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Billings staff to place TIP amendment on April 27 consent agenda; transit reports electric buses in service amid charging challenges
Summary
Staff presented amendments to the FY24–28 Transportation Improvement Program adding MDT projects and updated FTA apportionments; MET reported electric buses in revenue service about 10 months and ongoing charger/software issues affecting demand charges, and paratransit vans are ordered for summer delivery.
Planning staff presented an amendment to Billings’ federal FY24–28 Transportation Improvement Program on April 20, adding several projects (primarily Montana Department of Transportation pavement‑preservation efforts) and updating project timelines and federal funding sources.
Laura Maddox (planning staff) said the amendment reflects new MDT project submittals and updated schedules; staff intends to route the TIP amendment through the planning board and the MPO process and to place it on the city council consent agenda on April 27.
Russy (MET transit) reviewed transit updates tied to the TIP, including finalized FTA apportionments for formula and discretionary programs (5307, 5339, 5310). He said MET has continued capital work (buswash rehab, equipment updates) and is executing procurement for paratransit vehicles; those vans have been ordered and are expected to be delivered this summer.
On electric buses, staff said the vehicles have been in full revenue service for about 10 months and ‘‘make it through the full service day,’’ but charging software and charger‑integration issues have produced higher-than-expected demand charges. Russy said staff is working with the charger manufacturer to limit simultaneous charging and optimize overnight schedules.
Council members also asked about bus‑stop and crosswalk improvements (notably First Avenue South and areas near Family Services); staff said MDT has placed pedestrian counters in some locations and that marked crossings or additional signaling would be coordinated with MDT and internal staff.
Next steps: the TIP amendment will proceed through the MPO planning process with a May 19 policy coordinating committee review and the staff recommendation to place the amendment on the April 27 council consent agenda.
