Treasure County on Aging

Transit Coordination Plan Treasure County FY2026

 

Transit Coordination Plan

Treasure County

FY2026

 

The Transit Coordination Plan has been developed through efforts involving planned users of a new transportation system. The passengers of the service will include senior citizens, disabled individuals, and the general public. The County Commission and County Aging Services were those involved in initially creating the plan. Future plan updates will encourage public input.

Treasure County currently does not have a transportation system that is available to the public. No fixed route or intercity bus, railway or private taxi service exist. The only agency in the county that provides transportation is the school, and that is only available for school activities, not to the general public.

According to the most recent census, Treasure County has 668 residents and 36.1% are 65 years of age or older. The 2023 census reports Treasure County having 113, or 15%, individuals with disabilities. The data clearly represents the need for a transportation system for the public, particularly the elderly and disabled.

The Treasure County Commission will oversee the transportation system and those who implement the service. As this is a new service to the community, the Treasure County Commission will also act as the Transportation Advisory Committee until one can be appointed. A driver will be hired to transport passengers to their needed destinations and will be responsible for maintaining travel and vehicle maintenance records. The transportation coordinator will be responsible for administrative duties including scheduling, reporting, training and overall communication. Repairs will be done in accordance with the TACs Maintenance Plan. Local businesses and those in the surrounding areas will perform needed repairs and maintenance.

As the transportation system starts up, trips will be available on a scheduled basis. The vehicle will take riders to a certain city/town on specified days of the week/month for riders to choose. Anticipated destinations will include Billings, MT, Miles City, MT and Forsyth, MT which range from 60 miles to 150 miles round trip. As the system grows and becomes more popular or needed this schedule will change in accordance with those needs. To ensure the public is aware of the new system, as many avenues as possible will be used to advertise this new service. Information and schedules will be available on the county website, the Community and Aging Services Facebook pages, the senior newsletter, at the Treasure County Community Center (Senior Center) and at the Treasure County Courthouse.

The County Commission will be the governing body for the transportation system with the TAC being responsible for operations and ensuring transit needs are met. It will work closely with representatives of groups utilizing the service to ensure those needs are met in the best possible way. Those groups will include but are not limited to the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. Coordination with existing transportation systems in surrounding areas will also be considered if there is a need.

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​Contact:

Megan Metcalf, Council on Aging Coordinator: mmetcalf@treasurecountymt.com