This project explores the relationship between socio-economics, infrastructure, and travel behavior to better understand the travel needs of rural communities, the cost of current unmet needs, and potential applications of emerging modes and technologies to improve rural mobility and safety. Given new transportation options such as shared mobility and the emergence of connected and automated vehicles, particularly in urban/suburban settings, it is critical that research is conducted to understand their potential application to rural environments..

The objective of this project is to provide technical assistance to rural communities for transportation projects.. .

The objective of this project is to provide technical assistance to rural communities for transportation projects.. .

The proposed research will identify cost-sensitive and environmentally friendly fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials and systems suitable for bridge superstructure elements that can be used for both wildlife and bike/ped crossings.  The project will seek to develop a system whereby the foundation and the FRP superstructure is interchangeable with different treatments of decking that specifically addresses the needs of wildlife, bicyclists and/or pedestrians.

This research will reduce the impact of wildlife collisions in rural areas and improve motorist safety through the use of innovative FRP materials for the superstructure of the bridge. The modularity of FRP bridges will also make safer travel for bicyclists and pedestrians..

The objective of this research is to measure the economic impact of rural transit services in Minnesota.. .

The objective of this project is to conduct a feasibility study on a pilot paratransit system operated by driverless, electric vans that connect rural towns.. .

The objective of this project is to explore transportation issues that affect manufacturing in small urban, rural and tribal areas.. .

The objective of this project is to design and implement a survey in Bozeman, MT and Fargo, ND to characterize the traffic safety culture of groups defined by a preferred mode of transportation.. .

The purpose of this project is to conduct a survey regarding support for commuting alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle (SOV).. .

The objective of the Small Urban, Rural and Tribal Center on Mobility is to conduct research and provide leadership, education, workforce development and technology transfer in all transportation-related aspects of mobility for people and goods, focusing specifically on small urban, rural and tribal areas.. .

The objective of this project is to explore a new application of existing bicycle detection technology combined with a flashing beacon to alert drivers to the presence of people on bikes on shared roadways.. .

The objective of this project is to work with the City of Bozeman, Montana and Montana State University to implement transportation demand management (TDM) strategies.. .

The objective of this project is to work with the City of Bozeman, Montana and Montana State University to implement transportation demand management (TDM) strategies.. .

The purpose of this project is to conduct a basic review of car sharing services in the U.S., with a particular emphasis on car sharing services in small urban and rural areas, especially those areas associated with a college or university.. .

The purpose of this project is to establish a new U.S.-Russia University Partnership Program aimed at enhancing the competencies of future transportation professionals and incumbent workers in ensuring a barrier free environment to mobility for persons with disabilities.. .

The objectives of this project are to develop a systemic safety planning tool for screening the road networks for high-risk locations of pedestrian crashes and to suggest countermeasures to improve pedestrian safety in small urban/rural areas.. .

The objective of this project is to provide an analysis of the number of rural and small communities across the United States that have access to intercity bus service.. .

The objective of this project was to create a University Transportation Center charged with conducting research and providing leadership, education, workforce development and technology transfer on the transportation aspects of livability, focused on small urban and rural areas.. .

The purpose of this project is to provide support for the development of a coordinated transportation system in and around the area of the Fort Peck Native American Reservation in northeastern Montana.
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To develop a Concept of Operations for a rural transit trip planning tool; to conduct a review of available applications for this tool.. .

To create a request for proposals (RFP) that will allow MET Transit to acquire the appropriate technologies to increase the efficiency of their paratransit/specialized transit system (MST).. .

Develop a comprehensive handbook that provides a step-by-step process allowing for social service agencies and local transportation providers to effectively coordinate their transportation services.. .

