Local public transit wants to take you for a ride — regardless of your age, physical capabilities or background.

Austin Mower County Area Transit (AMCAT) is aiming to break the stigma that only the elderly ride buses, and to appeal to bicyclists as well.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location at 2801 West Oakland Ave. on Wednesday, AMCAT celebrated the purchase of two new buses, complete with front-mounted bike racks.

“The problem with America is, everyone wants to go now,” transit manager Kelly Joseph said. “They want to be able to leave now, so it’s a learning curve we have to put people on.

“We’re still fighting the image this is an ‘old people’s bus,’ ” she added.

The bikes racks, she said, give bicyclists the option to also take the bus if they rode bike to work, school or elsewhere.

One new bus has been inspected and is being prepared for operation; the other should be in Austin next month. That makes three buses total with the bike racks, which can hold two bicycles at any time for no extra charge.

Two years ago, AMCAT purchased its first bus with a rack, following suit with larger communities like Duluth and the Twin Cities. Drivers can help riders mount their bicycles on the racks, Joseph said.

The racks cost an additional $1,500 to $2,000 per bus, she estimated. AMCAT is funded mostly by state and federal monies, in addition to a small portion locally.

Joseph explained Wednesday that riding public transportation in Austin is very affordable, at $1.50 for a regular route or $2.50 for Dial-A-Ride, a curb-to-curb service. People ages 18 and under pay only $1 and children 5 and under ride free with a paying adult.

AMCAT also operates the Rainbow Route, which accommodates 3- to 4-year-olds who need rides to morning preschools.

The new bus ceremony ties in with a promotion by the Austin Coalition for Environmental Sustainability (ACES), who is coordinating the “Park It (and Win a Prize)” program to encourage citizens to drive vehicles less, reducing their carbon footprint.

By walking, riding a bike or scooter, taking the AMCAT bus, or carpooling (with two or more people in the car), participants may sign up to win prizes, one of which is an adult Trek 7000 bicycle from Rydjor Bike in Austin. Other prizes include a one-year membership to the YMCA valued at more than $500; 12 $20 bus passes; and three burlap shopping bags, provided by South Central Athlete. Each team, organization or business will designate a “Cool Captain” who will be in charge of making sure the rules are followed.

Merlene Stiles, a member of ACES, said she appreciates that public transportation is still available in Austin.

“I’m just so pleased there’s a bus service here,” she said.

Joseph said AMCAT keeps seven buses operating at any time and two as back-ups. The buses currently only run throughout Austin; a route to Lansing and Brownsdale was cut over the summer because of very low ridership and high gas prices. Another may be considered in the future for other rural areas, like LeRoy or Lyle.

All buses are handicapped accessible.

For more information about routes or Dial-A-Ride, contact AMCAT at 433-2379.