The Streamline Bus System had its 2 millionth rider last week—a noteworthy benchmark for the Gallatin Valley public transportation system. The busses have served its greater Bozeman area residents for eight years and by breaking the 2 million rider mark has confirmed the Gallatin’s increased use and need of the bus system.
Over the first 5 years, Streamline reached the million rider mark. However, it only took 3 years and 3 months to serve the second million. Not only does this show the growth of the Gallatin Valley in general, but it also shows the increasing popularity of the valley’s bus system. Last year, Streamline served 330,000 riders.
Streamline busses help Bozeman become more than just a “car only” town. The city has focused on keeping itself affordable for all types of people. Streamline helps those who want to live in the area without owning a car by offering them a form of public transport that had not really existed previously.
However, Streamline serves many people who have their own methods of transportation as well. 40 percent of Streamline riders own a vehicle. By keeping these people’s cars off the roads, the bus system has helped lower traffic and traffic emissions around Bozeman.
The streamline takes care of some “Bozeman wants”, in addition to the “Bozeman needs.” For example, the Streamline does go up to Bridger while its Big Sky brother the Skyline offers trips up to Big Sky resort.
As Bozeman and the surrounding area grows, it will be more important to have the necessary infrastructures in place. Bozeman has turned its attention towards its rental vacancy concerns and the prospect of a increasing internet speeds in the area. Hopefully, those issues will be addressed as soundly as public transportation was when they enacted the Streamline 8 years ago.
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