The 5 Year Helena Transit Development Plan was officially accepted at
the City Commission meeting Monday evening. Accepting the plan is not an
obligation for the City to implement it’s recommendations, though it will be
the guiding document for the future of HATS.
Public
Comment included the need for increased quality bus service in our community.
Specifically, for those who are on “lock down” when the weekend
curb-to-curb service doesn’t run and are unable to visit friends,
attend appointments, and participate in community events. The limited geographic service area was also addressed. Such as those
living without bus service in the North Valley, and those who wish to access
the VA at Fort Harrison for services, employment and volunteering. The “Helena
Transit 4 All” project underway is exploring solutions to creating a more
inclusive transit system to address these concerns.
The
Commission recognized the valuable Public Comments, and provided additional
critiques of how to make 2014 “the Year of the Bus!” A major priority was
ensuring that bus service continues to serve citizens who need it most to enjoy
a higher quality of life. Potentially, by limiting curb-to-curb service to
those who meet national ADA criteria, and then using the dollars saved toward
expanding fixed routes. The
Commission was pleased with the public process and hard work of the consultant
and city staff in crafting the final document.
Check out the story about the plan on KXLH, including an interview with HATS Director Steve Larson
The final draft of the HATS Transit Development Plan may be reviewed by clicking the link below.
http://www.helenamt.gov/