For the week of Dec 26, 2001 - Jan 1, 2002

Commuter bus planned

Peak-hours service proposed

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By PETER BOLTZ
Express Staff Writer

The project is still an "if," but if things go according to Beth Callister’s plan, the Wood River Valley will have a commuter bus service between Bellevue, Hailey and Ketchum-Sun Valley by the beginning of February.

It would be a peak-hours service, with three buses in the morning between 6 and 9 a.m. and three in the afternoon between 4 and 6 p.m.

The cost for a one-way trip would be $1.50, but Callister, the director of Wood River Rideshare, is promoting year passes for $600 and monthly passes for $50.

The carrier would be Sun Valley Express.

"This is the first step toward a vision of a bus service between the cities using a high occupancy vehicle lane in the future," she said.

So far, Callister said she has enlisted the Sun Valley Co. and St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center, "two of the largest employers in the valley."

Both have committed to buying 50 of the year peak-hour passes.

"Driving your own car from Sun Valley to Bellevue for a year can cost as much as $2,500," Callister said. "We’re offering a savings of $2,000."

She said she believes there is sufficient interest to start the program, "so I am trying to scope out how to do this and figure out how to make it work."

Callister said she needed to get a commitment of an additional 80 year passes from businesses and individuals, but she said she may be able to negotiate a deal with Sun Valley Express for fewer passes.

Interested commuters should call Callister at 788-RIDE or 725-0963.

 

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