Transport shuttle running from Ritzville

The People For People organization is now providing roundtrip transportation from Ritzville to Moses Lake for individuals with medical, business and shopping needs. The fare-free shuttle leaves Ritzville four days a week and provides residents with a convenient way to travel to Moses Lake for necessary services.

Every Thursday, the shuttle leaves from Zip’s Drive-In in Ritzville at 8 a.m. and returns to the restaurant parking lot at 3:45 p.m. The shuttle provides transportation with connections to the Special Mobility Service’s Connector, which provides transportation into Spokane.

The shuttle runs on Thursday, by appointment only, excluding holidays. Grant funding for the Thursday transport is provided by Washington State Department of Transportation.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a shuttle is provided to the general public for transportation into Moses Lake. The shuttle makes stops at medical facilities, stores and businesses in Moses Lake and only makes one trip per day.

The general boarding locations and times in Ritzville are Harvest Foods at 9:15 a.m., Ritzville City Hall at 9:20 a.m., H.E. Gritman Senior Center at 9:25 a.m. and the Ritzville Medical Clinic at 9:30 a.m. The return service from Moses Lake to Ritzville begins at 3:15 p.m.

Both shuttles are fare-free, but donations are accepted. Individuals interested in using either shuttle must make an appointment by calling 509-765-9249, extension 555, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. one business day in advance.

Residents are also encouraged to call 2-1-1 to have questions about services answered by trained specialists. Residents can ask about services such as rental assistance, children’s services, medical care, drug treatment, counseling, education and recreation, as well as other support services.

The call is free from a landline phone and specialists are available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.