The final report concludes that there has been a significant amount of planning that has focused on a fixed-route bus service between Cortez and Durango. The literature review highlights some of the planning efforts (plans) related to this topic. All these plans/reports, including this one, provide the foundational information needed to implement a service

As described in the final report, the transportation voucher pilot program was deployed in five counties (Jasper, Newton, San Augustine, Sabine and Tyler) within the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) service region.  It was developed to provide transportation to individuals 60 years of age and older to access grocery stores, appointments not covered by Medicaid, personal care appointments, and other approved trips that contributed to participants’ quality of life. Researchers worked with DETCOG to develop: 1) policies and procedures, 2) provider training, and 3) rider training for the transportation voucher program. A budget of approximately $150 per month was provided to approximately forty approved participants

WTI will provide technical assistance to three rural communities and regions to identify and evaluate options for expanding transportation options, through a new partnership with the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)’s Research Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA sponsors technical assistance grants to rural communities and regions for transportation development, and NADO’s Research Foundation, working in conjunction with WTI, was selected to receive three grants

The final report describes the information collected and synthesized from the literature review, and the findings from the subsequent interviews. The following characteristics surfaced as being influential in whether or not bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure can be found within these smaller communities within Maine, Minnesota, and New Hampshire:

The speed limits, particularly adherence to speed limits within a community,
Having many champions for bicycle and pedestrian modes,
Having programs to teach or support bicycle and/or pedestrian modes,
Having bicycle and/or pedestrian groups, and
The community approval process.
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The final report describes the information collected and synthesized from the literature review, and the findings from the subsequent interviews.

The following characteristics surfaced as being influential in whether or not bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure can be found within these smaller communities within Maine, Minnesota, and New Hampshire:

The speed limits, particularly adherence to speed limits within a community,
Having many champions for bicycle and pedestrian modes,
Having programs to teach or support bicycle and/or pedestrian modes,
Having bicycle and/or pedestrian groups, and
The community approval process.
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As discussed in the final report, this research first looked at the new mobility options that have become available more recently (carsharing, ridesharing, TNCs, mobility-as-a-service, shared mobility, and microtransit) and reviewed literature with a focus on identifying research that discusses these mobility options in a rural context.  In addition, a survey was distributed to communities that have a TNC operating within their jurisdiction to better understand challenges and benefits from their viewpoint.  The most commonly cited challenges by survey respondents, which generally coincided with that found in the literature include: low population density, competition with other modes, safety, equity, congestion, convenience, and coordination.  The most commonly cited benefits by survey respondents, which generally coincided with that found in the literature include: congestion, environmental, equity, increased mobility options, parking, social, reduced transportation costs, and convenience.  Notice that three of the challenges and benefits overlap, although from opposing viewpoints: congestion, equity, and convenience.  As a whole, the lack of research on more novel mobility options as a result of technological innovations as applied in the rural context suggests that there is a lot of opportunity for further advancement.  Performing demonstration projects is a recommended first step.  Synthesizing what worked and what could be improved based on a multitude of implementations across the United States could provide additional mobility options to rural Americans.  Case studies of implementations in rural areas should be developed to serve as a record of the growing knowledge.. .

The final report summarizes research to assess the feasibility of last mile package delivery as a revenue generation tool for rural public transportation systems in Wyoming. In an effort to assess the feasibility, the research team conducted an in-depth literature review and surveyed local Wyoming businesses, state department of transportation officials, and transit managers. The survey results, literature review, and demand and potential revenue suggest that the transit agencies have a needed capacity to add a package delivery service, a market for the service, and a facility to house the service

The purpose of this research is to develop guidance that can be used by land management agencies – in addition to transportation agencies when considering bikeway designations to reduce liability concerns and improve safety for people biking and driving on shared roads.. .

The purpose of this project is to investigate the feasibility of implementing public transportation services in Park County, Wyoming, to serve two or more of the communities in the county.. .

