WALLACE — The Silver Express Shuttle will continue operations at no cost to Shoshone County taxpayers thanks to a federal grant that will cover through 2027.

“No money is coming out of the budget for the next two years,” Shoshone County Grant Administrator Colleen Rosson said. 

Northwest Medical Transport previously asked for additional funds in order to renew their contract, leaving the county in the lurch while seeking solutions. 

In the end, commissioners agreed to become the temporary managers for the service while they looked for ways to keep the service going on their own or through new contractors.

It costs about $224,000 per year to fund the free public shuttle program, which is covered through the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program. 

The Silver Express was running just three days a week. Now, it's active five days a week with 44 stops, running in both directions from Mullan to Kingston twice a day. The Silver Express also makes short trips from Shoshone County to Coeur d’Alene. 

Tourists biking through the area also often use the shuttle. 

"It's a big part of our tourism," Rosson said.

The program also supports paratransport services through doctor recommendation for people with mobility or health concerns.  

The monthly ridership for the bus service is 1,500 a month. Two-thirds of that is made up of seniors. 

“It's not just public transportation, it’s an economic driver,” Rosson said.    

Resident Jim Taylor thinks of his neighbors and friends who use the bus to go to Harvest Foods in Wallace. 

“At the grocery store every morning, I see them. It’s a means for them to get around,” Taylor said. “We don’t know when we’re going to become unable to drive or need medical care. It's about what if I lost my license? What if I had a stroke?  

Taylor hopes the shuttle will allow him and other residents of the Silver Valley to take advantage of the independence it affords for as long as it’s needed in the area. 

“Wouldn’t I want that degree of independence to be able to get around?” Taylor asked.  

Rosson said a group of older gentlemen has helped calm rowdy riders and “keep the peace” during their regular excursions on the Silver Express. 

It’s social hour for them and helps them stay out of isolation, Rosson said. 

There is a feasibility study for the county to see what is necessary to continue overseeing the program.

Next, commissioners will have to determine if it’s better to keep it in-house or hire outside contractors. 

“We know that it's imperative to the community,” Rosson said. “It's free and we want to keep it free.”