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Mountain Climber provider: local ridership steady but commuter route stalled by funding
Summary
A transit provider briefed council on Mountain Climber paratransit service in Columbia Falls, reporting 3,868 rides last year and saying expansion to a commuter bus hinges on stable multiyear local and county funding rather than rider demand alone.
A representative for the Mountain Climber service told council the nonprofit runs five-day-a-week service in Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Kalispell and that service is especially important for seniors and residents who use wheelchairs. "Ridership for last year, we provided 3,868 rides," the presenter said, noting most local trips are for medical appointments, shopping and routine errands and that all vehicles are ADA accessible.
The presenter said the primary barrier to launching a commuter bus connecting the three cities is sustainable, guaranteed funding rather than lack of interest. The council heard that Columbia Falls contributes $5,200 annually as part of local match for federal grants and that Whitefish made a larger multi-year commitment previously; the presenter urged municipal buy-in and cautioned against launching a service dependent on one- or two-year contributions that cannot be sustained.
