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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. Director's Report_05.2021Page 1 of 2 Director’s Report May 25, 2021 STREAMLINE: FY2021-22 Funding: MSU students voted to increase the transportation fee to $10/student/semester, the final decision lies with the Board of Regents, they meet May 26th-27th. Streamline made a request to the City of Bozeman for $400,000; the preliminary amount in the budget is $300,000. An operational request was also submitted to Gallatin County for $50,000. Additionally, negotiations for increased funding are in process with MSU administration. These increases are critical to the Streamline budget and to the full implementation of the new routes. There are upcoming public comment opportunities to support the funding increase requests, and talking points are available if interested. COVID-19: On February 1st the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a security directive requiring face masks be worn on all public transportation systems. It initially had an expiration date of May 11th, however, the directive has been extended to September 13, 2021. In response to the most recent CDC guidance and with the mask mandate lifted, the communication efforts are emphasizing that this does not apply to transit and that it is a federal law. Redesign Streamline 2020: Work is being done with Transportation Management & Design, Inc. (TMD) to create easy-to-read and understand route schedules and maps for the public. As recommended in the Transit Development Plan (TDP), the installation of new bus stop signs for better access and clear communication of the service is also in process. A couple of years ago the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) adopted a new Surface Transportation Resource Policy, including bus stop procedures. The MDT bus stop requirements have been identified and the documentation is being gathered to submit to the local MDT office. Fleet Condition: Major Takeaways: The 4 new El Dorado “Easy Rider” transit buses are on route regularly and will soon be wrapped. At this moment, there are eight buses in good status, and two that will be repaired and available early next week. Page 2 of 2 Director’s Report (continued) May 25, 2021 GALAVAN: COVID-19: Galavan, as the paratransit service, is also required to follow the TSA security directive. The additional safety protocols, such as having the buses professionally cleaned/disinfected every weekend, providing access to hand sanitizer, and requiring face masks are still in place, and driver barriers and security cameras are installed on all the Galavan buses. FY2021-22 Funding: The grant application to Gallatin County was submitted for $125,000 (up from $80,000 this fiscal year). For reference, the City of Bozeman dedicates the value of a Mill to Galavan, this fiscal year it is $129,000 and is at $143,000 for next fiscal year. There are upcoming public comment opportunities to support the funding increase request, and talking points are available if interested. Mar/Apr Rides: Galavan added 20 new customers and provided 3,467 rides in 53 days; during the same period last year 1,828 rides were provided. More ride requests and new customers are added regularly, so more drivers are being scheduled, as needed, to provide essential rides for residents of Bozeman, Belgrade, and Three Forks. Fleet Condition: Major Takeaways: There are two buses in the shop for repairs, one of the sprinter buses is waiting for some significant repairs and the newest bus (25) is at Bozeman Ford waiting for parts to repair the uneven frame. Overall, the fleet is in good condition and there are two minivans that can be used if necessary.