Free Transportation for Seniors in Montana

By Maurice

If you’re looking for free transportation for seniors in Montana, you’re in the right place!This page is a complete resource for free transportation for the elderly in the state of Montana.Check out the resources below, and if you have a resource to add, please contact us!

Map of Free Transportation for Seniors in Montana

List of Free Transportation for Seniors in Montana

Adult Resource Alliance – RIDES Program

Program Description:

The Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County (formerly the Yellowstone County Council on Aging) has been assisting seniors within Yellowstone County and their families and caregivers since 1975.

We provide a comprehensive range of services that promote the overall well-being of younger, healthier and more active seniors and support and assist the older adult population to remain independent and living in their own homes as long as possible.

Transportation is crucial to ensure access to essential services such as medical care and grocery shopping. The availability of adequate transportation enables older adults to live independently in their communities and helps to prevent isolation and the possible need for long-term care placement.

Many seniors who do not drive rely on family and friends to give them rides. But for seniors who have no alternative transportation, it is necessary to find community resources to provide transportation, as this vital support service may be their only connection to the outside world.

• Service Area:Billings, Yellowstone County
• Transportation Services Provided: Non-emergency and Non-medical.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Non-driving adults age 60 and above.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Please call Transportation 406.294.1591 or email
• transportation@allianceyc.org

• Other Details: 

1. 1A minimum $2.50 donation per round trip is recommended.
2. 2Seniors must be able to transfer into a private vehicle independently.
3. 3One ride per week Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Adult Resource Alliance – Medical Rides Program

Program Description:

The Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County (formerly the Yellowstone County Council on Aging) has been assisting seniors within Yellowstone County and their families and caregivers since 1975.

We provide a comprehensive range of services that promote the overall well-being of younger, healthier and more active seniors and support and assist the older adult population to remain independent and living in their own homes as long as possible.

Transportation is crucial to ensure access to essential services such as medical care and grocery shopping. The availability of adequate transportation enables older adults to live independently in their communities and helps to prevent isolation and the possible need for long-term care placement.

Many seniors who do not drive rely on family and friends to give them rides. But for seniors who have no alternative transportation, it is necessary to find community resources to provide transportation, as this vital support service may be their only connection to the outside world.

• Service Area:Billings, Yellowstone County
• Transportation Services Provided: Local medical appointments.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Non-driving adults age 60 and above.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Please call Transportation 406.294.1591 or email
• transportation@allianceyc.org

• Other Details: 

1. 1Donations are welcomed for general services. Some fees may apply to special services.
2. 2Alliance provides medical rides through contract with MET PLUS, as well as some supported cab services.

Adult Resource Alliance – Custer Transportation Program

Program Description:

The Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County (formerly the Yellowstone County Council on Aging) has been assisting seniors within Yellowstone County and their families and caregivers since 1975.

We provide a comprehensive range of services that promote the overall well-being of younger, healthier and more active seniors and support and assist the older adult population to remain independent and living in their own homes as long as possible.

Transportation is crucial to ensure access to essential services such as medical care and grocery shopping. The availability of adequate transportation enables older adults to live independently in their communities and helps to prevent isolation and the possible need for long-term care placement.

Many seniors who do not drive rely on family and friends to give them rides. But for seniors who have no alternative transportation, it is necessary to find community resources to provide transportation, as this vital support service may be their only connection to the outside world.

• Service Area:Billings, Laurel
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• All Laurel residents living within one mile of the Laurel city limits.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Please contact the City of Laurel at 406.628.4796 Ext #3.

• Other Details: 

1. 1The fare for rides within Laurel is $2.50 per trip and to/from Billings is $6.00.
2. 2If additional stops are requested during a trip, $1.25 is charged for each additional stop.
3. 3A 12-passenger lift-equipped bus provides the following service:
4. 4A- Within Laurel:Monday through Friday – 10:00 – 4:00 pm.1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesday of month – 10:00 – 12:30 pm.B- To/From Billings:1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesday – 1:00 – 5:00 pm.

Montana Senior Corps – Senior Companion Program

Program Description:

Missoula Aging Services provides a wide range of programs and services for older adults and those who care for them. Resource Center and Call Center staff help community members connect with the help they need.

Family Caregiver Support, Meals on Wheels, Money Management, and Veteran Directed Care empower older adults to continue living independently in their own homes.

