Elderly, disabled Nebraskans depend on rural transit services. A funding crisis may force major cuts.

Danna York was tired of feeling like an inconvenience.

When she wanted to leave her home in Waverly and head to Lincoln for errands or for fun, she'd have to get a ride from a friend or family member.

That changed around 2013 when York, legally blind since birth, learned about the Lancaster County Public Rural Transit program. It offers curb-to-curb transportation throughout the county and several nearby towns - provided one stop falls outside of Lincoln city limits.

"It has just been wonderful," York said. "And the drivers, they really try to accommodate the riders, and they do their best to...