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Director’s Report
November 26, 2019
STREAMLINE:
MSU Campus Shuttle Update: We met with MSU and ASMSU, including Taylor Blossom, last month to
discuss how we could combine the Campus Shuttle with service that also reaches Tech Park. Everyone is
working very hard to make this campus designated service happen. There are still some questions that we
need to get answered but we’ve committed to having a plan in place by 12/31. By our next meeting with
MSU/ASMSU is in early December, we will have a draft route, updated budget information, and a
discussion about leasing two 13 passenger buses dedicated for this service.
Transportation Management & Design (TMD): The kick off visit was the first week in November. In
addition to some of the Advisory Board members, they met with stakeholders such as Gallatin County, City
of Bozeman, City of Belgrade, Friends of Streamline, the Airport, and Healthcare providers. Now we are
gathering service data for TMD to begin their evaluation of existing conditions. This will help inform how
the survey and online tools will interact with gathering public input. (Timeline attached for reference.)
Bus Lease: There is a 23 passenger transit bus available immediately, it is a seven year lease to own with
annual payments of $60,000. The operational budget will not be able to cover this and after looking at the
commitments on reserves that isn’t a long-term option either. The pro to this option is that it could be put
into service immediately and the con is that we would pay full cost instead of a 20% share with MDT. Given
the condition of the fleet (see attached) I feel it is something that needs to be explored. I’ve confirmed
MDT does not have funding available for bus leases and I have a couple of other leasing agents to contact.
I’m asking the Board to brainstorm other funding sources or partners to help cover the cost of a lease(s) on
an annual basis (3 - 7 years).
Reserves Planning: I have attached a listing of the future commitments on the Streamline Reserves for
Board discussion so please try to review it prior to the meeting. The commitments include local match for
the following: an engine replacement, the transit planning consultant, and 4 transit buses.
Fleet Condition: (see attached) Major Takeaways: 8 buses operational, there have been several instances
where a bus had to be taken out of service and it affected more than route, not to mention the riders .
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GALAVAN:
Friends of Galavan: We began reaching out to the assisted living homes, local businesses, foundations, and
non-profit organizations to become members of the new Friends of Galavan by partnering and supporting
the paratransit services. With the intent that the funds will be used for ongoing operational expenses and
will ultimately help Galavan serve the transportation needs of more customers in Gallatin County.
Presentations to Funders: I will be submitting grant proposals to Gallatin County, Area IV Agency on Aging,
and United Way starting in Jan/Feb 2020, that will be followed in the spring with presentations to each. I
invite anyone interested to attend and show Board support of Galavan. The services Galavan staff provide
are to a population that is at risk of losing their independence, social isolation, and in danger of not
receiving necessary medical care.
September/October Rides: Galavan added 17 new customers and gave 4,460 rides in 51 days with a staff
of 5 full-time and 3 part-time drivers to residents of Bozeman, Belgrade, and Three Forks. 42% of the rides
provided were for medical appointments such as dialysis, cancer treatment, and various other
appointments. Employment rides made up 32%, Social 20%, and Meals made up 6%.
Fleet Condition: (see attached) Major Takeaways: Bus 17 and 21 are repaired and will be ready for service
in the next few days.