Vans to provide safer, smoother rides

RONAN — Three brand-new Dodge Caravans were delivered last week to the Lake County Council on Aging office in Ronan. The result of a stimulus package grant, the vans will be added to the Lake County Transit service fleet that offers cost-sharing rides to area residents’ for medical and other important appointments throughout the area.

Their arrival is an assurance that any one who can be helped will be, project director Judy Shostak said.

“This is presenting us with the opportunity to provide much more reliable and comfortable transport,” she said.

More than 200 rides are given through the transit service each month. In September, more than 4,000 miles were put on the existing fleet.

The vans will continue to expand the service that is vital to many senior citizens and disabled area residents. Aspects like raising gas prices and the rural nature of much of the county make grants that provided the vans essential, she said.

One of 13 programs the aging council offers, the transport service is crucial especially to older residents who need to get to places like Missoula and Kalispell for doctor appointments. The cars already in the fleet include a 1995 Ford Escort and 1996 Cutlass Supreme, along with a 1987 station wagon and a bus. Both have many miles and a lot less trunk space.

“In the past I’ve had trouble with the walkers, having to get them into the trunk, this arrangement is easier,” volunteer driver Jim Theodore said.

The vans also feature automatic doors, back hatch and remote starters. A step will also be added to each van, Shostak said.

One van will be stationed in Polson  and one in St. Ignatius. The older vehicles will continue to be used as well, but for a limited amount of miles. The vans began service on Tuesday.

Shostak wrote the grant for the stimulus money in May. It funded the vans 100 percent.

One of the most encouraging parts of the entire story, Shostak said, was the fact that the grant money was spent completely within the county. Ronan Dodge won the bid to deliver more than 30 vans statewide.

Owner Jim Pierce was instrumental in making sure the deal was put together.

Everything from the detailing to the maintenance work was done in county, Shostak said.

Now, Shostak’s mission is to continue to reach out to all the people who could benefit from the program.

Theodore said he’s seen a lot of people who need the service but are afraid to ask for help.

 Shostak wants people to know they’ve never turned anyone down for a ride.

More vans also means the need for volunteer drivers is bigger than ever. Today, approximately 14 drivers volunteer. Shostak said they could use 5-6 more.

Drivers must have valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and a clean driving record.