Mountain Line

History

  • June 1976 Missoula Urban Transportation District was created by the voters by more than a 2 to 1 ratio.
  • September 1977 Mountain Line Headquarters set up at Tabers Truck Service Center in East Missoula.
  • December 1977 Service begins on three routes using four used buses. Fare set at $0.25.
  • May 1978 Six routes added and 10 new buses placed in service.
  • October 1978 Service to East Missoula and Bonner added.
  • September 1979 Service to the pulp mill, White Pine and Louisiana Pacific added.
  • April 1980 Ridership increased over 40% due to a sharp increase in gas prices.
  • May 1980 Headquarters moved to new facility at 1221 Shakespeare.
  • July 1981 Fare increased to $0.35.
  • March 1983 Service to Missoula County Airport added.
  • September 1984 Fare increased to $0.40.
  • May 1986 Fare reduced to $0.25.
  • April 1987 Fare increased to $0.30.
  • June 1988 Fare increase to $0.40.
  • May 1990 Fare increase to $0.50.
  • September 1991 Mountain Line entered a contract with The University of Montana, providing free bus service to all UM faculty, staff, and students.
  • December 1991 Four large buses and two paratransit buses placed in service.
  • September 1992 Fare increase to $0.65.
  • December 1992 Main transfer point moved from Main and Pattee Streets to the front of the County Courthouse on Broadway.
  • July 1995 Fare increased to $0.85.
  • October 1996 Mountain Line switches from contract management to local management.
  • November 1996 Downtown circulator trolley placed in service through a partnership with the Missoula Redevelopment Agency and the Missoula Parking Commission.
  • June 1997 Beginning of the successful Kids Ride Free program for June, July & August.
  • November 1997 Youth fares lowered to $0.25.
  • February 1999 New air conditioned buses placed in service.
  • April 2000 Transfer Center at 200 W Pine opens. Off street transfer facility with climate controlled indoor waiting area, restrooms and coffee shop.
  • January 2001 Four new buses placed in service making the Mountain Line bus fleet 100% Americans with Disabilities Act accessible.
  • September 2001 Service is extended – last bus leaves the Transfer Center at 7:15PM.
  • August 2002 Thirty-five new bus benches installed throughout Missoula.
  • December 2002 Mountain Line partners with Missoula In Motion, the Missoula Downtown Association (MDA), and the Missoula Parking Commission to provide unlimited-use bus passes to qualified MDA member employees.
  • December 2002 Mountain Line celebrates 25 years of service.
  • May 2003 Mountain Line begins offering a free Trolley service to the Saturday Markets.
  • July 2003 A Service Analysis of Mountain Line was conducted by Perteet Engineering.
  • July 2004 Park and Ride established at Messiah Lutheran Church in the Rattlesnake.
  • April 2005 Mountain Line begins using Bio Diesel.
  • May 2005 Mountain Line institutes a year round schedule, rather than decreasing service during the summer.
  • January 2006 Mid day service expanded on routes 2, 4, and 6 plus later service on all routes.
  • June 2007 Karl Tyler Chevrolet Sponsors Fare Free Fridays June July and August in 2007 and 2008.
  • July 2007 Ridership increased by 6% in FY 2007.
  • September 2007 Route 11 was added.
  • December 2007 Mountain Line Celebrates 30 years of service.
  • May 2008 Mountain Line moves into their renovated operations facility, providing covered parking for vehicles, expanded maintenance facilities, additional office space, and bus wash using recycled water.
  • August 2008 Mountain Line makes improvements to nine bus stops including the installation of 3 shelters, 5 benches, and concrete pads.
  • September 2008 Additional service added on Route 11; Routes 2 and 8 adjusted.
  • October 2008 Fixed Route Fare increase from .85 to $1.00.
  • January 2009 Mountain Line initiated the Senior Van service, providing curb to curb service for people over the age of 60 by reservation.
  • June 2009 New Paratransit vehicle arrives.
  • July 2009 Mountain Line provided 828,887 rides on fixed route, a 4% increase over the previous year. Mountain Line has provided over 19 Million rides since it began service.
  • February 2010 New Gillig buses begin service.