Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton, Inc.

Overview

Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to providing safe, reliable, and courteous public transportation services. It operates across several counties in South Dakota, enhancing the quality of life and mobility for its communities.

Service Area

The organization serves multiple counties in South Dakota, including Campbell, Codington, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, Marshall, McPherson, Roberts, and Spink. Additionally, it offers limited services in Clark, Deuel, and Hamlin counties, as well as areas like Groton and Lennox.

Operations and Impact

Community Transit plays a vital role in the community by offering transportation to a diverse group of individuals, including seniors, veterans, students, employees, and those needing healthcare services. In Fiscal Year 2024, they provided over 83,000 rides in Watertown and nearly 200,000 rides across their entire service area, marking an increase from the previous year. This growth continues into Fiscal Year 2025, with more rides anticipated.

Fleet and Accessibility

The organization maintains a fleet of approximately 65 vehicles, encompassing buses, vans, SUVs, and cars, with most being accessible for people with disabilities. Drivers are highly trained to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all riders.

Funding and Partnerships

Community Transit relies on both local and federal funding to operate. Local funding is crucial for securing federal support, as new vehicle purchases require a 20% local match. The organization has received significant support from the Watertown Area Community Foundation, which has provided grants to help meet these funding requirements, including a recent grant that fully covered the local match for a new bus.

Affiliations

Community Transit partners with various organizations to support its mission, including the South Dakota Community Foundation, United Way, and the Federal Transit Administration.

Vehicles and Innovation

Recent acquisitions include four new 14-passenger buses, which are set to replace older vehicles and enhance service capacity in Watertown and Redfield. These new vehicles offer opportunities for local businesses to advertise, providing an alternative advertising medium.