GIFT service expands into Ammon to improve regional connectivity
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Getting between Idaho Falls and Ammon is about to get a whole lot easier.
The City of Idaho Falls has announced that Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT), an on-demand public transportation service, is expanding into the City of Ammon, a move local leaders say will improve access to jobs, shopping, medical care and other essential destinations for thousands of residents.
To celebrate the expansion, Idaho Falls and Ammon officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Ammon City Hall on Oct. 1 at 4:30 p.m.
"For the past five years, the number one request we've heard from our riders has been clear: bring GIFT service to Ammon," said GIFT Transportation Coordinator Kade Marquez. "We are excited to finally deliver on that request."
Marquez credited Ammon city leaders for helping make the expansion possible through collaboration and persistence.
The service extension means riders can now travel to many Ammon neighborhoods, medical facilities and major retailers that were previously outside the system's service area. Popular destinations now accessible through GIFT include Walmart, Target, Albertsons, Broulim's and other shopping centers.
Ammon Mayor Brian Powell said the addition will provide residents with more transportation choices for everyday needs.
"Expanding GIFT service into Ammon gives our residents more options to get where they need to go, whether that's work, shopping, medical appointments, or visiting family," Powell said. "This is a great example of what we can accomplish when neighboring communities work together."
Since launching in 2022, GIFT has become an important resource for many community members, especially those who may not have access to their own transportation. City officials say about 30% of GIFT riders are senior citizens, while the service provides roughly 10,000 rides each year to veterans and people with disabilities.
Idaho Falls City Council member Michelle Ziel-Dingman said the partnership reflects the long-term vision for public transportation in the region.
"From the beginning, our vision for GIFT has been bigger than simply providing transportation within the boundaries of Idaho Falls," she said. "We've wanted to build a system that can better connect our entire community."
She added that expanding into Ammon is a key step toward creating a more connected regional transportation network and demonstrates how cooperation between neighboring communities can benefit residents across eastern Idaho.
Those interested in using the service can schedule rides through the GIFT mobile app, visit the program's website, or call 208-999-GIFT for more information.
As GIFT continues to grow, city leaders hope the expansion into Ammon will make transportation more accessible and create greater independence for residents throughout the region.
