GIFT for Ammon: On-demand public transportation expands to Ammon
AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) – The iconic Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT) vans are now running in Ammon.
In the last four years, GIFT has offered 410,000 rides to seniors, airport travelers, veterans, people with disabilities, students on their way to sports practice or anyone else who would like a lift.
“I wasn’t able to drive a vehicle because of my poor vision. I’m so happy to have GIFT coming to Ammon because I have medical appointments that I’ve had a difficult time getting to,” said Sondra Olson.
GIFT’s expanded service area covers 8 additional square miles, home to 14,000 Ammon residents.
“Starting today, portions of Ammon and all of Idaho Falls will receive door-to-door service that we have been doing for the last four years,” said GIFT Transportation Coordinator Kade Marquez.
Riders will now be able to shop at Ammon shopping centers – including Walmart, Target, Broulim’s and Albertsons, visit the doctor or be dropped off and picked up from numerous neighborhoods in the city.
At a ribbon-cutting Thursday, officials highlighted the service’s benefits to those who need a ride.
In its first day of expanded operations on October 1, the on-demand public transit service placed 30 rides and received 100 to 150 phone calls for services to Ammon.
Leaders from Idaho Falls and Ammon have been collaborating for three years to achieve this expansion.
“This has been a long time coming for the city of Ammon,” Ammon Mayor Brian Powell said. “We’ve had a lot of residents request rides for GIFT, and a lot of businesses that were unable to help our residents because they couldn’t travel into Ammon, and so this expansion has been just great for them.”
Ammon will pay approximately $6,000 a month to cover cost-of-service for GIFT, dollars that are matched by federal funds, Marquez said.
It’s a service that serves some of the most vulnerable in the community – including individuals in wheelchairs or people heading
“I’m looking forward for the Ammon City Council to have members of the public come in and tell you just how grateful they are for GIFT,” Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw said.
You can download the GIFT app here.
Prices are $2 per ride for senior citizens, $4 for on-demand, $6 for scheduled pickups and $10 a ride in evening hours. For more information or to learn how to order a ride, visit the GIFT website or call 208-999-GIFT.
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