WTI

Gallatin County Big Sky Transportation District

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

There are no reports associated with this project.

Project Objective

Provide a ‘Public Transportation Coordinator’ to assist the Gallatin County Big Sky Transportation District in managing its public transportation system.

Project Abstract

Registered voters established the Gallatin County Big Sky Transportation District in 1991 to supply transportation services and facilities to the Big Sky community. Initially, the district provided transportation services only during the winter ski season. In 2002, the district requested WTI’s assistance. In preparation of a Request for Bids to help the District select a new transportation services contractor, WTI assisted by conducting ridership surveys to identify system issues, developed a proposal to revise schedules and routes to improve the system’s efficiency. In 2004, WTI proposed and assisted in the completion of ‘Transit Development Plan’ (TDP) which was the first step in creating a year-round Big Sky area transit system. WTI worked with the District to complete a Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 application to permit the District to start year-round transit service in Big Sky, Montana. The application was accepted, and on December 1, 2006 the new “Skyline” transit system began providing year-round public transportation services within Big Sky. WTI will provide guidance to the District in its business operations, assistance in identifying and locating funding and in maximizing public transportation services as the District moves from being a seasonal to a year-round public transportation services provider.

Task Descriptions

1. Liaison Responsibilities
   1. Act as liaison on transportation issues; assist in conducting funding and operational business.
2. Coordination
   1. Help coordinate district activities with other area public transportation providers to maximize availability of public transportation services.
3. Project Management
   1. Manage all activities related to this project including submitting quarterly itemized invoices, scheduling and coordination of recommended monthly meetings or necessary trips to Big Sky or Helena.
4. Analysis
   1. Analyze ridership information, develop, conduct and review customer surveys to determine possible modifications to the transportation service.
5. Develop Applications
   1. In conjunction with the District Board and staff, to identify and apply for Federal, state, and local funding sources.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Public transportation, transit

Partners

Gallatin County Big Sky Transportation District