GIFT on-demand transportation service expanding to Ammon
Published at
The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls.
IDAHO FALLS — The City of Idaho Falls is pleased to announce that Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT), the city’s on-demand public transportation service, is expanding its service area to the City of Ammon.
Idaho Falls and Ammon will be celebrating this significant milestone with a ribbon-cutting at Ammon City Hall on Oct. 1 at 4:30 p.m.
“For the past five years, the number one request we’ve heard from our riders has been clear: bring GIFT service to Ammon,” said Kade Marquez, GIFT Transportation Coordinator. “We are excited to finally deliver on that request. We are incredibly grateful to our neighbors in Ammon and to the city’s leadership for their diligence, collaboration and hard work in finding a way to make this expansion possible.”
Now GIFT riders will be able to access many Ammon neighborhoods, medical centers and major shopping centers such as Walmart, Albertsons, Target, Broulim’s and more that were previously out of reach.
“Expanding GIFT service into Ammon gives our residents more options to get where they need to go, whether that’s work, shopping, medical appointments, or visiting family,” said Ammon Mayor Brian Powell. “This is a great example of what we can accomplish when neighboring communities work together. We appreciate our partnership with Idaho Falls and look forward to seeing the positive impact this expanded service will have on our residents.”
Since GIFT started in 2022, it’s become a valuable service for community members, particularly for those who may not be able to drive themselves. Approximately 30% of all GIFT riders are senior citizens, and the service provides 10,000 rides per year to individuals with disabilities and veterans.
“From the beginning, our vision for GIFT has been bigger than simply providing transportation within the boundaries of Idaho Falls — we’ve wanted to build a system that can better connect our entire community,” said Michelle Ziel-Dingman, Idaho Falls City Council member and District 6 Public Transportation Advisory Council Representative. “This partnership is an important step toward that vision. I’m grateful to the City of Ammon for recognizing the value of accessible public transportation and for working with us to make this expansion possible. This is exactly the kind of regional collaboration that strengthens eastern Idaho and gives more people the freedom and opportunity to get where they need to go.”
To learn more about GIFT or schedule a ride, download the app, visit its website or call 208-999-GIFT.