Appaloosa Transit up and running

Summary

New Tribe transit service links communities of Kooskia, Kamiah, Orofino, Lapwai and Lewiston.

Story Published: May 6, 2008 at 8:54 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 6:28 PM PST

LAPWAI - If you're a Kamiah resident, would you like the idea of a $2 ride to Lewiston?

Some members of the Nez Perce Tribe thought you might. The new Tribal transportation service, Appaloosa Transit, took off for the first time this week.

Transit Director Della Cree said the idea has been in the works since 1999, and they were finally able to use $250,000 in federal funding

"We're really helping to serve a lot of the employees in the area, not just Tribal employees, reach their destinations," said Cree. "And, with the rising cost of gas, it just seems to be a win-win for everybody."

Cree said each of the vehicles is named, and each had their maiden voyage Monday. Three buses provide service between the cities of Kooskia, Kamiah, Orofino, Lapwai and Lewiston. Cree said they will work in coordination with Valley Transit's Lewiston office.

"If they need to go around the community center or if they need to go to Moscow-Pullman, they're able to do that through Valley Transit," she said.

A day pass is $2 and monthly passes are $20. Cree said they are especially proud of their on-demand service, where they can pick someone up anytime anywhere within the route boundaries.

"With 72 hours notice to our transit office, we can take an individual from Kamiah to Spokane, door to door," she said.

For more information and questions about pick-up times, call the Appaloosa Transit office at (208) 843-7324.

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