Mountain Line

National Transportation Conference to Be Held In Missoula This Week

Posted on August 10, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

For Immediate Release: August 10, 2021

MISSOULA – This week, Missoula will host the seventh-annual Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Small Urban Network (SUN) Conference. This is a national conference for public transportation agencies serving urban areas with a population size of 50,000 to 200,000, which includes Missoula’s community bus service, Mountain Line.

Representatives from over 50 transit agencies across the United States will be in attendance, with sessions kicking off Wednesday afternoon at the Holiday Inn Downtown and lasting through Friday. The conference will include a welcome message from Senator Steve Daines, remarks from Missoula Mayor John Engen, and a special message from Senator Tester to launch the Legislative and Policy Update session.

The keynote speech will be delivered by Andrea Davis, the executive director of Homeword, a Missoula-based organization focused on affordable housing and financial sustainability. Davis, who also serves on the Missoula Urban Transportation District Board of Directors, will discuss affordable housing and community equity issues while tying in how mobility and accessibility play a critical role in building sustainable, equitable communities.

During the conference transit leaders will also discuss the implications of the 2020 Census on Urban America, providing on-demand service in smaller communities, and building more sustainable fleets. As a national leader in transitioning to electric, Mountain Line will offer an in-depth tour and education session on its journey to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet, sharing lessons learned to help other agencies do the same.

“This conference affords us a valuable opportunity to share what we’ve learned during our transition to an electric fleet with other agencies,” said Mountain Line CEO and General Manager Corey Aldridge. “The more we can collaborate across the country, the more public transportation benefits us all.”

This is the second time this summer that Mountain Line’s commitments to sustainability have garnered national attention. The agency learned last month that it had won the prestigious 2021 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award, ranking it number one in North America in its size. The award specifically referenced the agency’s commitment to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035.

For more information about the CTAA SUN Conference, visit https://ctaa.org/sun-2021.

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Mountain Line was named the top public transit agency in North America in its size in 2021, earning the American Public Transportation Association Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award. The agency also won the MTA statewide safety award in 2021. Committed to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035, Mountain Line has a long-standing commitment to clean air, public health and a more sustainable future. Since becoming a zero-fare system in 2015, ridership has increased nearly 70 percent. During normal times, Mountain Line provides more than 1.5 million rides annually, helping students get to school, employees get to work, and seniors and those living with disabilities stay active, mobile and independent. By reducing the number of single vehicles on the road, lessening traffic congestion and investing in electric buses, Mountain Line benefits us all.

First Friday Celebration at Mountain Line Transfer Center Set for August 6

Posted on August 4, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

MISSOULA – Mountain Line invites the public to attend its First Friday event with artist Stella Nall to celebrate the completion of Nall’s full-scale mural across the south entrance of the agency’s Downtown Transfer Center.

The mural, titled “Climate Conscious Creatures Wheel Toward a Sustainable Future,” combines Nall’s whimsical style and cultural heritage with Mountain Line’s commitments to a sustainable future.

“I use a lot of symbolism in my work. Some of it is drawn from tradition, and some I develop to speak to my own experiences,” said Nall, a 23-year-old descendant of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Tribe. “I was initially drawn to this opportunity because I’m very passionate about sustainability and how we can make conscious steps toward maintaining a healthier balance with the earth.”

Nall’s design shows animals native to Montana imagined as bus creatures wheeling through clean air above the mountains. Each bus has many wheels inspired by the form and color palate of the traditional Plains medicine wheel.

“There are varying understandings of the Medicine Wheel in terms of direction and color association, but one interpretation is that it is a symbol of hope – movement toward healing for those who seek it,” wrote Nall in her artist statement. “I am including it in this design to speak to the sustainability efforts we are capable of making, and how switching to sustainable transportation options may be a step towards healing humanity’s damaged relationship with the environment.”

The public art call in 2020 was a joint effort between Mountain Line and the City of Missoula Public Arts Committee (PAC). Jennifer Sweten, Director of Operations at Mountain Line and a member of the PAC review committee, said she was captured by Nall’s vision and personality.

“We loved how Stella created a direct connection between public transportation and stewardship for the environment,” said Sweten. “At Mountain Line, sustainability is one of our guiding principles, from reducing traffic congestion and helping keep our air clean, to committing to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035.”

Kathi Olson, acting chair of the PAC, said she couldn’t imagine a better pairing than Mountain Line and Nall.

“There are many factors that go into building a healthier, more equitable community,” said Olson. “And we see three of them coming together in this project: supporting public art, BIPOC representation, and sustainable, accessible public transportation.”

The First Friday celebration will be held outside the south entrance at 200 West Pine Street this Friday, August 6, from 5:30 PM to 7 PM, with comments from the artist at 5:45 PM. All are welcome.

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Mountain Line Named 2021 Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year

Posted on July 23, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

MISSOULA – Mountain Line has been named the top public transit agency in the United States and Canada in its size, earning the prestigious 2021 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award.

“This year’s submissions were some of the most competitive and outstanding that Awards Committee members have ever evaluated,” wrote APTA Awards Chair Jennifer Mitchell in the announcement letter. “The individual assessments of our members found your nomination to be the very best.”

