Greater Idaho Falls Transit looks for possible changes after first month

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - After being in service for one month, Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT) is looking to reflect on what it has learned to provide better rides for the future. GIFT started service on June 3.

Managers learned most passenger destinations are in or around downtown and the airport. They also learned most people tend to use the service during the late afternoon hours. Transit Coordinator, Kade Marquez, was surprised by the number of people needing wheelchair accessibility.

In June, there were nearly 4,000 people who used the service. In July, they could reach up to 6000 people. Most users only use the service from time to time, but there are about 150 people who request rides daily.

Since the service is still in its early stages, the community is starting to make requests. One of the most significant issues has been the hours of operation. GIFT is operational from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays, but some individuals are wishing for the service to be open later. Marquez says he may change the schedule in the near future. The new schedule would shift the service an hour later to being open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Another issue is this service only covers Idaho Falls. Ammon and Iona are not included on routes and passengers can't request to go there.

A board meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 19 at 10 a.m. at the Idaho Falls City Annex building.