Panelists urge coordinated, accessible public transit for rural Montana; recommend mapping, technical assistance and shared‑vehicle hubs

The committee convened a multi‑stakeholder panel (SJ19) to take public input on public transportation in Montana. Panelists — representing university research centers, disability advocates, trail and active‑transportation groups, and community transit providers — described a common picture: many Montana towns have transit services that function as islands (fixed‑route transit inside city limits or demand‑response systems) with limited intercity connectivity; rural residents and people with disabilities often lack practical options for medical appointments, work or social trips.

Speakers outlined funding sources and constraints: federal SS4A, Transportation Alternatives and the Section 5310/5311 programs support local operations and capital but reach is limited; the panel urged proactive technical assistance to help small communities apply for competitive grants. Panelists proposed practical steps: build a statewide asset map that layers hours, ADA accessibility, and modality; create memoranda of understanding and broker platforms to share accessible vehicles across organizations; ensure built infrastructure follows universal design and that disability representatives sit on advisory bodies and planning groups.

Multiple witnesses offered local examples (ParkstoPasses trail corridor, Headwaters trail economic studies, and promising local demand‑response services) and said modest policy changes and coordination could greatly extend mobility. The committee asked the panel to help map assets and produce action items for short‑ and long‑term investment; several panelists volunteered to work with staff on mapping and technical assistance offers.