The GIFT that keeps on giving, the Greater Idaho Falls Transit officially expands into Ammon
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AMMON — Over 14,000 Ammon residents can now use GIFT, the Greater Idaho Falls Transit service, bringing “the gift” of public transportation to those in need and better connecting Idaho Falls and Ammon.
Starting last Thursday, Ammon residents living west of Ammon Road and in neighborhoods bordering Hitt Road can now use GIFT to access locations in Idaho Falls. This also means Idaho Falls residents can now use the service to access locations in Ammon.
EastIdahoNews.com spoke with GIFT Transportation Coordinator Kade Marquez during Thursday’s ribbon-cutting at Ammon City Hall about the expansion.
He said Ammon will contribute $73,000 yearly to the program, which will cover the cost of bringing this service to the city. However, Marquez said the expansion will not increase costs for users.
Ammon Mayor Brian Powell said the city’s contribution will ensure local dollars remain in the community and help grow the program.
“The federal dollars are a two-to-one match, and so it’s nice to keep those federal taxes that we all pay here locally for our transportation,” Powell said.
While neighborhoods east of Ammon Road are not in GIFT’s expanded service area, Marquez said the expansion will still allow those residents to use GIFT through its walking corridor program. What this means for folks living outside the service area is that the app will direct users to nearby streets near Hitt Road so they can use GIFT.
He said the reason why only a portion of the Ammon was included in GIFT’s area of service was to target the areas where the bulk of the city’s population lived.
Powell said this expansion has been in the works for a little over three years between the two cities, but in his eyes, he sees this as one big community working together to help out their neighbors.
With Thursday being the first day Ammon residents can now use GIFT, Powell said there have been over 150 calls to the service for rides, and over 30 rides were provided earlier that morning.
Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw said the expansion benefits residents of both cities and is also a boon for vulnerable people who lack easy access to transportation. She said this will be one less barrier to accessing medical providers and other services in both cities.
Powell added that for folks who’ve had unreliable or no transportation, they can now use GIFT to help get them to doctor offices or treatment programs located in Idaho Falls and across Ammon.
One of the services GIFT provides to its users is free rides to treatment and recovery programs in Idaho Falls, such as the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, Centers for Hope, and other organizations. Free rides are also available to reach Eastern Idaho Public Health or the Community Family Clinic.
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Marquez said that GIFT has been fortunate to have generous sponsors who will cover the cost of the ride, allowing residents to access these medical services and locations. He said that users with disabilities can also receive assistance from their door to get into GIFT vehicles, and that wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available to ensure everyone can use the program.
According to a news release from the City of Idaho Falls, 30% of all GIFT users are senior citizens, and 10,000 annual rides are provided to individuals with disabilities and veterans.
“This is actually a big win right now… we’re going to make sure that we’re on a firm financial path to make sure that we are providing the best possible service with the best possible price for citizens in the Greater Idaho Falls area,” Marquez said.
Those interested in taking a ride with GIFT can download the app, visit its website, or call 208-999-GIFT.