RAPID CITY, SD – The relocation of the Pennington County Administration Building to 900 Concourse Drive has introduced a significant transit gap for residents, potentially impacting early voting access.
The nearest bus stop is over two miles away with limited sidewalk access. “There is not a fixed route that goes to that location, the closest we get is Western Dakota Tech,” said Megan Gold, Rapid Transit Division Manager.
In November 2025, several county departments, including the Auditor’s Office and the Treasurer’s Office, completed their move from the longtime downtown facility at 130 Kansas City Street to a renovated former call center on the city’s eastern edge. While the move provided much-needed space and over 500 parking spots, the change in geography presents a new hurdle for those who do not own a vehicle or cannot drive.
The new facility at 900 Concourse Drive is situated nearly two miles away from the nearest active transit stops. This leaves a substantial distance for pedestrians to cover to reach the new administrative hub.
The distance is a critical factor for early voting, which is managed by the Auditor’s Office. For individuals who depend on the Rapid Ride system, the trek from the closest available bus stop to the Concourse Drive location requires navigating areas that lack consistent sidewalk infrastructure.
Megan acknowledged the issue but noted that they are in the beginning stages of a solution. They are planning a ‘Microtransit Feasibility’ study this Year to study and expand the needs of the system. “We are in the beginning stages of moving in the right direction”
