Getting out and getting about

For many residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, getting around without a personal vehicle can seem nearly impossible. Literally the size of an entire nation (Ireland) and close to the size of the state of West Virginia, our valley is massive. However, there are actually a few public transportation options available for those seeking an alternative to driving. Let’s review a few ways to get around in our valley.

Let's start with the most extensive and least expensive system – Valley Transit. Valley Transit is the public bus system created by a combination of Mat-Su Community Transit and Valley Mover. Valley Transit provides fixed-route service throughout the core area of the Mat-Su as well as connecting trips to some outlying communities near Port MacKenzie, Big Lake, Houston, and Butte. There are nine different zones that circulate through neighborhoods, commercial areas, and major destinations like hospitals and the college campus. Service is provided Monday through Saturday from approximately 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Rather than charging per mile or having an unpredictable fee schedule, you are charged a flat rate per zone that you will be riding through. Fares are $3 per zone for adults and $1 per zone for seniors (60+), people with disabilities, Medicare card holders, and youth (Under 18). You will need ID to prove your age for that discount. They also offer connections into Anchorage where you can tie in with their People Mover public transit system.

For those people who live in senior housing, some such as Palmer Senior Services and Wasilla Area Seniors Incorporated (WASI) provide on-site shuttles. There are also connections to other senior housings in Houston, Willow, and Sunshine. In fact, WASI has a great program for people over the age of 60 who live within 5 miles of their facility that they will come to you, pick you up, and transport you to their facility for a group lunch. You will want to contact them for more information on this program.

Beyond these local transit agencies, the Alaska Railroad runs several daily passenger trains between Anchorage and Fairbanks with stops along the way in Wasilla, Meadow Talkeetna, and other locations. Fares vary depending on destination but offer a scenic alternative to flying or driving.

While having a personal car is still the most convenient given our mostly low-density developments, these public transportation options offer practical alternatives for those unable or unwilling to drive. With gas prices on the rise and concerns over climate change, supporting and using public transit can also help build more sustainable communities.

There are also transport services for people needing to attend a doctor’s appointment or other healthcare need. There are several agencies out there providing this service, and an Internet or Facebook search will reveal many. Contact them about their prices and ask whether they can accept your insurance to pay for the ride. They will walk you through the step of getting approval from your insurance before the ride to make sure you aren’t saddled with a surprise bill. A few I know about include Mat-Su Senior Services (907-745-5454), WASI (907-206-8800), SALA Medical (907-313-4898), and Alaska Medical Transport (907-222-3456).

But what if you live further out? Technology has expanded our transportation options as well. Services like Uber and Lyft allow you to request an on-demand ride from a professional driver using a smartphone app. While there is a per-ride fee, it can be more convenient than traditional taxis in some areas. See if your community has any volunteer driver programs coordinated through non-profits or councils on aging. Some use apps specifically for non-emergency medical transportation.

Leverage your social network by asking friends or family for an occasional ride. Many would be happy to help in exchange for future favors in return, or just for company and conversation for the ride in. Consider setting up a carpool with neighbors who have similar schedules to share driving duties – they drive into town and you will drive back, for example, or you’ll do the lifting at the store in exchange for their driving. You can also check with houses of worship, as many are happy to provide rides to those in need.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.