Current Transportation Solutions has worked on a variety of projects including those listed below.

Helena 2013 Transit Development and Business Plan 

The Helena Area Transit System(HATS) hired Current Transportation Solutions to update their Transportation Development Plan. The planning process included an extensive public participation program involving hundreds of survey responses, three public meetings and over 20 stakeholder interviews. HATS wanted a high level of public engagement because they are seeking to transition from focusing primarily on providing demand-response service for transportation disadvantaged populations, to a broader focus on serving the entire community through shifting resources to expanded and improved fixed route service. Our analysis and recommendations focused on developing and implementing strategies to achieve this goal.

 Helena IR story about public input

Bozeman Area Transit Development and Business Plan

The Human Resource Development Council hired Current Transportation Solutions to conduct Bozeman’s first transit plan since Streamline began fixed route service. Each Montana Transit Development Plan starts with the same Request for Proposal, but Current Transportation Solutions tailors our approach depending on the community’s focus. Bozeman asked for a strong emphasis on business planning with varying visions driven by different financial scenarios.  The team also focused on organizational structure and vehicle maintenance costs.

Final Business Plan

Appendices

Outreach

In addition to rider surveys, we held community outreach events on November 13, 2012 focused on the following three stakeholder groups:

• Human services and other community transportation providers
• Montana State University
• Business owners and economic development leaders.

Community Outreach Presentation, November 13, 2012

The Montana State University Exponent wrote an article about the event.

As mentioned during our outreach, Streamline was featured as a case study in Putting Transit to Work in Main Street America, a joint study between the Community Transportation Association of America and Reconnecting America. 

Rimrock Trailways Transit Development and Business Plan

Current Transportation Solutions produced a five year transit development plan and business plan based on the intercity travel needs of residents and visitors to Montana.  The planning process and resulting plan served as a catalyst for Rimrock Stages, allowing sound, effective business decisions based on an in depth understanding of the market, goals, and financial targets.

As a result of the project, the network of intercity services should improve, and the needs of Montanans and visitors will be better met. Because of the project efforts, Rimrock was poised to take action when Greyhound decided to hand over its Missoula-Billings routes to Rimrock. Rimrock Stages owners used this opportunity and analysis from this project to adjust routes, leading to better connections from Missoula to Helena, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Bozeman (beginning June 21, 2011). Furthermore, Rimrock has identified opportunities to better promote its services through the Associated Students of the University of Montana, Mountain Line, and other Montana transit operators and organizations that need transportation.

The project included statewide stakeholder input, analysis of existing services, a demographics analysis, suggested service modifications, business practice modifications, an assessment of coordination opportunities, and a business plan. Stakeholder input included workshops in Montana’s largest communities, with Missoula producing the largest turnout.

Rimrock Trailways project website

Transit Development Plan - Final (final project report - 4,668 KB)

Business Plan - Final (545 KB)

Rimrock and other Montana intercity schedules (935 KB)

Butte Transit Development Plan

The Current Transportation Solutions team updated the Transportation Development Plan for Butte-Silver Bow Transit. The updated plan will guide the General Manager, the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), and other stakeholders in assessing transportation conditions and implementing improvements over a five-year period.

Using system analysis and input from riders, drivers, the TAC, and other stakeholders, the Current Transportation team recommended establishing a mobility manager; improving bus stops; and improving marketing. The team also suggested consideration of an Urban Transportation District to build funding for extended hours and greater frequency of services. These recommendations are based on economic and demographic conditions in Butte – a small city with static population and funding.

In December 2011, Butte-Silver Bow Transit contracted with Current Transportation Solutions to develop the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) for Butte and deploy it on Google Maps. We expect to complete this task in 2012.

Butte Transit Development Plan Update - Final (final project report - 5,135 KB)

Presentation to Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners, August 24, 2011 (548 KB)

Muskegon County Transit Review

Project Owner: Smart Growth America / Muskegon County, Michigan

In a project that can serve as a case study for the nation, Smart Growth America contracted Current Transportation Solutions to identify barriers at the federal, state and local-levels that stand in the way of improving transportation services in Muskegon County, Michigan. The Current team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the area’s transportation services to better understand regulatory and non-regulatory obstacles to improving coordination, cost efficiency and service availability. We have conducted interviews with 23 stakeholder groups, including organizations that fund, provide, or need transportation. The project report summarizes existing services and problems; goals for improved coordination and service; barriers to achieving these goals; and recommendations for local strategies as well as changes in federal policy.  Results were shared with the federal HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities and with local partners in Muskegon County. 

Using this study as a stepping stone, the County and Muskegon Area Transit System started improving services before the final report was released. They plan to add commuter service to manufacturing jobs outside of the urbanized area, hire a Mobility Manager, and apply for One-call, One-Click funding. Finally, a local non-profit organization hopes to raise funds from large employers to match federal funds.

