Barbara Cline

Background

About Barbara Cline

Since initiating the first demand response transit system in Spearfish, SD in 1989 with that “old green van in the back parking lot”, I founded and have managed Prairie Hills Transit for the last thirty-two years. The system began serving one community part-time with one van, and today provides service in fifteen communities within seven counties with its fleet of forty vehicles. Prairie Hills Transit was one of the first “pilot” programs in South Dakota to initiate coordination of transit services between four major Departments of State Government. With an existing service area of 16,500 sq. miles our rural system continues to grow. Cline considers herself one of the lucky ones who is passionate about enhancing the lives of citizens in every community through her commitment to public transportation. Prairie Hills Transit also manages Prairie Hills Child Care Center, a licensed childcare center for 41 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age. A native of western South Dakota, Barb is fourth generation Lawrence County native and has lived on a ranch outside of Spearfish, SD her entire life. She attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish. Cline and her husband Ron raise cattle, horses and sheep. She loves gardening, sewing, canning and spending time with her three children and their spouses as well as her eight very active grandchildren. She never knows if the next ride will be on the bus or on the back of a horse.