Montana Transportation Options for People With Disabilities

Public transportation options for people with disabilities

You can find a few different types of public transportation around the state:

• Scheduled Public Transit: Scheduled public transit, also known as fixed-route service, is a staple in many cities across the nation, and Montana is no exception. This type of transit operates on a set route with established pickup times at designated stops. In Montana, the availability and type of scheduled public transit varies based on the city.

• Paratransit: This service complements scheduled public transit by providing door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses. While paratransit services can vary by location, they are generally designed to meet specific mobility needs.

• Dial-a-Ride: This on-demand service allows passengers to schedule their trips via telephone, offering flexibility in both pick-up and drop-off locations. Dial-a-Ride services are particularly useful for those who require personalized transportation but do not live in an area with a regular route or schedule.

• Intercity: For those traveling between towns or cities, intercity bus services can connect rural and urban areas. Although options might be limited compared to more densely populated regions, services like those provided by companies such as Greyhound can help bridge the gap between Montana’s communities.

Public transit systems around Montana

You can find a complete list of public transit systems in the state on the Montana Department of Transportation website. Here are a few of the systems that can help you get around Southwest Montana.

Bozeman Streamline Bus Service

For residents and visitors in Bozeman, the Streamline Bus Service offers a reliable and accessible fixed-route service with multiple routes around the city. The service is designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities, providing both physical accessibility and convenience. HRDC also offers a complementary paratransit service through Galavan. The service is available to anyone 60 years or older or who has a disability and can’t use the Streamline Bus Service. Call 406-587-2434 for more information.

Butte Bus

Serving the city of Butte, the Butte Bus offers fixed-route services that are essential for navigating the local area. The service includes accessibility features that cater to passengers with disabilities. If you’re unable to use the Butte Bus, dial-a-ride paratransit services are also available. Fill out and return this eligibility form to find out if you qualify.

Helena Capital Transit

In Helena, Capital Transit provides scheduled curb-to-curb rides, which means that passengers can be picked up and dropped off at their doorsteps. This service is particularly beneficial for those who might have difficulty reaching a fixed transit stop. You can request rides within Helena City Limits by downloading the Capital Transit app.

Medicaid transportation for people with disabilities

For individuals eligible for Medicaid, transportation to and from medical appointments is covered under Medicaid’s non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefits. This service is perfect for those needing regular medical care.

The travel assistance benefit might also cover meals or lodging if you need to stay overnight for appointments. The Medicaid Transportation Center has to approve all trips before travel in order for your expenses to be covered.

Depending on your needs, this benefit can cover a variety of transportation options, including:

• Commercial transportation like a taxi or bus.

• Personal transportation, such as a privately owned vehicle.

• Specialized non-emergency transportation, including a wheelchair or stretcher van.

You can find more details on Medicaid transportation options in Montana at the Montana Healthcare Programs website.

Taxi and rideshare

While public transit options provide free or inexpensive services, taxi and rideshare services (such as Uber and Lyft) also offer flexibility and convenience. These services can be particularly useful in areas where public transit is limited, allowing passengers to request rides as needed and benefit from accessible vehicle options.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to coordinate with your rideshare driver to understand if their vehicle meets your needs. Uber, for example is working to make more wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV) available, but these programs are only running in major cities outside of Montana for now. Lyft is working toward the same goal.

Finding transportation for people with disabilities in Montana can have a bit of a learning curve, but Ability Montana can help you find out how to get around. Whether it’s filling out forms, learning bus schedules, or discovering the options that are available to you, Ability Montana is there for you. Get in touch with staff to learn more about the transportation options in your area, and find out how you can live more independently.