Getting around in rural areas can be a real challenge for older folks who no longer drive, either by choice or through circumstances. Seniors have more medical appointments than the general public, and shopping for groceries and other necessities can be a challenge. Fortunately, Montrose residents have All Points Transit to get them around town, and even to Olathe, Delta, and San Miguel counties.

According to Mobility Manager Bill Towle, All Points Transit has been around for more than 40 years. The Montrose County Senior Citizens Transportation launched in 1979, it was incorporated in 1989 and a year later approved for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Yet another iteration occurred in 2008 when the Dial-A-Ride program expanded to Delta and became part of All Points Transit. More services were added when the Montrose Public Bus came into being in 2010.

The Dial-A-Ride service offers door-to-door transportation at the cost of $3.50 for those over 60, and $5 each way for those under 60. Medicaid covers medical rides for its recipients, and travel vouchers may be available for those over 60 through Region 10 and the Area Agency on Aging, according to Towle. 

All Points Transit also offers the Public Flex Route. This service follows fixed routes in Montrose and Olathe, and “flexes” to go off route up to three-quarters of a mile to pick up those who have a hard time accessing the normal stops. For those not on the regular route who want to use the flex route to be picked up, flex rides must be scheduled the day before.

Currently, the flex route is free and stops at three grocery stores, Target and Walmart. The transfer station for the flex route is also convenient for downtown shopping. 

In spite of the pandemic, the transit service has operated non-stop while practicing social distancing and limiting the number of passengers per vehicle.

“Despite constraints from COVID-19, we continue to safely provide vital transportation for older adults, disabled persons and/or those with lower incomes to their destinations. All Points practices enhanced cleaning and disinfecting in accordance with CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of both passengers and employees alike, and has collaborated with other agencies in food delivery services,” Towle said.

All Point Transit’s 25 buses work every day, giving seniors and others without private transportation access to activities and events they otherwise would’ve had to give up or rely on friends and family for. The buses make 80,000 trips a year and run on a 30-minute schedule. Medical transportation is also available in all of its service areas and can be arranged by contacting All Points Transit at 549-0128 and 874-7334 in Delta County. 

For general information and to access routes and maps, visit www.allpointstransit.com or call 549-0128.