Muskegon Final Report

ITD Intercity Bus Study

Year Completed: 2011

Project Owner: Idaho Transportation Department

Current Transportation Solutions developed a plan for improved, coordinated intercity services to meet the needs of Idaho residents and visitors and the goals of the FTA 5311(f) program.  The project was based on the recommendations of the Idaho 5311(f) Intercity Program Review.  The information and recommendations developed through this project are being used by the Idaho Public Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC) and Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to assign funding for intercity routes, and to expand and improve service on specific corridors. We assessed the state’s current system under the FTA 5311(f) program and designed improvements to facilitate better coordination of planning and funding decisions to eliminate gaps, duplication, and uncoordinated schedules between providers. We conducted a needs assessment that provided the basis for defining corridors, service frequency, and schedules for a baseline intercity network.  A new protocol was developed through which IDT’s procurement process is bid out by route, with public and private operators submitting competitive proposals for funding. This process allows IDT to evaluate and integrate individual operators’ local understanding of needs and services, while at the same time focusing on the big picture to ensure that coordination and funding are based on the needs of the entire intercity network.  The new funding allocation process also allows for 5311(f) in-kind match from Greyhound.

Project Final Report (3429 KB)

Clear Roads Cost-Benefit Analysis of Specific Winter Maintenance Practices, Equipment and Operations

Year Completed: 2010
Project Owner:   Clear Roads (subcontracted to Western Transportation Institute/Montana State University) www.clearroads.org

Clear Roads is an ongoing pooled fund research project with 18 member states aimed at rigorous testing of winter maintenance materials, equipment and methods for use by highway maintenance crews. Launched in 2004 by experienced winter maintenance professionals, Clear Roads responds to a need for research based on practical experience.

Toolkit web site

User manual

Clear Roads web site

Southwest Montana Transportation Assessment/Teton Transportation Assessment

Year Completed: 2008

Project Owner: Yellowstone Business Partnership

Current Transportation Solutions conducted two related studies.

The southwest Montana study focused on commuter transportation needs in Beaverhead, Madison, Gallatin, and Park County, including Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The two principal tasks surveyed major employers and their employees, and examined combined costs of housing and transportation. The survey focused on policies and practices in place to encourage alternatives to driving alone, and willingness to participate in additional practices.

Tetons Transportation Assessment

Southwest Montana Commuter Transportation Needs

Teton Valley Multi-Modal Application for TIGER II Funding

Year Completed: 2010

Project Owner:   Teton County, Idaho

Current Transportation Solutions led the grant development process and cost benefit analysis for this regional transportation initiative. The project developed a proposal for an integrated system of pathways, park and ride lots, and transit infrastructure in Teton Valley and Rexburg that would link these communities with Grand Targhee, Idaho Falls, Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and beyond. Although the application was unsuccessful in winning a TIGER grant, the process helped solidify the vision and partnerships for transportation in the rapidly growing Teton Valley.

Yellowstone-Teton Regional Transportation Cooperative Feasibility Study

Year completed: 2010

Project Owner: Yellowstone Business Partnership

Current Transportation provided consultation in exploring the feasibility of a Yellowstone-Teton Regional Transportation Cooperative. The study evaluated the technical, economic, and legal considerations associated with creating and operating a multi-state transportation cooperative to improve resident and visitor mobility across the Greater Yellowstone region.  Funded by rural transit stimulus funds through the Idaho Transportation Department, this project led to the 2010 establishment of Linx, a co-op of willing public and private transportation providers who are coordinating and marketing their operations through one integrated system.

Link to the project website.

View the project fact sheet.

Idaho Mobility Management Planning Program

Year Completed: 2009

Project Owner: Idaho Transportation Department

Current Transportation Solutions, serving as a subcontractor to KFH Group, worked with the Idaho Transportation Department to help develop and implement their coordination process. The team led planning efforts and outreach to develop 17 community plans, 6 district plans, and one statewide plan. Current Transportation Solutions was responsible for the plans in Districts 5 and 6.

Idaho 5311(f) Rural Intercity Program Review

Year Completed: 2010

Project Owner: Idaho Transportation Department

The purpose of this program review is to assess Idaho's intercity bus service. Intercity bus services are generally considered to cover long distances, have capability to carry luggage, and have the ability to connect to other intercity services. These include non-subsidized services such as Greyhound, those transportation services funded fully or in part through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5311(f) Rural Intercity Program, and potentially other publicly funded services. The primary focus of this review is for those 5311(f) services that receive FTA grants through the Idaho Transportation Department Division of Public Transportation.

