SANDPOINT — After Veda Tallent wrapped up her conversation with Judy Dupin, weaving through their two lives like old friends, Tallent leaned across SPOT Bus Paratransit No. 117. 

“See Jack, the SPOT Bus is never boring,” Tallent said.  

As she leaned back into her seat, all I could muster was a smile and a chuckle, because closing in at the end of my two-hour ride I knew she was right. Through several different stops and meeting new people along the way, there was no shortage of conversation. 

From discussing ancient Egypt to the library, riders of the bus were given not only a ride to where they needed to go, but a chance to interact with a community.

“I love to come on to [the SPOT Bus],” Tallent said. “I think it helps all of us to socialize too, to lift each other up these days. Especially older people, I think they feel very lonely.” 

At the heart of the experience was the driver, Tom Tuttle, who’s been driving for Selkirks-Pend Oreille Transit Bus for 12 years. Tuttle said he’s naturally curious and loves to hear the stories of people who ride the bus and get to know them as people. 

It’s why Tuttle helps carry Tallent’s groceries to her door and sparks conversation with each passenger about things they care about.  

He’ll walk down a path of learning about the upcoming Super Bowl from Connie Hilton, who has the Seattle Seahawks winning 31-21; or provide encouragement to Peter Haymond, who’s almost completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho. 

“People have a lot of stories to tell, and backgrounds,” Tuttle said. “Some people have grown up here. Some people have moved from anywhere, literally, and you can enjoy that aspect of getting to know people's lives a little more.” 

The paratransit system works differently than the normal gray SPOT Bus service, which follows a predetermined route. Instead, the white paratransit buses travel directly to eligible riders and drop them off at their desired locations. 

The routes vary by passengers which change daily and range from the elderly to people living with a physical disability. Tuttle said the different routes are one of his favorite parts about driving the paratransit bus. 

"It’s different every day and you’re always meeting a cast of characters,” Tuttle said. “I also like the fact that I'm taking people to different places all the time... I get to choose how am I going to arrange a ride so that I can be the most timely for as many people as I can?” 

The SPOT Bus operates under a joint powers agreement throughout Bonner and Boundary counties and is primarily funded through local matches from cities. Executive Director of SPOT Bus, Donna Griffin, said the community support for the organization keeps the buses rolling. 

“SPOT is grateful for all of the local support we receive from our partners and businesses,” Griffin said. “Our drivers are the best, safe drivers who are gracious, patient and kind!” 

Tuttle said the bus is often only appreciated by those who use it, and that utility for them cannot be understated. 

“If you own a car, you don't get the bus. You never really understand the bus because you don't need to,” Tuttle said. “You have the independence of your car. It gives you every ability to do what you want, when you want to do it. And if you don't have that, you're locked in, and you run out of options real fast.” 

For riders like Tallent, it’s the only way she can get around Sandpoint to continue living a life.  

“Without the SPOT bus, a lot of people wouldn't survive,” Tallent said. “Because you have to have groceries. You got to get to your doctor's appointment. You got to live.” 

    Judy Dupin receives help from Veda Tallent to get her seatbelt.