Flathead Transit will end its long-running western Montana intercity bus service between Whitefish and Missoula on June 30, making way for Jefferson Lines to take over the route beginning July 3.
The new service will maintain the current schedule of four days a week and provide direct connections from Billings, Big Timber, Livingston, Bozeman, and Missoula to Whitefish, with no transfers or layovers.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Flathead Transit for their commitment and years of partnership in providing critical transportation services to the Montana region,” said Kevin Pursey, director of operations at Jefferson Lines. “Their dedication helped keep these communities connected, and we are honored to carry this mission forward.”
Last month, Jefferson Lines announced it had acquired Karst Stage, a transportation provider based in Bozeman, Montana, strengthening the intercity bus company’s reach across the Midwest and Mountain West.
The acquisition unites two of the nation’s oldest transportation companies, each with more than a century of service. Karst Stage will continue to operate under its existing brand but will gain access to Jefferson’s broader network and operational resources.
The Whitefish–Missoula route has served as a key transportation corridor in western Montana, connecting towns including Kalispell, Lakeside, Polson, Pablo, Saint Ignatius, Ravalli, Arlee, and Evaro.
Flathead Transit and Jefferson Lines are working closely to ensure a smooth handoff. Final details, including stop locations, schedules, and connection times, will be released in the coming weeks.
Jefferson Lines is also considering future service links to the Amtrak station in Whitefish, which would expand access to other Montana cities, including Butte. `
