‘News Articles’ Archive
« Older EntriesNewer Entries »
Mountain Line Continues Record Ridership Trend
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
MISSOULA, MONTANA (September 13, 2011) — The month of August brought a new record of 77,705 rides for Missoula’s popular Mountain Line public transit system, which represents a 21% or 13,446 ride increase over the month of August 2010.
According to General Manager Michael Tree, the ridership increases point to the growing popularity of Mountain Line as a convenient transportation option in the community. Additions like free onboard Wi-Fi, provided by Community Medical Center, and the upcoming ‘Bus Tracker’ technology that interacts with customers in real time to provide bus arrival times at stops throughout the system, help to make Mountain Line a practical form of transportation for all lifestyles.
Bus ridership is also affected by the fire season that tends to sweep local forests in late summer and early fall. According to Tree, “Public transportation is an inexpensive and healthy option, and can be especially beneficial to the public when the air quality is already poor.” With fire season in full swing, Mountain Line continues to provide free rides when the City County Health Department reports air quality at unhealthy levels.
Looking into the future, the transit agency will conduct an operational analysis this fall with the goal of creating a long range transportation plan to further enhance the convenience and accessibility of the system.
For more information on the record-setting ridership on Mountain Line or upcoming planning efforts, please call (406) 543-8386.
###
Changes to the Route 7 Around Wal-Mart
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
The Following is the Current Routing for
Route 7 around Wal-Mart:
Outbound buses will travel west on 39th Street, turning left onto Weeping Willow and right into the first aisle of the Wal-Mart parking lot. Buses will then loop around the east side of the parking lot and exit onto Weeping Willow to continue inbound.
Call the Mountain Line office with further questions!
CLICK HERE to see an informational flyer addressing these changes.
Park and Ride Service to the Western Montana Fair!
Tuesday, July 26th, 2011
Mountain Line will be providing park-and-ride service to the Western Montana Fairgrounds from August 9-13th! Park for FREE at Southgate Mall, Dornblaser or the Lewis & Clark Transfer Center and ride to the fair! Get a coupon for $1 off gate admission when you ride!
CLICK HERE to see the flyer for more information.
Mountain Line Sets Annual Ridership Record
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011
The month of June marked the end of the fiscal year for Missoula’s public transit system, and brought with it a new record ridership of 865,601 rides on the popular Mountain Line. The total represents a 9% increase or a 73,948 ride increase over the previous fiscal year.
According to Mountain Line General Manager Michael Tree, the increases point to the growing convenience of Mountain Line as a viable transportation alternative in the community. Additions like free onboard Wi-Fi provided by Community Medical Center and the upcoming “where’s my bus technology” that interacts with customers in real time to provide bus arrival times make Mountain Line practical for all lifestyles.
Looking to the future, the transit agency will be conducting an operational analysis this fall to further enhance convenience and accessibility. Don MacArthur, Chair of the Mountain Line Board of Directors, adds, “We’re excited to be on the drive towards a million rides a year. The goal is just around the corner.”
New 31-Day Passes Now Available
Monday, June 20th, 2011
Beginning June 16th, Mountain Line will change the look and functionality of our monthly passes. Instead of selling passes for a calendar month, new 31-day passes will be available. These passes will be valid for 31 days from the time the pass is first used. The 31-day time perimeter will not be initiated until the pass is inserted into the farebox and an expiration date and time is printed on the back of the pass (sample below).
All Mountain Line outlets will begin selling these passes on June 16th. 11-Ride passes will not be changed.
Call our office with any questions! (406) 721-3333
Don’t Forget: Kids Ride Free ALL SUMMER LONG!
Friday, June 10th, 2011
The weather’s getting warmer, and now that school’s out, the kids will want to get outside and enjoy it! Thanks to our generous sponsors, KIDS RIDE FREE all summer long– so let the kids take the bus to the Splash Park, to the Mall, or anywhere they want to go!
A special thanks goes out to our 2011 Kids Ride Free Sponsors: Allied Waste, Missoula Federal Credit Union, Missoula In Motion, the Montana Radio Company, St. Patrick Hospital, and Southgate Mall!
Mountain Line Operator Wins National Customer Service Competition
Friday, June 10th, 2011
Congratulations to Bryan Ursery, Champion of the Customer Service Challenge at the 2011 American Public Transit Association’s International Bus Roadeo!
From May 22nd through the 24th, bus operators and maintenance personnel from across the country competed in live challenges and completed written exams as a part of the Roadeo. After the first round of the customer service challenge, which featured an interview panel and tough questions, Bryan was one of only seven finalists to advance. The second round of the competition featured an on-stage challenge that featured Bryan sitting in a simulated bus and handling a host of customer service issues. After successfully completing the exercises, Bryan was announced the challenge champion at an awards banquet held on the 24th.
Bryan comments, “The bus driving skills test and Customer Service Challenge were a lot of fun. I was nervous, but feel that the competition fit the talents God has given me, which (allow me to) provide the best service possible in a compassionate way.”
During the 11 years Bryan has worked for Mountain Line, he has not had a preventable accident and has represented Missoula and the State of Montana at the American Public Transit Association’s International Bus Roadeo on four different occasions. In 2010, he received Mountain Line’s Customer Service Award.
Temporary Changes to Route 5
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
TEMPORARY CHANGES TO ROUTE 5
Effective June 13, 2011, and continuing through the Comprehensive Operational Analysis in the fall of 2011, buses will discontinue traveling along Redwood Street and Woodland Avenue on the West side of the Rattlesnake.
All route 5 buses will continue traveling North along Duncan Drive to a turnaround area located just South of the Peas Farm. Buses will then return to Lolo Street along Duncan Drive. Passengers will be able to access buses along Duncan Drive.
FOR A MAP OF THE ROUTING CHANGES, CLICK HERE.
If you have questions or comments, please call our office at (406) 721-3333.
Out to Lunch Trolley to Begin Service on June 1
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Out to Lunch is back for another wonderful summer, and Mountain Line is helping you get to Caras Park! Starting on Wednesday, June 1, ride the Mountain Line Trolley to Caras Park for FREE from the Lewis and Clark Transfer Center or pick it up anywhere along Higgins Avenue. Service starts at 10:45 AM and runs every 20 minutes until 1:45 PM. CLICK HERE to see the flyer or call the Mountain Line office with questions!
Saturday Market Trolley Now in Service
Friday, May 20th, 2011
Like going to the Saturday Markets downtown? Consider taking the TROLLEY to the markets–park for free at several locations and enjoy a relaxing ride to downtown. The trolley runs every 20 minutes from 8:55 AM to 11:45 AM. Click the icons below to see more routing and schedule information!
Newer Entries »
