Sho-Ban Tribes Transit service increasing cost of rides to $4

By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Shoshone-Bannock Transit is increasing the cost to ride from $2 to $4 because of the rising cost of fuel.

Susie Racehorse, transit manager, said they’re spending upwards of $9,000 a month on fuel and about $10,000 per month on repairs. Previously $10,000 in cost for fuel would last for months.

Currently they have about 100 riders per day. Transit has nine vehicles including a van and funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration.

Racehorse said they currently have six drivers and three dispatchers (one part-time and two full-time). They’re trying to hire more drivers. Transit operates seven days a week – Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., along with Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

They take cash for payments. They encourage people to buy passes and are offering a 20-ride pass for $40 or monthly bus pass for $80. The money received goes back into the program for operating expenses.

The number to call is 208-478-4069 and riders should call 24 hours in advance. She emphasized Transit is not a taxi or school bus. If a student is under 14 years of age they must have a parent ride with them.

Racehorse said they are getting five new busses and two transit vans – all will have wheelchair lifts.

In November, Transit will be in operation for 14 years.