Helena Suspends East Valley Bus Service, Route Paused Indefinitely
The City of Helena will temporarily suspend bus service to East Valley and East Helena starting November 2 due to a reduction in available staff, a move that could affect residents who rely on that route for work and appointments. Fixed route buses and ADA paratransit service will continue to operate, while Capital Transit has also tightened health and safety measures to protect staff and maintain service levels.
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The City of Helena announced a temporary suspension of bus service to East Valley and East Helena effective November 2, citing a recent reduction in available staff. The suspension is indefinite for now as city transit officials evaluate staffing and service priorities. Fixed route buses and ADA paratransit service are not affected and will continue to operate as normal.
Capital Transit also implemented enhanced health and safety measures for passengers and staff, including requiring masks on public transportation per federal requirements. Officials advised customers not to ride if they are symptomatic or if their trip is for COVID testing. The city said these steps are intended to protect transit staff and preserve available service levels during staffing shortages.
For residents of East Valley and East Helena, the change means fewer direct public transportation options. Commuters who depend on the local route may need to adjust schedules, rely on family or friends for rides, or seek alternative transportation to reach jobs, medical appointments and other destinations. The continued operation of fixed route buses and ADA paratransit service will help some riders, particularly those eligible for paratransit, but travel times and connections could be altered depending on individual origins and destinations.
Local businesses and health providers that serve East Valley and East Helena may also feel the effects if employees or clients face increased difficulty reaching workplaces or appointments. Schools and employers that do not provide transit alternatives could see impacts on attendance and staffing. The city framed the suspension as a short term step to safeguard the workforce that keeps the broader transit system running.
This move comes amid wider pressures on transit systems across the country as agencies balance staffing levels with service demands and public health guidance. By emphasizing mask requirements and advising symptomatic riders to stay home, Capital Transit is aligning local operations with federal public health rules while attempting to conserve limited staffing resources.
Residents are encouraged to monitor City of Helena and Capital Transit communications for updates on the East Valley and East Helena route and information about returning service. Local leaders will face the task of restoring full coverage while maintaining safe work conditions for transit employees, a challenge that will shape mobility and access in Lewis and Clark County in the weeks ahead.
