Kudos to Eagle Transit system

Eagle Transit buses are providing 6,000 rides per month for Flathead citizens. Passengers range from elementary to college students, employees taking advantage of bus services to travel to and from jobs, to senior citizens in the Flathead.

Reservations for bus rides must be made at least one day in advance by telephoning Eagle Transit office at 758-5728. Arrangements may be made to schedule daily round-trip rides in advance.

Dave Polensky, program manager, also reported a new bus service available. He referred to it as a "freedom bus' providing rides for disabled passengers. Plan makes it possible for disabled clients to ride to special activities on off-time hours, such as Saturdays. It is stressed that only those disabled are permitted to use this new bus schedule.

A new climb-on, climb-off policy from designated bus stops is another innovation to assist riders. Bus stops are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to add more convenience for bus patrons. Schedule of routes from designated bus stops is available from drivers and Eagle Transit.

A new charge for same-day bus rides was initiated this year. All riders must pay $5 for this convenience. Bus drivers have tight schedules to provide timely service to area residents. Persons demanding same-day service must pay the $5 to make their individual special arrangements.

Wheelchair lifts are on all buses. All riders must wear seat belts.

Bert Hauser is operations manager. Dispatcher is Kristi Hill with Nelson Garner, secretary. There are 10 bus drivers.

We are proud of our new Eagle Transit bus in Columbia Falls with Lisa, a capable, helpful, friendly driver. This is one of the three new buses received during 2009.

With cooperation from businesses, individuals, the three cities contribute to the success of Eagle Transit. An example is new Glacier National Park buses used for the first time in 2008. They are now back in the park. Also, colorful safety jackets were purchased for drivers through Roundup for Safety program of Flathead Electric Co-op, Inc.

Dave pointed out that commuter routes between Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls are another facet of Eagle Transit. Their office can be called for details.

I was interested in learning that Eagle Transit will benefit from the recent $15.6 million in federal stimulus money announced by Montana Department of Transportation. We will gain a new bus barn with a wash bay in it. It will be constructed next to the present bus barn.

It has taken about a quarter of a century but bus service in Flathead County is growing, alive and well.

Residents taking advantage of bus rides are to be thanked. It is a new way of life for many of us.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News