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I've read here about how your public transport in Boise is sadly lacking. Is public transportation for the disabled readily available? Does it go into outlieing areas like Meridian or Nampa? My daughter uses a wheelchair and I know when she gets older, she'll want to be as independent as possible. :~) D
I am in a similar situation. I have epilepsy and presently can't drive. I am considering moving to either the Meridian area or possibly the Nampa area in the near future. I have a job lined up once I get there already, but may need a second job to meet financial obligations. I used to live in the Boise area several years ago, in the late '80's up to the mid '90's. If I remember right, the bus system in Boise at that time didn't travel out to west Boise but once a day, which wasn't very convenient for those who needed it at different times during the day.
I am disabled and think I can answer your question. The Boise public transit system has changed little since the 80's when I was a kid and rode the bus. I rely on the bus, but it can easily take me two hours round trip just to go to the Mall... and I am an in and out shopper, quick quick quick.
My ex is disabled also and she used a transportation service that took Medicaid (I think), but she hated the service as they were often late and she missed a few appointments because of this. That and sitting at the doc's office for hours waiting to be picked up.
So sadly the news for public transit for the disabled is bleak here in Boise. They are putting in a light rail system, but will be many years till it is City wide. So till then, we are at the mercy of the bus. And in the winter the buses run late if there is a lot of snow and ice on the road... sigh.
Thanks for the info. I lived in Great Falls back in the late '70's & early '80's, and it was maybe 20% the size of Boise & vic. It had a good bus system in it then, surprising for a city that was shrinking at that time (and only had Malmstrom AFB there that was keeping its economy going then). Billings, which was only slightly more populated, had an effective bus system there, also. For the most part, the bus in both places ran every hour, or half hour, I think. (Hard to remember that far back.) One would think that with the influx of Californians moving to the Boise area that things would become more advanced more rapidly, transportation included.
Hmmm...that's disapointing news. Are there no DART type buses? That's a service in the Seattle and surrounding areas where a small bus will actually come and pick you up from your home and deliver you where you need to be. It can still be a pain to use, but at least it's something for the elderly and disabled who qualify. Especially useful if you have a standing appointment like church to go to every week. We've never used it because my daughter is still young, but I know several people who do. Not sure if it costs anymore then a regular ride.
I guess ISSGOD said something about a service like that, but it sounded more like a private one then one attached to the city buses.
Aside from Californians clamoring for a better bus system, you'd think that a growing elderly population would demand it, too. :~/ D
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