Montana Intercity Bus Service Study

Intercity bus service funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA’s) Section 5311(f) program is a part of the larger 5311 program known as Formula Grants for Other than Urbanized Areas. The S.5311(f), requires that 15% of the total 5311 program funds given to the state be used to develop and support ICB service. This 15% can be waived if the governor certifies that the intercity bus transportation needs are being met within the state. The goal of this project was to provide the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) with a current assessment of intercity bus services within the state, and provide a methodology that can be used by MDT to determine if needs are being met and, if not, a process to identify potential new routes/services and how to allocate funding for the new services. To achieve this goal, the research team first conducted an extensive literature review of intercity bus service studies in other states. Following that, a survey of peer states, with characteristics similar to Montana’s rural/frontier nature was performed to understand funding practices and perceive barriers of intercity bus service. Two additional surveys were distributed to intercity bus riders and the general public in Montana to provide insight into the use of intercity bus services and the attitudes toward the services. The research team then examined the connectivity of current intercity bus services with local public transportation providers in Montana, as well as other transportation modes. In addition, a survey of local transit agencies in Montana was conducted. The results from the network connectivity analysis and the survey were used as a basis to help define “meaningful connections” for intercity bus services in Montana. Finally, this research provided a methodology that can be used by MDT to determine intercity bus service needs are being adequately met. The methodology consists of an annual process to support existing intercity bus services and a triennial process to determine if there is the need for new services.