Mountain Line underwent a robust review process, evaluating the agency’s performance over the past three years across multiple departments. The evaluation analyzed quantitative data, such as vehicle revenue miles and operating costs, and qualitative data, including safety, accessibility, financial management, and community relations.

“The national recognition that Mountain Line has received would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all Mountain Line employees and the support of the City and County of Missoula and the residents of our district,” said Mountain Line Board Chair, Jesse Dodson. “The Directors of the board are proud to be part of the great things happening at Mountain Line that benefit us all.”

Some of Mountain Line’s accolades celebrated by APTA include the agency’s commitment to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035 and its rapidly-growing fleet of electric buses. With six battery-electric buses on the road and six more slated to enter service later this year, the agency’s fixed-route fleet will be 40% electric by January.

“Mountain Line is comprised of people who truly want to serve this community and are invested in its long-term health and sustainability,” said Mountain Line CEO and General Manager Corey Aldridge. “Our team’s dedication over the past three years to providing equitable, accessible service has been exemplary and we’re honored to receive this national recognition.”

Mountain Line was also celebrated for its Bus Stop Improvement Project, which is focused on improving safety, accessibility, and efficiency systemwide.

Currently, construction is in progress to add 68 more accessible boarding and alighting areas at existing bus stops and new tactile poles (distinguishable by touch) will replace old bus stop signage early next year. Several bus stops will also be moved to alternate locations to improve safety for all road users.

“We are ushering in a new era for Mountain Line with our Bus Stop Improvement Project and service expansions on the horizon in 2022,” said Aldridge. “Mountain Line’s success and innovation is owed in large part to the strong support of public transportation by our community and our Zero-Fare Partners, making this award a point of community pride.”

Mountain Line will be formally honored at the APTA Transform Annual Meeting and EXPO this November.

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Mountain Line is committed to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035. The agency won the MTA statewide safety award in 2021 and has a long-standing commitment to clean air, public health and a more sustainable future. Mountain Line became a zero-fare system in 2015, made possible through partnerships with local government, businesses and nonprofits. Since the debut of Zero-Fare, ridership has increased almost 70 percent. During normal times, Mountain Line provides more than 1.5 million rides annually, helping students get to school, employees get to work, and helping seniors and people living with disabilities stay active, mobile and independent. By reducing the number of single vehicles on the road, lessening traffic congestion and investing in electric buses, Mountain Line benefits us all.  

Routes 1 & 2 Going to 20-Minute Frequency 7/26 – 9/4

Posted on July 19, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

Starting Monday, July 26, Mountain Line will be adjusting frequency on Routes 1 and 2 from 15-minutes to 20-minutes. This adjusted schedule is in effect July 26 through September 4, 2021. Normal service is expected to resume Monday, September 6.

Like many agencies across Missoula and the nation, Mountain Line is experiencing a staffing shortage. The agency has a full bus operator training class in progress, with additional classes slated to start in August and September.

“In order to allow our new trainees time to complete their training, and to protect existing employees from burnout, we have decided to temporarily adjust frequency along some routes,” said CEO and General Manager Corey Aldridge.

Mountain Line is actively recruiting customer-service and safety-oriented individuals. The agency offers competitive pay, paid training to earn your CDL, full benefits and a retirement plan.

Apply at mountainline.com/careers.

Saturday Market Trolley – Adjusted Route Starting 7/17

Posted on July 16, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

In response to the Beartracks Bridge weight restrictions, we have modified our Saturday Market Trolley route, effective July 17, 2021. All Mountain Line services are zero-fare.

Update map below.

Routes 2 & 11 Delayed Due to Fire on S. Reserve

Posted on July 14, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

Due to a fire burning on S Reserve, Routes 2 & 11 are experiencing delays. Thank you for your patience.

Route 6: Stops near Beartracks (Higgins) Bridge closed

Posted on July 13, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

The following stops along Route 6 are closed for the foreseeable future:

Outbound at Higgins Ave & Main St.
Outbound at Higgins Ave & Front St.
Inbound at Higgins Ave & Front St.
Inbound at Higgins Ave & 5th St.

Mountain Line Closed Mon, July 5

Posted on June 28, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

Mountain Line will be closed Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day. Saturday service will operate as normal.

Have a safe holiday weekend!

Routes 8 & 12 Adjusted Thru Sept 4

Posted on June 25, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

Due to a staffing shortage, we will continue to operate Routes 8 & 12 on an adjusted weekday schedule through September 4. Saturday service remains the same.

Find the latest schedules here.

We have an operator training class in session and additional training classes starting in July and August to help bolster our staff. Once these new operators have successfully completed their training we expect service to return to normal. Thank you for your patience and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

Interested in a career with Mountain Line? Apply now!

Adjusted Service On Routes 8 & 12 To Continue Through June 25

Posted on June 16, 2021May 19, 2023 by Mountain Line

Adjusted weekday service on Routes 8 & 12 will continue through Friday, June 25. Saturday schedules remain unchanged. Find the latest schedules here.

Like many across Missoula, Mountain Line is experiencing a staffing shortage. We are actively hiring & training (with a training class in progress now). Until training is complete, we may need to reduce frequency on some routes. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Please continue to follow us on social media for the latest updates. (And please apply if you’re interested in a career with Mountain Line at mountainline.com/careers!)

Category: News