As an outcome of this project, the Idaho Transportation Department and transportation providers serving Idaho will have in one place a review of existing services, a list of gaps, and a prioritization for filling those gaps. The report will serve as a tool to make decisions. By documenting intercity nodes and facilities, it also will help in making decisions related to intercity passenger facility improvements.

Link to final report (4864 KB)

Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinator

Year Completed: 2009

Project Owner: Human Resource Development Council District IX

Current Transportation Solutions served as the coordinator for Streamline, Galavan, and the greater Bozeman area. For 2009, the coordinator was responsible for the following goals:

• Meet Montana Department of Transportation and SAFETEA-LU coordination requirements
• Improve communications regarding transportation in the Gallatin Valley between social service agencies, customers, transportation providers, government agencies, private businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Understand transportation resources and needs in the Gallatin Valley
• Build Streamline operations and monitor performance

Streamline, the bus service for Bozeman, Belgrade, and Four Corners, exceeded projected ridership within six months of service. Streamline put 6 new low-floor, bustle-back buses in fixed route service in August 2007. Fiscal Year 2009, the third year of service, saw average daily ridership 60% higher than the first year.

Fort Peck Transportation Development Plan Update, Poplar, MT

Year Completed: 2007

Project Owner: Fort Peck Transportation System

The Current Transportation Solutions Team updated the Transportation Development Plan (TDP) for the Fort Peck Transportation System (FPTS). The updated plan will guide the FPTS director, the board, and other stakeholders over a five-year period in assessing transportation conditions and implementing improvements. The final plan reflects, to the extent feasible, the input of citizens and locals knowledgeable about needs, and respects best practices, government regulations, science, and practical needs.

Montana One Stop Shop Research Project

Year Completed: 2008

Project Owner: Montana Department of Transportation

The Montana Department of Transportation, the Montana Transportation Partnership, and other partners conducted a research project that resulted in an implementation plan for a "one-stop shop" where Montana residents and visitors can find information about transportation options. The research team identified the appropriate content and dissemination tools such as phone systems, web sites, other technologies, and printed materials to ensure that information is available when, where, and how people need it. The project focused on public transportation and other specialized needs. The project technical panel selected a consultant team led by PBS&J along with Current Transportation Solutions and ETC Institute to conduct this research.

Today, a Montana traveler aware of the different sources of information could find useful, but incomplete, traveler information. Overall, information is available, but it is inconsistent and can require significant skills, knowledge, and time for the traveler to navigate through the different sources.

Meanwhile, transportation providers have the burden of getting information out to the public and keeping the information up to date. While keeping their brochures and web pages accurate, they also need to keep data up-to-date for the information and referral services. Montana's larger transit agencies have posted web sites, but the smaller providers often lack the time and resources to provide information over the Internet.

Livingston (MT) Area Transportation Coordination Plan - Fiscal Year 2009

Year Completed: 2008

Project Owner: Livingston Transportation Advisory Committee

Current Transportation Solutions helped Livingston (population 7,300) and Park County (16,000 population) develop its first coordination plan. As a result of this project, the community has inventoried existing services, identified needs, and established goals. The TAC has become invigorated and has the necessary data to apply for Federal Transit Administration rural general public grants through Montana Department of Transportation.

Mobility Applications Program Technical Support, Alturas CA

Year Completed: 2005, 2006

Project Owner: Modoc County Transportation Commission

Current Transportation Solutions assisted Modoc County Transportation Commission in developing an implementation approach for their Mobility Applications Program. This program, serving rural transit in five northeastern California counties, will implement Intelligent Transportation Systems including a web-based rural trip planning tool; a financial tracking system; and tools to assist in regional coordination.

Modoc County Transportation Commission and its partners have developed the Mobility Applications Program (MAP) to improve service and coordination using technology tools and streamlined processes.

Glacier National Park Transportation Scholar, West Glacier, MT

Year Completed: 2006, 2007

Project Owner: Glacier National Park / National Park Foundation

For this effort, Ms. Ballard provided transportation engineering and planning experience as Glacier National Park planned for the major rehabilitation of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The Going to the Sun Road (GTSR), completed in 1933, is scheduled for major rehabilitation over eight to ten years, starting in 2007. The approach to construction will keep the road open during the summer peak season and keep construction-related delays under 30 minutes. In order to meet these requirements, the park implemented a free bus shuttle system and uses construction and transit-related Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Ms. Ballard worked with park staff, FHWA, and consultants as transit and ITS plans are developed and systems are put into place. Efforts include:

• Analysis and planning for the transit system
• Visitor use pattern evaluation - pre-transit distribution
• Integration of 511 and other ITS applications
• Support to other related projects to the GTSR Rehabilitation Mitigation

Summary of findings as presented at 2008 TRB

First year summary as presented at 2007 TRB