FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)— Citilink is inviting the public to listen to and respond to its new plans for transportation accessibility on Thursday. As the public transportation agency's funds continue to dip, John Metzinger, CEO and General manager of Citilink, said he wants his agency to keep previously distributed federal funds in 2026. "With our budget challenges, we think it's time for us to use those federal funds that are allocated directly to Citilink," Metzinger said. The funds come from a federal program titled Section 5301. This federal assistance program aims to enhance the mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities through public and private transportation. Fort Wayne annually receives $440,000 to promote this goal. In the past, Citilink has passed these funds to local non-profits, including Community Transportation Network, or CTN. But on Thursday, Citilink will propose a new plan to the public and CTN executives. This draft will allow Citilink to allocate $150,000 of Section 5301 funds towards their own program, Citilink Access. The on-demand service operates curb-to-curb through the city, giving rides to people with disabilities. Metzinger said Citilink Access has grown in popularity, granting an average of 325 rides each day. "Last month, our ridership was 16% higher than the year before," Metzinger said. "We hope to use this additional source of federal funds to offset our costs." Citilink proposes the remaining Section 5301 funds be directed toward CTN. The meeting will be held this afternoon at 3:30 p.m.. Attendees will gather in Meeting Room A at the Allen County Public Library's main branch, located on 9000 Library Plz.