Public transportation has a role in helping people remain in their homes as they age.

“Our system was started just to do that 40 years ago,” said Darrell Francis, director for Souris Basin Transportation, Minot.

Eighty percent of the service’s 90,000 rides given annually are clientele with disabilities or who are elderly, he said. SBT serves 10 counties with handicapped-accessible vehicles.

Its buses operate every Thursday to provide transportation between Minot and rural communities in the region. Buses leave the starting community at 7 a.m. for pickups at homes, some farmsteads and other collector locations along the route to Minot, making the return trip after leaving Minot at 3 p.m. Minot residents have access to reverse service that enables them to travel to area communities. Select communities also have some reverse travel options. Bottineau and Rugby have in-town bus service through SBT for $1 a ride. Minot also has in-town service for $3.

A bus travels from Minot to Bismarck and back on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with stops at area communities, including Garrison.

All services are door-to-door from pick-up to destination. People just need to call SBT a day in advance, although earlier is better because buses can fill up, Francis said. People also need to call if canceling a scheduled trip.

Fares vary based on community. For instance a round trip between Rugby and Minot is $11, while it is $12 between Kenmare and Minot. Travel to Bismarck from Minot is $55 round trip or $33 one way.

Personal attendants who escort any passenger ride for free.

SBT follows federal COVID-19 guidelines for bus cleaning and rider mask requirements.