By Kirk Hutchison
Garrison Public Affairs
Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division are celebrating the success of the “Safe Passage” ride-share program sponsored jointly by Fort Riley, the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition.
“Safe Passage” is a joint community effort to provide Soldiers in the ranks of captain and below safe and reliable transportation options on weekends through the use of vouchers that can be redeemed with a designated ride-share company. The vouchers can be used for rides to and from Fort Riley and surrounding communities, including Junction City, Ogden, Manhattan, St. George, and Wamego.
As of October, more than 6,400 Soldiers have signed up for the program, and 4,600 vouchers have been used. The $30 vouchers are issued monthly and can be used Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between the hours of 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.
“Safe Passage” spent just over $100,000 through September of this year. For Fiscal Year 2027, KDOT has pledged $225,000 to the program.