Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Whitehall Public Transportation raising funds for bus facility, have new vehicle

There are plenty of positives in 2018 for Whitehall Public Transportation.

Along with continued work on building a new transit facility, WPT has also recently been able to utilize a van they purchased in late 2017.

According to Director Paula Hippert, plans are underway to build a four bay bus barn that will accommodate offices and a passenger waiting area. The facility will be built on the Liberty Place Inc. Farmstead location. Hippert said they hope to begin building the 3,200 square foot facility this year on the 18 acre property south of Whitehall on Highway 55.

"It has been in the planning stages for four years now and after many studies, we finally have all the needed approvals. Hopefully we will break ground this summer and move into the building before winter," she said.

So far, WPT has met 80 percent of the needed matching funds for the facility and plan on holding fundraisers this summer to meet the goal of $323,000.

The first will take place May 26 at the Whitehall Park Pavilion. Another is scheduled during Frontier Days in late July. WPT is also requesting donations through rummage sales and those can be dropped off at the corporate office at 313. W. Legion.

CLARK AND LOIS

There is a Superman type theme at WPT, and Clark finally has his Lois back

Late in 2017, Whitehall Public Transportation received a new van to replace their 2010 three passengers, one wheel chair van. WPT began a campaign in spring of 2017 to cover the $5,344.51 needed in matching funds to purchase "Lois", to go along with their "Clark" "bus.

Hippert said the old van had over 100,000 miles, and they began the campaign to cover the $5,344.51 in matching funds for "Lois".

They reached the goal in July, and had the van shortly after Thanksgiving, but unfortunately it was involved in an accident shortly after and was totaled. Hippert said the insurance covered the costs and "Lois" was back in service by March. She added the new vehicle would be used for both in and out of town trips. The four passenger, one wheel chair vain also has a passenger seat that can be removed to reveal a second wheel chair station.

Hippert is not only happy with the new van, but said they are very happy to serve local residents.

"We feel blessed to operate within the town of Whitehall. It is a very supportive community and having the financial support for this much needed vehicle is an amazing accomplishment for the whole town," she said. "Many residents of Whitehall are using our services now to access medical appointments and out of town shopping needs. We also offer two days a week of local shopping. This is a door-to-door service that provides transportation for shopping, prescription pick-ups, and retrieving mail, going to luncheons or whatever the need is. This has grown from once weekly to twice weekly as people learn of this popular, social-like service. "

WPT travels to Butte every Monday and Friday with a stop at St James Healthcare both days. Hippert said they are normally in Butte from 12:45 until 3:00.

The hours of operation for WPT are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For reservations or more information call 406-287-3156.

 

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