Missoula Aging Services also trains volunteers who serve with local schools and organizations. By sharing their time and talents, volunteers make our communities a better place to live.Missoula Aging Services is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose Mission is to promote the independence, dignity, and health of older adults and those who care for them.

The organization serves as the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Missoula and Ravalli Counties. In 1973, Congress expanded the Older Americans Act to increase local support for older adults through AAA organizations. Missoula Aging Services is part of a network of ten AAA organizations that help older adults throughout Montana.

Since 2006, Missoula Aging Services has also served as an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for Missoula and Ravalli Counties. As an ADRC, the organization is able to provide in-depth assistance for people in need of long-term care.

Missoula Aging Services (MAS) was established in 1982 by the Missoula County Commissioners with a modest budget of $279,000 and a staff of five. The organization began providing a small community lunch program called Meals on Wheels and the RSVP and Foster Grandparent (FG) volunteer programs.

Nearly 40 years since the founding, the organization stands strong with over 50 staff members and a budget of more than $4 million. Through MAS programs and services, staff have over 30,000 client interactions each year.

• Service Area:Missoula, Missoula County
• Transportation Services Provided: daily living tasks like errands, driving to appointments, or going to social events etc.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Participants be age 55 or older and be income eligible.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Please Contact at (406) 728-7682.

• Other Details: 

1. 1No Pricing information is available on the website.

Mountain Line – Fixed Route

Program Description:

Mountain Line, Missoula’s community bus service, provides zero-fare fixed-route bus and Paratransit service in and around Missoula and the University of Montana, helping employees get to work and students get to school, and keeping seniors and those with disabilities active and mobile.

Founded in 1976 and operated by the Missoula Urban Transportation District (MUTD), Mountain Line is focused on sustainability. It has committed to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035 and already has several electric buses on the road. By reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and providing safe, accessible, reliable transportation, Mountain Line benefits us all.

• Service Area:Missoula
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: N/A

• Application Details: 

• If you need further trip-planning assistance, please call the Mountain Line Customer Service Line at (406) 721-3333. Personal trip-planning assistance is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Weekday Schedules:Route 1 Downtown / University / Southgate Mall Route 2 Southgate Mall / Target / Downtown Route 3 Northside Route 4 East Broadway Park and Ride / East Missoula / Bonner Route 5 Rattlesnake Route 6 Higgins / Opportunity Resources / Southgate Mall Route 7 Downtown / Southgate Mall / Walmart Route 8 University / 5th / 6th / Community Hospital / Southgate Mall Route 9 Target Range / Community Hospital Route 11 N. Reserve St. / Expressway / Airport Route 12 Downtown / University / Dornblaser / South Hills Route 14 Broadway / Russell
2. 2Saturday Schedules:Route 1 Downtown / University / Southgate Mall Route 2 Southgate Mall / Target / Downtown Route 3 Northside Route 4 East Broadway Park and Ride / East Missoula / Bonner Route 5 Rattlesnake Route 6 Higgins / Opportunity Resources / Southgate Mall Route 7 Downtown / Southgate Mall / Walmart Route 8 University / 5th / 6th /Community Hospital / Southgate Mall Route 9 No Saturday Service Route 11 No Saturday Service Route 12 Downtown / University / Dornblaser / South Hill Route 14 Broadway / Russell

Mountain Line – ADA Paratransit

Program Description:

Mountain Line, Missoula’s community bus service, provides zero-fare fixed-route bus and Paratransit service in and around Missoula and the University of Montana, helping employees get to work and students get to school, and keeping seniors and those with disabilities active and mobile.

Founded in 1976 and operated by the Missoula Urban Transportation District (MUTD), Mountain Line is focused on sustainability. It has committed to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035 and already has several electric buses on the road. By reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and providing safe, accessible, reliable transportation, Mountain Line benefits us all.Mountain Line operates ADA Comparable Paratransit service and Shuttle Van service for eligible passengers within a ¾ mile radius of existing fixed routes.

