Chippewa Falls Will Expand Shared Ride Transit Program

The Chippewa Falls Shared Ride Transit Program will expand to connect to two Eau Claire Transit bus routes beginning on June 3.

According to a press release from the City of Chippewa Falls, the Shared Ride Transit program will offer limited stops along Eau Claire Transit routes 3 and 4. The new connection will be offered on a trial basis on weekdays from 7 am to 6 pm, and there will be a $10 charge for trips out of the city limits to Eau Claire.

The goal of the expanded program is to offer residents another way to get to their medical appointments in Eau Claire following the closure of all HSHS and Prevea facilities in the Chippewa Valley. Both St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls and Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire have been closed since March.

The Shared Ride Transit program was a popular service in Chippewa Falls for residents who had medical appointments at St. Joseph’s, particularly for older residents who may not have adequate transportation available to them. Without the hospital in the City, patients have needed to find alternative care options without easily accessible public transportation.

The program will not provide service to any other locations outside of Chippewa Falls. City officials will evaluate the program each quarter to ensure that it is meeting the needs of area residents.

Both the Shared Ride Transit program and Eau Claire Transit have programs to give reduced fares to residents who qualify, like passengers with disabilities or those over the age of 65.