HomeMy WebLinkAboutD6 Streamline Letter November 6, 2006
° `__' ._ ___ _ �� Mr. Jim Lynch, Director
Montana Department of Transportation
CO.•I►°� P.O. Box 201001
Helena, MT 59620
Bozeman Director Lynch,
We are writing to you today so you know how strongly we support the
A114 m deaCRY purchase of the "rounded-back", or "new yellow bus" for the Streamline
Itransit system in the greater Bozeman area. In the first ten weeks of
service, Streamline has provided over 10,000 rides, exceeding many
peoples' expectations. A key to more ridership will be the new vehicles that
2001 will be purchased by MDT for Streamline.
We understand that through the Federal Transit Administration's
Section 5311 program that the State is the recipient of the funds, and transit
systems such as Streamline are sub-recipients. This system therefore,
Office of the means that the State purchases the vehicles on the transit systems behalf.
City Commission While this may be an efficient way to procure vehicles on a statewide basis,
Mayor is does not take into account the particular needs of each community or
Jeff Krauss transit system.
Commissioners Bozeman serves as a gateway community to Yellowstone National
Sean Becker Park. In discussions with Streamline, it is our understanding that a
Kaaren
Steve Kirchhoff Jacobson "regional" transit system can be created that would link West Yellowstone
Jeff Rupp and Big Sky with Bozeman. Further, it may be possible to develop service
that would link Gardiner and Livingston with Bozeman. It would be logical to
then have a bus for the system that matches the vehicles utilized in
Yellowstone National Park.
It has not been easy to convince many people of the need for a
public transportation system in Bozeman. However, in the short time it has
been operating, Streamline has been very successful. As Bozeman
continues to grow, it will be important that Streamline grows as well, as one
tool to deal with an increasing population and traffic in the area. One tool to
keep Streamline in a position to grow with Bozeman is its vehicles.
The City of Bozeman provides both operational and capital funding
for Streamline. Given our support of the new transit system in the Bozeman
area, we wanted you to know of our strong desire that MDT purchase the
right vehicle for Streamline. We believe that vehicle is the rounded-back,
"new yellow" bus.
CITY OF F3UZEMAN
Jeffrey K. Krauss, Mayor, and on behalf of the Bozeman City Commission
411 Fast Main Street
1'0 Box 1 230
Bozeman, MT 59771
Phone (406) 582-2300
Fax (406) 582-2323
TDD (406) 582-2301
www Bozeman net