Montana legislators are advocating for expanded state funding for public transportation projects, with a recent public survey indicating community support. As the state grows and roads become crowded, especially in tourist areas, there is a push for increased public transit spending. Missoula and Bozeman have seen a rise in bus passengers, highlighting the demand for better public transportation.
The current state funding is limited to buses for disabled and elderly residents. Cities like Missoula and Bozeman rely on local taxes and federal grants for passenger bus services. Legislators, including Rep. Denise Baum and Sen. Andrea Olsen, are advocating for increased passenger rail services alongside Republican counterparts like Sen. Gregg Hunter.
Olsen highlights the urgency, noting that delaying infrastructure development will increase costs. “We don’t have room for as many cars as we have now without changing the system,” she said. The survey revealed ridesharing services like Uber are the most used public transit option, followed by buses and air services for remote areas.
Hunter, who has used and worked in the air service sector, emphasizes its importance for accessing medical care in larger cities. The historical air travel network once allowed easy access between cities like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls. Transit agencies are expanding services to meet recreational demands, with Mountain Line in Missoula offering rides to Marshall Mountain in the summer.
Passenger Rail
Advocacy groups and agencies like the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority are pushing for more passenger rail services. A survey showed trains as the preferred public transportation option if made available. Dave Strohmaier, chairperson of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, notes the alignment between survey results and public engagement findings.
Rail advocates face challenges, including resistance from industrial interests. Baum’s previous attempt to secure state funding for passenger rail through a rail car tax was unsuccessful. BNSF Railway’s heavy use of Montana railroads adds to the complexity of increasing passenger rail services.
Hunter supports more passenger rail but warns of potential negative impacts on communities. There are concerns that increased rail traffic could affect towns like Glasgow, which rely on current rail services for economic stability. BNSF Railway maintains no plans to close its Glasgow facility, which employs 116 people.
Baum plans to pursue legislation for passenger rail funding, emphasizing accessibility issues. The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is working on the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, aiming to restore a rail route through eight states.
Montana Fare Challenges
Gallatin Valley faces funding challenges after losing its rural status, impacting federal funding eligibility. Local governments and federal grants cover most public transportation expenses. Sunshine Ross of Gallatin Valley UTD highlights the budget constraints of small transit systems, where fares wouldn’t significantly contribute to the budget and are ineligible for matching funds.
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