Here's What Public Transportation Has To Offer

By Christy Olson

Public Transportation is a program in place that enhances the access of people who live in rural areas to health care, education, employment, public services, shopping and recreation. The local agency may place a preference on medical trips and because our funding is limited, we do make medical trips our priority. Along with medical trips, however, we encourage people to take care of their other needs, whether it is shopping or other services that are not available in Broadus. There are also rules for chartering which our service cannot break.

All trips are open to everyone. We list the current schedule in the local newspaper, on the county website, the library and the senior center. Since the schedule is constantly changing it is best to call the office for current dates, times and availability.

Our funding comes from Federal grant and County monies. The public transportation program is administered through the State of Montana. Federal grant dollars pay for 80% of administration and maintenance costs and 50% of operating costs, local dollars pay the balance. For this current fiscal year, we were awarded $100,331.00 of federal money and a small amount of $8,137 from the state. The balance of our program is funded by county taxpayers. The fares we charge offset a portion of the county expense.

Our current rates are as follows: Miles City will be $30. All other destinations, such as Billings, Forsyth, Rapid City, Belle Fourche, Sturgis, Spearfish, Gillette and Sheridan will be $40.00. Senior citizens (60 years and older) and disabled persons are ½ price of these fares. Everyone is charged a fare; however, we do have a donation fund that is available to those who cannot afford to pay for a medical appointment trip.

By placing our priority on medical trips and services that cannot be obtained locally, we are ensuring that the current funding is not depleted before the end of any fiscal year. We strive to make this service available to all citizens of Powder River County, but the number of trips made always depends on available vehicles and personnel.

The program is an on-demand service, and available to the public. Please call us at 436-2243 if you have any questions or want to reserve a date for a trip. Our hours of operation are 8 – 5, Monday through Friday. Due to the distance traveled and road conditions, please make your appointments from 10:00 a.m. to no later than 1:30 p.m. We would like to thank the citizens of Powder River County for their patronage and continued support.