History

> HISTORY

In 1975 the Urban Mass Transit Administration (the forerunner of Federal Transit Administration) administered a new grant program created by Congress called Section 16(b)(2), a capital program for rural transit providers in communities of over 5,000 population to purchase vehicles to be used in the provision of services for elderly and disabled persons. While Glasgow did not meet the "over" 5,000 population category, former Coordinator, Patricia Saindon, was able to convince the state agency administering this federal grant that Glasgow did have over 5,000 telephone and utility hook-ups. This, along with strong support from the County Commissioners, the developmentally disabled community, the senior citizens, the two taxi companies then operating in Glasgow, along with the ministerial association and numerous other service organizations, Valley County Transit's application was approved.

Once word was received that we had been approved, Patricia worked with Peyton Terry to help locate a 15 passenger Dodge van. That year, they seemed to be in short supply and we were fortunate to find one in Fort Benton, at Jordan Motors. Both the senior citizens and the disabilities population worked hard to help raise the necessary match with bake sales, plant sales, dances, dinners and other fund raisers. The ministerial association floated us a "no interest" loan to make up the last couple of hundred dollars. This 15 passenger Dodge van turned out to be the first vehicle in the entire country that went on the road under this new program. The first trip took several developmentally disabled clients to Nashua to school. Conrad's program immediately followed Glasgow's.

In 1980, Valley County Transit began receiving funding to offer transit services to everyone and still continue this essential service today.

Disclaimer

The Valley County Transit is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination in the receipt of its services or programs on the basis of race, color or national origin or any other characteristics protected by state or federal law, including: the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Further, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, no entity shall discriminate against an individual with a physical or mental disability in connection with the provision of transportation service. To this end Valley County Transit has updated its Title VI program, as required by the Federal Transit Administration, and is available for review.

To obtain more information on the Valley County Transit nondiscrimination obligations or to file a Title VI or ADA complaint, contact Nicole Cosby at the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) at 406.444.6334. You have the right to file a complaint of discrimination in writing no later than 180 calendar days after the date of the alleged discrimination. If you are unable to complete a written complaint, please contact MDT for assistance. Mail complaint to: 2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59620.

Complaint forms may be obtained online at:http://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/civilrights/forms/civil-rights-discrimination-complaint-form.pdf, or a paper copy can be mailed to you by calling 406.444.6334. Those using a TTY may call 1(800)335-7592 or Montana Relay at 711.

This Project is funded (in part) under an agreement with the Montana Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, but any statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Department.

Internet Privacy and Security Policy: http://valleycountytransit.com/Portals/91/Internet%20Privacy%20and%20Security%20Policy.pdf