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Commuter service from Missoula expands to Ronan

February 18, 2005 /

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The Missoula Ravalli Transportation Management Association http://www.mrtma.org started out eight years ago with a donated van with more than 200,000 miles traveling from the Bitterroot into Missoula.

Today, it has 10 13-seat Dodge vans that serve not only the Bitterroot but also Alberton and now Ronan.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the air quality program, the MRTMA was founded in 1996 as an alternative to widening a section of U.S. 93 North to four lanes. In 1997, it began driving its first route.

The 2002 vans are comfortable rides with reclining bucket seats and overhead lighting.

"Very, very comfortable," said Carol Haines, project manager.

"It saves thousands of dollars a year. The AAA club told us it costs (drivers) an average 50 cents a mile to operate their vehicle. We charge 9 cents a mile for a fare. It drops, too, because as they ride more frequently, they can get a monthly or weekly rate," she added.

By DONNA SYVERTSON of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2005/02/18/news/local/news04.txt