Bus ride is an adventure

Bus rides are routine for many, but a new adventure for me. I have encouraged others to use the system, but took my third ride last week.

Purpose was simple. It seemed my hair was long enough to braid. Well, four inches in length. Rhonda's Barber Shop is on Tamarack Lane and I had been waiting in vain for three months for ice on that road to melt. I decided to call Eagle Transit for a bus ride.

Enjoyed the Eagle Transit bus trip with Lisa. I seldom ride with anyone else and find myself stomping a hole in the floor in front of my passenger's seat. This was not even a thought with Lisa behind the wheel.

Lisa picked me up on time for my 10 a.m. crewcut appointment. She returned at 10:30 as scheduled.

I suggested Lisa continue her scheduled route before taking me home as I was not in any hurry. There were four more stops. She even went into one shop to check if it was the correct day for the nails appointment before helping the passenger off the bus. Lisa is not only an excellent driver, but timely, concerned, helpful and friendly.

It was fun visiting with passengers. One lady told how much she enjoys Eagle Transit. Her rides had resulted in a new friendship. The ladies met on the bus and now visit by telephone and lunch together. She shares my theory of not staying at home feeling sorry for herself. Riding the bus is affordable and a good outing.

Cannot remember if I was a member of Council on Aging (it was not Agency on Aging in those years' or a Columbia Falls City-County Planning Board member when a bus system for the Flathead was first discussed. Little did I dream I would ever use a bus for transportation.

When I was president of North Valley Senior Citizens, Inc., in the early 1990s bus service for Columbia Falls and the Canyon was under the direction of the Center.

We kept the bus at the Center. Flathead County funds paid for gasoline and maintenance. As employer, we hired drivers and paid their wages, Social Security, Industrial Accident and required taxes. I remember interviewing and hiring Tad Rosenberry and the late Kate Wyman as our bus drivers. We made bus reservations and collected fees from riders. It cost $20 per month for rides although they could be purchased individually.

I also remember working with Deanne Thielman, bus director for the Agency on Aging. She was good to work with and an effective director for the new bus system in Flathead County.

Now, riders must call the Eagle Transit office listed under Flathead County one day in advance to schedule appointments. It's stressed that riders of all ages use the system. It is not limited to use by senior citizens.

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