• Service Area:Missoula
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Are unable to get to and from a bus stop.
• Are unable to board and de-board Mountain Line ramp- and lift-equipped buses.
• Are unable to navigate the Mountain Line system. (Do not know their destination, cannot ask and answer questions).
• Because of the interaction of their disability with an environmental barrier (such as distance, weather, terrain or architectural barriers) are prevented from traveling to or from a bus stop or destination.(Eligibility for Paratransit service may be unconditional, conditional, seasonal or temporary.)Mountain Line is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to make an eligibility determination within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of a completed application and a Professional Verification. If a determination is not made within the 21 days, Mountain Line is required to provide temporary rides until an eligibility determination is made.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Download and Submit both the Blue Eligibility Application and the Green Professional Verification together.
• Mail to: Mountain Line Paratransit1221 Shakespeare StreetMissoula, MT 59802-2307
• Fax #: (406) 543-8387You may also submit all forms in person at the address above, M-F, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Paratransit and Shuttle Van services must be scheduled in advance.
2. 2Hours of operation:Monday through Friday, 5:35 AM to 9:30 PMSaturday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
3. 3This is origin-to-destination service, limited to individuals meeting the strict legal and medical requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Mountain Line – Senior Van

Program Description:

Mountain Line, Missoula’s community bus service, provides zero-fare fixed-route bus and Paratransit service in and around Missoula and the University of Montana, helping employees get to work and students get to school, and keeping seniors and those with disabilities active and mobile.

Founded in 1976 and operated by the Missoula Urban Transportation District (MUTD), Mountain Line is focused on sustainability. It has committed to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035 and already has several electric buses on the road. By reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and providing safe, accessible, reliable transportation, Mountain Line benefits us all.

The Shuttle Van is a complimentary, reservation-based, curb-to-curb service that provides transportation for seniors who do not qualify for ADA Paratransit service.

• Service Area: Missoula
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Individuals 60 years of age and older, who do not qualify for ADA Paratransit but still feel they need curb-to-curb service and by those seniors who are limited to seasonal eligibility for ADA Paratransit.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Download the Application
• Please return this completed application to:Mountain Line Shuttle Van Services1221 ShakespeareMissoula, MT 59802

• Other Details: 

1. 1The Shuttle Van is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and riders are advised to make reservations as early as possible.
2. 2Trips must be prescheduled by 4:30 PM the previous day.
3. 3Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Area VIII Agency on Aging – Senior Transportation

Program Description:

• Service Area: Great Falls, Cascade County
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: N/A

• Application Details: 

• Other Details: 

1. 1free

Great Falls Transit – Paratransit Service

Program Description:

Great Falls Transit provides public transportation to Great Falls and Black Eagle in Cascade County, Montana. The bus service was founded in 1982.

GFT offers seven (7) bus routes designed to meet your transportation needs. However, there are a few things that you may want to know before using GFT.

If you are unable to access our fixed route bus system, due to a disability, you may be eligible for our demand response Paratransit service.

• Service Area: Great Falls and Black Eagle
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• If you are unable to access our fixed route bus system, due to a disability, you may be eligible.
• The program is administered under guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Contact Maleah Schneider at 727-0382.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Paratransit Service Clients (with I.D.) FREE.

Streamline Bus

Program Description:

Streamline Transit is the Bozeman community bus service and is operated by the Human Resource Development Council IX. Since 2006, Streamline has provided fixed-route bus service in and around Bozeman as well as commuter routes to Belgrade and Livingston.

Streamline’s mission is to be the provider of mobility services and alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle in southwest Montana.

• Service Area: Bozeman, Gallatin County
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• General public.
• Senior citizens.
• Persons with disabilities.
• Persons with low incomes.
• Montana State University students.
• Montana State University faculty and staff.
• Non-driving high school and middle school students.Downtown shoppers and workers.

• Application Details: N/A

• Other Details: 

1. 1Streamline offers fare-free service throughout the Bozeman area.
2. 2Our routes provide service to and from Bozeman, Belgrade, Four Corners, and Livingston.
3. 3Galavan provides door-to-door transportation service for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

HRDC – Galavan Bus Door to Door

Program Description:

HRDC instills hope, develops resources, designs solutions and changes lives. We envision a place where poverty has no impact because opportunities and quality of life are equally afforded to everyone.

We treat every individual with the highest level of dignity and consideration.

We value the resources entrusted to HRDC, utilizing them responsibly in the fulfillment of our mission.

Drawing on the strength of our partners, working together to make an impact for all people.

• Service Area: Bozeman and the surrounding area.
• Transportation Services Provided: Medical appointment and personal errands.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• If you are 60 years of age or older, have a disability (which requires approval), and if are you unable to use Streamline.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• You can ride Galavan if you are over 60 or have a disability. Call 587-2434 by 3pm the day before your trip to schedule a ride.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Galavan rides need to be scheduled by 3 pm the day before you need service.

