Staff report

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky celebrated the launch of TANK Plus on-demand microtransit service to Campbell County on Tuesday.

Officials from the Campbell County Fiscal Court and TANK, as well as representatives from a number of other community organizations, attended the launch event at the Campbell County Senior Center in Highland Heights. Campbell County Judge and Chief Administrative Officer Steve Pendery said the new service will solve a number of transportation problems that have arisen throughout the county.

“Over the past few years, we have seen significant changes in the lifestyle and mobility habits of our residents. Many seniors are choosing to stay in their homes longer but are struggling with their car,” said Steve Pendery, Campbell County Judge and Executive Director. “TANK Plus addresses these challenges by providing an on-demand, curb-to-curb service that connects residents of Newport, Southgate, Cold Spring, Highland Heights, Melbourne and Silver Grove to essential services like grocery stores, medical facilities and more, giving them the mobility they need.”

TANK Plus is a flexible, on-demand way to travel curb-to-curb within a designated zone or connect to the TANK route network for trips outside the zone. Microtransit is designed to serve sparsely populated areas that do not have access to scheduled buses.

Gina Douthat, general manager of TANK’s board, said the company is committed to testing new service models and looking for ways to better use technology to deliver services.

“We are excited to bring transit service to communities that have not had public transit for over a decade,” said Douthat. “With TANK Plus, TANK is focusing its resources in a new way, providing direct, affordable, on-demand transit to the communities and people who need it.”

As transportation needs have evolved in recent years, TANK is exploring the use of an on-demand service model to meet mobility needs. TANK Plus provides accessible, on-demand, on-site service to everyone within designated zones.

TANK is introducing the TANK Plus service model in Campbell County as a one-year pilot project. The service will provide many Campbell County residents with critical mobility to medical facilities, schools, and basic needs such as fresh food and groceries.

“TANK’s board of directors remains committed to serving those in our community who need our services the most,” said Gina Rittinger, chair of TANK’s board of directors. “Microtransit is our solution to reach people in the areas of Campbell County where fixed transit routes are not practical due to low population density. We are excited to see how this pilot program benefits our community.”

Details about TANK Plus service in Campbell County:

Northern Kentucky Department of Transportation