Copyright Kalispell Inter Lake
The Mineral County Pioneer Council celebrated the grand opening of its new transit building at 110 Moats Lane in Superior last month, drawing residents, business owners, nonprofit representatives and mental health professionals eager to tour the unique new facility. Visible from Interstate 90, the building erected by Reed Mountain Construction features four vehicle bays, a meeting room and two fully accessible offices. Although few community members will ever need to visit the site, its operations affect many Mineral County residents who rely on the Pioneer Council’s transportation services for medical appointments, shopping and social activities. “We’ve been serving this community for years, but many people don’t know what we do until they or someone they know needs transportation,” said Lyn Hellegaard, executive director of the Missoula Ravalli Transportation Management Association and president of the Mineral County Pioneer Council. “We’re not a taxi service or a charter bus. We operate under strict state and federal regulations, which is where our funding comes from.” The Pioneer Council provides door-to-door rides for county residents, especially seniors, people with disabilities and those without access to reliable transportation. Common destinations include medical facilities in Missoula, Mineral Community Hospital, Jack Lincoln Clinic in St. Regis and Clark Fork Medical Center in Plains. During the Oct. 23 open house, attendees asked about special trips to University of Montana Griz games, holiday shopping in Missoula and local entertainment events. Hellegaard said such requests can often be accommodated within the Council’s service guidelines. Jim Goss, treasurer of the Mineral County Performing Arts Council, asked if a van could be used to bring people to the group's evening performances. “We can do some tweaking with small adjustments to make that happen,” Hellegaard said. Susan Freeman, dispatcher and driver for the Pioneer Council, explained that flexibility is key to their success. “We plan routes based on everyone’s appointments first, then work in additional stops. Sometimes, we need to limit time at large stores so others aren’t waiting too long in the van,” she said. Fleet manager and driver Roy Martin proudly showcased the organization’s new 2024 Ford 12-passenger bus, which can safely secure up to six wheelchair passengers at a time. “It’s a behemoth — comfortable, safe and reliable,” he said. One driver, Laurie Fillo, was responsible for developing a memorandum of understanding with the Superior Senior Citizens Center to provide transportation to the organization's Wednesday dinners. “We worked it out that people call Sue [Freeman] by noon if they want a ride to dinner that night. It’s free for them and especially when it’s dark and cold, much safer for everyone.” Community collaboration is a central part of the council’s mission. Laurel Haskins Chambers, CEO of Mineral Community Hospital, said the service will help fill a critical gap. “Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to health care access in rural areas,” she noted. “Knowing the Pioneer Council can assist our patients will make a huge difference.” Haskins Chambers also proposed developing a regular route for west-end residents to reach clinics in St. Regis or Superior during the winter months. “It could become both a social outing and a health lifeline for isolated seniors,” she added. The council’s work has also supported local organizations. Shirley Iwata, a former crime victims advocate for Mineral County, recalled setting up a voucher program years ago. “It was a lifesaver for victims who had nowhere to go,” she said. “They needed rides to legal appointments, medical care and safe places.” Stephanie Quick, owner of Frontier Counseling, said she plans to refer more clients after learning how the service operates. “Understanding the process helps me better connect people to the help they need,” she said. Regular round-trip transportation to Missoula is scheduled multiple times a month at the following rates: Alberton, $13; Superior, $20; St. Regis, $23; West End, $26. Trips run on the first and third Thursdays, second Monday and Friday, third Tuesday and fourth Wednesday of each month. Off-schedule rides are available for $75 to Missoula, $35 from Saltese to Alberton, and $25 between Superior and St. Regis. For more information, visit mcpioneercouncil.com or call 406-552-7003 (TTY: 1-800-335-7592).