MediCab – Non-emergency Transportation

Program Description:

Medicab provides door-to-door transportation services for Medicaid and non-Medicaid clients. Services are for non-emergency medical, dental, or mental health appointments. Wheelchair vans can be provided by request.

• Service Area: Missoula, Ravalli County
• Transportation Services Provided: Medical appointments.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• General Public.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Call 1(800) 292-7114 to schedule a ride.On the day of your appointment, call (406) 327-1510 to verify.Non-Medicaid (Private pay) clients:Call (406) 327-1510

• Other Details: 

1. 1Fees: Service is usually covered for Medicaid customers.
2. 2For non-Medicaid customers, fare is $15 one way for taxi, $25 one way for wheelchair van.
3. 3For travel outside of Missoula County, there is an additional fee.

Cascade County Aging Services – Transport Services

Program Description:

Cascade County Aging Services provides a variety of services as part of the Montana Aging Network utilizing funding from the Federal Older Americans Act which is administered in Montana by the Department of Health & Human Services, State Unit on Aging.

Encompassing all of Cascade County, the primary focus of Aging Services is to provide services to those 60 years of age and older.

• Service Area: Great Falls area
• Transportation Services Provided: doctor, dental, mental health, physical therapy and other related medical appointments, hair and nail appointments, grocery shopping (unassisted) and socialization opportunities, such as senior center activities, art classes and exercise.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Age 60 or older
• Riders must be mobile with little to no assistance and able to walk from door to car alone.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Please Contact: 454-6990.

• Other Details: 

1. 1We do not bill for rides, but ask for a $2/ride or $4 roundtrip suggested donation to offset the cost of providing the service.
2. 2Rides are scheduled in advance and rides home are given first come first served upon call for transportation.
3. 3The schedule is limited to the number of ride slots we have a day and priority is given to 1) medical appointments, 2) other appointments, 3) shopping for food and other necessities, 4) socialization including volunteering and 5) rides home from previously scheduled appointment (last pickup for ride home is at 4:00 p.m.)

City and County of Butte-Silver Bow, MT – Transit Services and Paratransit

Program Description:

The Butte-Silver Bow Public Works Department is the largest of the city-county’s departments, including roads, water, transit, solid waste and much more.

The Bus provides service throughout the Butte urban area including Walkerville and both Montana Tech campuses. Paratransit services are available for those whose disabilities prevent them from using the transit system’s regular fixed-route bus service.

• Service Area: Butte, MT
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Paratransit Eligibility.Passengers must meet the legal and medical requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.Passengers are generally eligible if:They are physically unable to get to the regular fixed-route bus,They are unable to navigate regular fixed-route bus systems once on boardThey are unable to board and exit the bus at some locationsThey live within and/or up to 3/4 of a mile from the (link to) Butte-Silver Bow Transit fixed-route system.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• (Paratransit Services)Please call 406-497-6515 for an application to be sent to you.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Everyone rides for free.
2. 2Paratransit service fare is free.
3. 3Passengers must reserve their ride 24-hours in advance.
4. 4Monday – Friday 6:45 am – 6:15 pm Saturday 8:45 am – 4:15 pm

Belmont Senior Center – Transportation Services

Program Description:

“The Belmont” was originally the hoist house for the Belmont mine… Today the Belmont continues to lift the seniors of this community through socialization, assistance and services enabling them to enjoy their lives to the fullest!

Here at Belmont you will find that we have everything that you need, just look at all the activities and services we offer…

The Belmont Senior Center is governed by a 12 member volunteer board.We are funded under the Older Americans Act and receive federal and state funds through a contract with Southwest Aging and Disability Service. We also depend on donations which make up 1/3 of our budget.

• Service Area: Butte, MT
• Transportation Services Provided: Services to Belmont, Medical Appointments.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Anyone 55 and older.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Please Contact: (406) 723-7773

• Other Details: 

1. 1We offer a bus service to and from the center each day for lunch and activities.
2. 2The bus will also bring seniors to appointments Monday-Friday.
3. 3Donations encouraged.
4. 4There are no memberships at our Center, anyone 55 and older can participate in center activities.

• Transportation – Belmont Seniors Center
• Belmont Senior Center Butte, MT
• Silver Bow County | swmads