Mountain Line plans to operate bus service on all routes tomorrow, Monday, March 16. Please continue to check our social media channels often for updates about potential impacts to service.
We look forward to showing up for you tomorrow. Know we take your safety seriously and are following all best practices for keeping our buses clean and safe to ride.
Effective Monday, March 16, Mountain Line will be suspending all Senior Van service until further notice. At this time, all bus and paratransit operations are continuing as scheduled.
Due to a shortage of bus operators, and in light of growing global health concerns related to coronavirus, Mountain Line is beginning to experience impacts to our service. These impacts may continue as circumstances develop, but please know our goal is to operate as close to our normal schedule as possible. Bus frequency may be impacted in the future; however, we do not anticipate any existing coverage areas going without service.
We recognize the need to be proactive and flexible moving forward and we take your health and safety seriously. Mountain Line is following all local and national guidelines for keeping our buses and transfer center clean and free of germs. For more information about what Mountain Line is doing, please see our recent Rider Alert here: https://www.mountainline.com/coronavirus-staying-healthy-informed/.
Please continue to follow our social media channels for the most up-to-date information regarding impacts to service. For the most recent information on coronavirus in our region, visit missoula.co/cvirus or call 406-258-INFO (4636).
We are grateful to have you on board, always, and for your patience as we navigate this unique time.
Mountain Line is working collaboratively with the county and city to keep the public informed about COVID-19, or the coronavirus, as news and recommendations develop. The county has a hotline you can call at any time with questions or concerns: 406-258-INFO (4636); the most up-to-date information for our region can be found at missoula.co/cvirus.
At this time, the greatest defense against the coronavirus is regular and thorough handwashing and to avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands. Keep tissues nearby and cover coughs and sneezes. If someone near you is exhibiting potential symptoms, practice the idea of “social distancing” by putting as much space as possible between yourself and that person. We know this can be challenging when using public transit, but remember it’s not rude to move if you need to.
Mountain Line is following all federally-recommended guidelines for protecting against the virus – and any other contagious diseases – by thoroughly cleaning our buses and the Transfer Center daily. We pay particular attention to “high touch” areas, such as handholds and railings. We will continue to update our practices as recommended by local and federal health agencies as information develops.
Get ready to spring forward! Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, March 8 at 2am. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour.
If the time change finds you catching the bus in darker morning hours, use a light to signal to our drivers while waiting at your stop. Safety is our priority.
The Missoula Urban Transportation District welcomes Shanti Johnson as its new Communications and Outreach Marketing Specialist for Mountain Line.
Johnson, who started with the organization last Thursday, February 27, said of the opportunity, “I’m looking forward to being in a position where I can apply my skills in communication, education and management to something I’m truly passionate about – building a more sustainable community for everyone. No matter if you’re a daily rider or someone who just wants to breathe cleaner air, sustainable transportation benefits us all. I’m thrilled to be a part of that.”
Johnson has an extensive background in community education, outreach and marketing. Prior to joining Mountain Line, Johnson worked for Missoula-based marketing agency, PartnersCreative, where she managed several nonprofit, local and government accounts, and oversaw campaigns focused on curbing the spread of invasive species, renewing the Land and Water Conservation Fund and promoting worker safety.
Previously, Johnson worked for the University of Montana’s Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center helping coordinate U.S. State Department-funded programs on environment and civil society development. There, she collaborated with fellows from around the world on a shared vision for healthier, more connected communities. Johnson has a master’s in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana, has worked for a rural electric cooperative on green power initiatives and currently sits on the board of Freedom Gardens, a collaboration with Frenchtown School District for sustainable agriculture.
“Shanti brings with her the experience and skills necessary to succeed and a true passion for our mission,” said Corey Aldridge, Mountain Line general manger. “It’s apparent she’s invested in the health and longevity of our region and I know she’s going to continue to find even more ways Mountain Line can connect with and support our community.”
Johnson replaces Bill Pfeiffer, who continues his career with the Montana chapter of Trout Unlimited. For further information about Mountain Line, or to schedule a time to speak with Johnson, please reach out to her directly at [email protected] or by calling 406-215-2461.
Mountain Line will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2020 in recognition of President’s Day Federal holiday. All 12 fixed routes, Paratransit, Senior Van, and the customer service line will be closed for the day. Service will resume on a normal weekday schedule on Tuesday, February 18.
Mountain Line will be closed Monday, January 20, 2020 in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Federal holiday. All 12 fixed routes, Paratransit, Senior Van, and the customer service line will be closed for the day. Service will resume on a normal weekday schedule on Tuesday, January 21.
Mountain Line will be closed Wednesday, December 25th, 2019 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. All 12 fixed routes, Paratransit, Senior Van, and the customer service line will be closed for the day. Buses will operate on Christmas Eve, with the final buses leaving the Transfer Center at 7:45pm. Normal weekday service will resume Thursday, December 26.
Mountain Line will also be closed Wednesday, January 1 for New Year’s Day and will reopen on Thursday, January 2. We will run a normal schedule for the rest of the holiday week, including on New Year’s Eve. Happy Holidays from everyone at Mountain Line.
Mountain Line will be closed on Thursday, November 28th, 2019 in recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday. All 12 fixed routes, Paratransit, Senior Van, and the customer service line will be closed for the day. Service will resume on a normal weekday schedule on Friday, November 29th. Due to the closure of Fuddruckers, there will be no shuttle to the Good Fellows Dinner this year.
