Over 200,000 Rides in Fiscal Year 2017, Breaking Previous Record.

The Big Sky Transportation District is pleased to announce a record-breaking year for Skyline transportation services, providing over 200,000 rides between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. Representing an 8.6% increase in ridership from the previous year’s record, Skyline’s Link Express (Big Sky to Bozeman) and local services continue to grow as a vital solution to the changing transportation needs of greater Gallatin County.

“With local ridership growing by 7 percent and Link Express up by more than 13 percent, it’s clear that residents of southwest Montana are responding to increased economic and population growth throughout the area by exploring alternative means of transportation,” said David Kack, Skyline Coordinator. “Despite these increases year over year, the District continues to struggle to receive proper funding to e ectively expand services and improve rider experience.”

According to District Board Chairman Ennion Williams, Skyline’s popularity and growing importance to the area has been recognized with increased nancial support from the Big Sky Resort Tax Board and Madison County, but Gallatin County has decided not to fund the service.

Last year, an on-board survey showed that 76 percent of those utilizing the bus service reside in Gallatin County, with 59 percent of those respondents stating they use the service for work-related purposes.

Williams noted that only once has Gallatin County provided funding in the last 10-years of Skyline operations. “This year, we once again requested funding from Gallatin County to improve Skyline services for the Bozeman area and access to Big Sky for visitors and residents alike, but the initial vote is against providing funding.” Williams went on to say, “We hope we can convince the Commissioners that they need to invest in this vital service before they analyze the budget.”

The Big Sky Transportation District Board will meet this summer and fall to discuss its budget and will continue to explore additional sources of funding to meet the increased demand for services. Current sources of ongoing funding include the Federal Transit Administration (administered by the Montana Department of Transportation), Big Sky Resort Area District, Big Sky Owners Association, Big Sky Resort, Madison County, Moonlight Basin, Spanish Peaks Resort, and the Yellowstone Club.