A community on wheels

In the vast and often rugged landscape of Madison County, where the pace of life is slow and the people are resilient, a humble but vital service is quietly making a difference. The Madison County Shuttle, voted into existence in 2010 and spearheaded by the late Barbie Durham, stands as a testament to the power of community initiative. This service, which started with nothing more than an old van, has since grown into a lifeline for many, though its potential is still untapped.

Janet Doornbos, a dedicated member of the Madison County Senior Citizens’ Advisory Board, has been involved with the shuttle in one way or another since 2011. Over the years, she has seen it evolve from that first squeaky van into a well-equipped fleet that includes a van and two buses, each with plenty of room for a wheelchair, groceries and shopping sprees. And don’t worry about the ice-cream melting or flowers wilting, there is a cooler on board. 

The Madison County Shuttle is much more than just a ride; it's an essential service, and its drivers are more than just drivers. They are experienced professionals in safe driving but also in CPR and customer service. They take pride in going the extra mile, literally and figuratively, for their passengers. Need help carrying groceries? No problem. Unsure about the steps at your doctor’s office? They’ve got you covered. The drivers offer door-to-door service, ensuring that passengers are picked up and dropped off safely, all with a smile and a helping hand.

Operating Monday through Friday with a flexible schedule, the shuttle is available to anyone in Madison County. Medical appointments and seniors aged 60 and up take priority, but the service is open to all. At just $4 a ride, it's a bargain that few services can match. And while holidays are excluded, the shuttle is otherwise ready and waiting to take passengers where they need to go, be it a doctor’s appointment, a day of shopping in Bozeman, or simply a leisurely trip to Butte. Be sure to call the night before to book your seat and arrange pickup.

I recently took the shuttle to Butte, joining seasoned shuttle riders from Harrison and Pony that were going to take their friend Dennis, who recently relocated to Butte, for lunch. Imagine leaving the car at home and letting someone else navigate the roads and traffic.  I took in scenery I often miss while driving, I met wonderful fellow Madisonians, got my shopping done and had a lovely and productive day. The best $4 I ever spent. It’s an ideal way to travel with friends or neighbors, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. 

For the past three years, Dave Blank has been the man behind the wheel, steering more than just the bus. With a calm demeanor and a readiness to lend a hand, Dave has become a familiar face to many. Whether it’s helping with groceries or ensuring everyone’s buckled in, his role is as much about care as it is driving. Now, with growing demand and the service expanding, Madison County has welcomed a new driver, Dan Rose, to share the road with Dave. Together, they make up the dynamic duo of rural transportation, ensuring that every trip is not just safe, but also enjoyable. 

Funded by two mills, the small tax ensures the shuttle and one daily meal at the Tobacco Root Mountain Care Center (TRMCC).  The shuttle service faced a few bumps along the way, particularly during the pandemic. But like a true Montanan, it has come back stronger. A renewed sense of purpose, drivers and equipment, this service is hitting its stride and we’re all welcome to come along for the ride. 

In a time when isolation is more common than ever, the Madison County Shuttle represents a chance to reconnect. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about the experience along the way. It’s about sharing a ride with friends, catching up on local news, and supporting a service that is as much about people as it is about transportation.

So next time you’re planning a trip—whether it’s for errands, a medical appointment, or just a change of scenery—consider hopping on the Madison County Shuttle. Not only will you be saving on gas and avoiding the hassle of driving, but you’ll also be part of something bigger: a movement to bring back the sense of community that makes places like Madison County so special. And who knows? You might just find that riding the bus is, in fact, pretty cool.