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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20221012 - Sustainability Advisory Board - Urban Transportation DistrictBenefits Us All HRDC Transportation What to expect ●Streamline Beginnings ●Growth Dictates Change ●Transit Development Plan ●Best Community Option & Next Steps ●Questions Program Beginnings •Studies documented a clear NEED for transit, but FEASIBILITY was still a concern •Additional studies were completed between 2001 and 2005 to see if public transit would be feasible in Bozeman •Bobcat Transit (MSU) and Galavan (HRDC) worked together to leverage federal funding for fixed-route transportation ○HRDC was selected to be the recipient of the new FTA funds since HRDC was already operating Galavan ○HRDC created the Streamline/Galavan Advisory Board. It was structured to transition into an Urban Transportation District Board ○Streamline began service on August 21, 2006 What is Streamline? •A fixed-route community bus service that helps ALL people get where they need to go ○Provides zero-fare service to work, shopping, medical appointments, recreation, etc. ○Open to the general public ○Operates from 7 am - 10 pm (M-F) and from 9 am - 6 pm on weekends ○Service includes four in-town routes and weekday commuter service to Belgrade ○Streamline also provides seasonal LateNight service and seasonal Livingston service •Route maps and bus schedules can be viewed online at StreamlineBus.com •Print brochures are also available in English and Spanish Galavan: Streamline’s Paratransit Service •Streamline ○Fixed-route transit system ○Routes serve dense areas of the City ○Federal funding pass-through MDT and local partners provide required match •Galavan ○On-demand, shared-ride transportation ○Riders must meet eligibility requirements ○Federally mandated complementary paratransit service ○Must serves all areas that are within ¾ mile of a Streamline route ○Funding from state and local governments, local partners, & donations Growth Dictates Change to Structure and Funding •Once the Census results are certified, Bozeman will surpass the 50,000 population threshold required to become a “small urban” area •Small urban designation changes federal funding structure for HRDC’s Transportation Programs •Community growth & stagnate ridership indicated need to update transit network •In 2019, HRDC hired Transportation Planners to redesign the Streamline routes to better serve the community Redesign Streamline 2020 •No major update to the Streamline routes and network design since the system started in 2006 •With such rapid population growth in the area, HRDC launched Redesign Streamline 2020 to evaluate existing service and rethink Streamline service for the future •The study was launched by evaluating the existing service and market conditions ○These findings are detailed in the Existing Service and Market Conditions report released in April 2020 •New service strategies and recommendations were then developed and vetted by the public outreach process and the Streamline Advisory Board •The project culminated in a Transit Development Plan (TDP) released in January 2021, which solidified the final service recommendations and provided implementation guidance for the next 5-10 years Streamline Routes ●As a result of the Redesign Streamline 2020 project, HRDC implemented new Streamline routes in August 2021 ●New route summary: ○Bidirectional instead of one-way loops ○Focus on major destinations & residential areas ○Added 4th route in Bozeman ■connecting the westside to downtown & other routes ○New Belgrade route added many new stops (AM, MID, and PM) ○Rider app and live bus tracking available Public Transit Benefits Us All ●Streamline benefits us all by: ○Facilitating responsible growth ○Creating opportunities for all (e.g. provides transportation to work, school, recreation, shopping, etc.) ○Serving people with unique needs including seniors, people with mobility challenges, young riders ○Reducing traffic congestion ○Lessening parking pressure ○Improving air quality ●Streamline is also key to addressing the growth and affordability issues of Gallatin County by ensuring everyone has access to essential services, educational & workforce opportunities, and recreation regardless of income Preparing for Upcoming Changes •2021 Transit Development Plan Recommendations: ○Significantly increase service levels ○Add two fixed routes & expand two routes ○Create three microtransit zones ○Explore creation of an Urban Transportation District (UTD) •New Funding Structure ○Small Urban Area designation ○Federal Funding levels uncertain •HRDC & Public Transportation Steering Committee ○UTD best option for community ○Created UTD Boundary Map Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District •UTD Boundary Map ○Final map created based on Streamline’s current and projected service areas ○Map also includes anticipated future growth areas ○Transit service can be provided outside of District Boundaries if deemed appropriate •Forming a UTD does the following: ○Allows continuity of Streamline ○Continue collaborations already established ■Community focused approach ○Representation from communities & governments ○Sets stage for growth into a regional transportation system Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District •What happens if UTD is not formed? ○Loss of single-purpose entity ○Less regional collaboration & representation ○Transit service would have geographical constraints ○Potential loss of service levels (not in ready position) •Legal requirements to form UTD (per MCA) ○Collect signatures of 20% of registered voters within proposed district boundaries ○Public Hearing & Ballot issue certified (Winter 2022/2023) ○Special District Election Ballot (May 2, 2023) UTD Petition Language •Statement of Purpose ○The purpose of the GVUTD is to supply transportation services and facilities to district residents and other persons. ○Formation of the District will prevent the loss of federal funding for public transportation through Streamline Bus service once the U.S. Census results certify Bozeman as a small urban area. ○Passage will enable the District to operate van services for seniors and people with disabilities, and Streamline bus routes and bus stops. ○The District boundaries reflect the current Streamline Bus service area and planned future service areas. •Fiscal Statement ○There is no cost to form the District UTD Sustainability for Public Transportation •Single Purpose Entity ○Governing Board charged with operations, infrastructure, & activities of public transportation •Focus on Regional Collaboration & Representation ○Cities/County appoint to Governing Board ○MSU, service organizations, & various rider demographics, etc. •No significant geographical constraints ○Transit service can be provided outside of boundaries if deemed appropriate •Maintains current services provided by Streamline and Galavan StreamlineBus.com/UTD Questions? StreamlineBus.com/UTD