Chicken pot pie is on the menu and transportation is on the agenda at this week’s senior lunch in the basement of Telluride’s Christ Church. Lunch regulars go about business as usual, settling in with close friends and enjoying the hearty fare on a grim April day. 

But today’s lunch has a special guest: Executive Director of All Points Transit Sarah Curtis is in town spreading the word about their services.

“We’re based in Montrose but we’re serving communities all over the Western slope. We have services all the way up into rural Delta County and out to the West end of Montrose county and of course happy to help with some transit in Norwood and Telluride,” says Curtis. 

All Points is a non-profit transit service providing low-cost customized rides by appointment, getting its users exactly where they need to go right when they need it. The service comes in handy in all sorts of situations, but one which is particularly common? Medical Appointments, Curtis says. 

“It's a huge challenge to have communities, especially mountainous communities, that are so far from a medical hub, such as all the areas I just spoke of: Telluride, Nucla, Naturita. I mean, it’s hours to get to Grand Junction or Montrose where you need to have your appointment, let alone getting to Denver to see a specialist,” says Curtis. 

Telluride Resident Elizabeth Gick has used All Points for just that reason: accessing medical care which was far afield. 

“I love what we have here in town,” says Gick, “but there are certain special services that especially elderly people need and sometimes the doctors don't want us to drive, even if we feel like ‘Oh I can do this.’ And then, the service comes in really handy. And it comes in handy on a snowy day. There are good excuses for using it rather than our own cars. “

Gick heard about All Points from a friend, called the ride service up, and, she says, she has rave reviews. 

“And it was seamless and very pleasant,” Gick says. 

“We do a lot of work with helping folks access medical care,” Curtis adds, “and we do a lot of work with older adults and persons with disabilities; however, we are open to everyone. Anyone can call for a ride.” 

Curtis hasn't been to a senior lunch since before the pandemic and was happy to return to Telluride to spread the word about All Points and share the news of their recently expanded schedule. For some in the crowd, it was more or less old news. 

“My name is Pam Pettee, and I come to senior lunch almost every Monday. I haven’t had a car since 1987, when I learned it was cheaper to rent cars for what I needed. But now I don't do that either! And I've been using All Points for years to get to medical appointments,” Pettee continues. “They even let me shop after if it works with their schedule, so I appreciate that. I'm a fan.” 

Pettee says she was happy the word was getting out about the ride service. She’s amongst the few in attendance who have used All Points or even knew it existed. 

“But I think we have some new enthusiasts, as of this lunch,” Pettee speculates. 

To find a ride, simply call (970) 249-0128, or visit allpointstransit.com