Staff recommends the Council receive a presentation on the Transit Development Plan final draft and recommendations developed by MET Transit in conjunction with SRF Consulting, and taking into consideration the public's comments received via survey and those comments received at three public meetings held over the Summer.

The City of Billings MET Transit Division identified the need to conduct a Transit Development Plan update to assess the current state of the transit system and develop recommended strategies for improvement.  The most recent Transit Development Plan undertaken by the Division was finalized in 2015.  With Billings experiencing significant growth in recent years and considering the recent passage of increased transit funding at the Federal level, having an approved and feasible plan in place is essential for MET continuing to provide effective transit services in the Billings area. 
 

This item is a presentation only. City Council will be asked to provide a recommendation for the adoption of the Plan to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) at a future City Council Regular Business meeting.  The PCC will take final action on the Plan at one of its upcoming meetings.

The Total impact on fiscal effects depends on the level of plan acceptance and alternatives chosen.  Any costs to implement are anticipated to be mostly offset by an increase in Federal operating funds provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL); the City of Billings received an increase of $542,156 in 5307 formula funds for FFY 22 and anticipates an FFY 23 apportionment of $624,193.  Formula funds are expected to increase by approximately four percent annually through FFY 26 based upon the BIL structure of graduated funding increases for transit.