By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews

Kristin Rude

WARSAW — Kristin Rude, a long time employee of Cardinal Services, is the new general manager for the Kosciusko Area Bus Service.

Rude took over as KABS’ general manager after Steve Lockridge’s departure.

Rude, who has been with Cardinal Services for almost 18 years, transferred from adult services. KABS is operated by Cardinal Services for the Kosciusko County Commissioners.

“I was really looking for a position that could provide some growth opportunities and some challenges,” said Rude. In her previous position she was an intake and transition specialist.

“Through that position, I worked the community a lot through inquiries, calls, on different services that we provide,” she said, adding she enjoyed the community interactions.

“KABS kind of seems like a natural fit within that, being able to help with transportation barriers that people have,” said Rude.

Rude also previously worked in management at Cardinal Services, which she said will transfer to KABS.

“I’m a people person, I’m organized. I have a heart for the community, heart for people, which will definitely service in the (general manager position),” said Rude.

Rude said KABS fits into Cardinal Services’ mission to help people “live as independently and integrated into the community as possible. And KABS being transportation helps that piece toward independence pretty fluidly.”

Rude said riders use KABS for a variety of reasons, including going to medical appointments, work and for leisure.

As general manager, Rude said she hopes to see some of KABS’s strategic goals come to fruition. One is a proposal for a fixed route in Warsaw, following a regional assessment. Another is adding new technology with dispatching to “make it more efficient, more user friendly for the community,” she said.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to serve the community and hopefully help the program grow,” said Rude.