Community
Windrider Transit has successfully provided free fixed-route services to Park County residents (and some visitors) since November 2017 – a total of over 33,238 through May 31, 2025, averaging 25 passengers per day!
The fixed route services are FREE, with buses running Monday through Friday from 6:15 am to 6:15 pm, making 136 stops daily! In November 2021, we were able to add Saturday services from 8 am to 12 pm. We provide rides to elderly, disabled, youth and the general public. Some have no means of transportation, some cannot operate vehicles, some choose not to drive, etc. This important program provides critical social service connections in the community that some citizens might not be able to be part of due to lack of transportation. Public transportation also contributes to both the economical and physical health of individuals, it brings financial benefits to communities and it provides not only jobs in the industry itself, but is also a key component of a healthy business ecosystem by increasing mobility options for both job commuters and customers alike.
The routes run as far east as Livingston HealthCare and south near McDonalds and Albertsons with access to nearby shopping, medical, eating and lodging establishments. The routes include other fixed stops at the Ace Hardware and Town & Country; Park High School; several downtown locations; and, some stops on the north side of town at Summit Apartments, the North Side Park, NorthTown housing development and the new Community Center near M street.
The half-day Saturday routes with 45 bus stops were originally funded through a Rural Transit Assistance Program grant and are now (as of 4/1/23) partially funded through a Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) Extended Services grant. These two grant opportunities also allow us to provide FREE dial-a-ride (DAR) services (we pick passengers up near their house curb) to and from Bozeman twice per week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and around Livingston on Thursdays for medical, dental, vision and/or behavioral health appointments!
In collaboration with our fabulous community partners, Park County has successfully applied for funding through capital and operating assistance grants to implement the Windrider Transit Program. These funding sources are coordinated and administered through the MDT Transit Section through pass-through funding provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Grant funding toward this program covers approximately 55% of our total operating, administrative and maintenance costs per year; we must raise the remaining 45% of funds through our important local partnerships.
In partnership with several local entities and businesses, Park County utilizes operating and capital assistance grant funding from the MDT Transit Program to operate this system. We appreciate our many local community partners for providing additional contributions to help make this program viable and successful. We are proud of our Public Transit Facility which was completed in July of 2023. This ADA accessible, 40’ x 50’ structure includes two large bays that can hold four 13-passenger buses, a bus wash station, two administration offices, a driver’s training area, reception area, bathroom, mechanical and storage rooms. The construction costs were fully funded through a $1.3 million Federal Transit Agency – MDT Transit Division grant.
Windrider Transit major supporters include Livingston HealthCare, Park County, the City of Livingston, One Health, Town & Country, NorthTown Development, Coffee Crossing, Community Closet, Park County Community Foundation and many extraordinary individuals and businesses who donate through the annual Park County Community Foundation Give A Hoot donation drive!