HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-1-2020 Public Comment - S. Ross - Streamline letter for 6-1-2020 MeetingFrom:Sunshine Ross
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget: Streamline Transit
Date:Monday, June 1, 2020 11:20:47 AM
Attachments:Streamline City of Bozeman Letter_FY20-21.pdf
Mayor and Commissioners,
Please see the attached letter for tonight's (6/1) City Commission meeting.
I know this is the first of many discussions around the FY20-21 budget and
you will be faced with difficult decisions. Please reach out to me if youhave any questions about Streamline's request to the City of Bozeman.
Thanks,
Sunshine
--
Sunshine Ross
Transportation Director
Streamline/Galavan
1812 N. Rouse Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715
p (406) 587-2434 | f (406) 582-7946
www.thehrdc.org www.streamlinebus.com
Page 1 of 2
June 1, 2020
City of Bozeman
121 North Rouse Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Commission,
HRDC is grateful for the City of Bozeman’s commitment to helping HRDC build and maintain a
sustainable and reliable public transit system. This partnership between HRDC and the City
demonstrates that the Bozeman Mayor and City Commission value transit as an essential
service in the Bozeman community and understand that it plays a significant role in helping the
City achieve its strategic plan.
As in previous years, Streamline Transportation has once again requested funding from the City
of Bozeman to use as a local match requirement for Streamline’s federal transit grant. For FY21,
Streamline requested $300,000 in funding from the City of Bozeman. Although we are
incredibly disappointed to see the initial budget only includes a $150,000 allocation to
Streamline, we are hopeful the Mayor and City Commission will consider funding our entire
$300,000 request.
In FY 2018, the City of Bozeman increased their funding support for Streamline so that
Streamline could begin Sunday service and add additional ½-hour frequency services during
peak times. Streamline has implemented and maintained these services despite the City’s
decision to reduce their funding support for Streamline last year. However, in this next fiscal
year, Streamline is facing significant cost increases associated with insurance, capital purchases,
and service contracts. Without the full $300,000 in funding from the City, Streamline will likely
be faced with the challenging decision regarding service reductions, such as Sunday service
and/or frequency service.
Bozeman residents continually voice their support for more public transit in Bozeman as
demonstrated by the public meetings held for the Bozeman Community Plan, Seat at the Table
campaign, HRDC’s 2019 Needs Assessment, and the Redesign Streamline 2020 project. For
Streamline to continue service in Bozeman and to be sustainable into the future, it needs
additional funding support from local partners, including the City of Bozeman.
Streamline is a program of HRDC.
p: 406.587.2434
e: info@streamlinebus.com
a: 1812 North Rouse
Bozeman, Montana 59715
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At HRDC, we believe Streamline is a great asset to the City as it works to accomplish its strategic
plan, specifically by:
1) Supporting the City’s land use policies by providing alternative transportation to reduce
pressure on open land
2) Fostering the “high quality urban approach” desired by the City by providing greater
connectivity to trails and parks and by providing more opportunities for walking and
biking
3) Strengthening the city’s efforts to create a “sustainable environment” by taking more
vehicles off the road, reducing overall carbon emissions, and advocating for the addition
of electric buses within Streamline’s fleet
4) Demonstrating the City’s approach to “strategic infrastructure choices” and preparation
for a Metropolitan Planning Organization.
We hope the mutually beneficial partnership between Streamline and the City of Bozeman
continues long into the future. Additional funding support for Streamline from the City is critical
in ensuring public transit continues to operate at full capacity in Bozeman.
Sincerely,
Sunshine Ross
HRDC/Streamline Transportation Director
1812 North Rouse Avenue