage because it is close to downtown and Wind Surge games. “Yeah it’s a great location for us to be next to the baseball stadium but also Delano with all the businesses there and it’s a quick connection to downtown so you can park here, take the bus downtown for an event or for dinner,” Feist said.

Riders also said public transit access is critical. “The bus is free today, I’ve been stuck downtown at the shelter unable to go anywhere, I got my bike but, you know, I can only get so far. Without public transit, honestly, like, how would I get anywhere?” said Dustin Newberry, who uses Wichita Transit.

Free bus rides in Wichita start today and will run until June 20.