Researchers reviewed the websites of 51 State DOTs, including the District of Columbia, to learn if the DOT has a definition of “livability” or “livable community.”  Researchers found a definition of “livability” or “livable community” for about half of State DOTs (28 of 51, including the District of Columbia). The most common theme that ran throughout most of the livability definitions was public health and safety. This was followed closely by the theme of economic development and access to good jobs, with definitions including related wording

The purpose of this project is to establish a new U.S.-Russia Peer-to-Peer Dialogue Program aimed at enhancing the competencies of transportation personnel in ensuring a barrier free environment to mobility for persons with disabilities.. .

The objective of this project is to develop a process for the City of Bozeman that will help integrate its travel demand forecasting models and traffic impact study efforts.. .

The findings in the final report suggest that contrary to popular opinion, Millennials may be engaging with federal lands more often than previously understood. Furthermore, Baby Boomers, even those who reported previously being visitors of federal lands, may be less inclined to recreate on them as they age. Their reported activity interest may in part be the driver

The final report included the following findings and recommendations. Based on the public input, Park County residents expressed a need and broad support for improved transportation service options. At the time of this research, however, the development of a public transportation system with fixed route transit lacked the support necessary to consider it feasible

The objective of this proposed research project is to understand whether Millennials in small urban and rural communities have the same mobility and livability mindset as those in large cities.. .

The objective of this proposed research project is to understand whether Millennials in small urban and rural communities have the same mobility and livability mindset as those in large cities.. .

As described in the final report, the network connectivity analysis showed that approximately 51% of the population of Wyoming (about 300,821 people) is served by national ICB service providers, including 17 of the 28 largest cities in the state. The results from the network connectivity analysis and the survey were used as a basis to help define “meaningful connections” and six specific routes that could expand access to intercity bus services in Wyoming. This research also provided a methodology that can be used by WYDOT to determine intercity bus service needs are being adequately met

The objective of this proposed research project is to understand whether Millennials in small urban and rural communities have the same mobility and livability mindset as those in large cities.. .

The objective of this proposed research project is to understand whether Millennials in small urban and rural communities have the same mobility and livability mindset as those in large cities.. .

The objective of this proposed research project is to understand whether Millennials in small urban and rural communities have the same mobility and livability mindset as those in large cities.. .

The objective of this project is to assess, plan and design alternative transportation options for safely accessing recreational sites surrounding Bozeman, Montana, including Bridger Canyon, Hyalite Canyon, and many other popular destinations.. .

The purpose of this project is to complete a 5-year Transportation Development Plan for North Central Montana Transit (NCMT).. .

The USDOT Federal Highway Administration has released “Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks,” a report based on this project.  The report is intended to provide ideas and guidance to small towns and rural communities who wish to enhance active travel networks for modes such as bicycling and walking.  The guide also provides innovative examples of successful projects that are applicable to rural communities.

View more details about this project on the SURLC website http://surlc.org/2017/02/10/small-town-and-rural-multimodal-networks/. .

The public benefit of this work is an organized system of routes that will protect natural and cultural resources. The final organized routes inventory with all routes numbered and connected will provide clarity to the public during the BLM Transportation and Travel Management Planning.  This organization of routes will help remove redundant routes that crisscross the landscape and help prevent conflicts with natural and cultural resources.  This route numbering system may also be used “on the ground” so end users will understand what sub-region of Owyhee County they are in and whether or not they are on a main route based off of the route number..

The objectives of this research are to:

Develop a consolidated list of livability metrics that could be incorporated into TDFM,
Conduct initial analysis on the feasibility of incorporating each of these metrics into TDFM for a rural or small urban area,
Fully implement at least one livability metric into a full TDFM, and
Share results through technical transfer activities.
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The goal of this project is to assist the Helena (Montana) Transportation Advisory Council to implement tasks identified in the Fiscal Year 2015 Helena Area Coordination Plan and the Transit Inclusive Planning for the Helena Area Report (November 2013).. .

As discussed in the final report, there is an existing perception that a high volume of commercial truck drivers choose the route through downtown Bozeman because it is shorter and therefore takes less time to travel. However, as shown by the data collected in this study, this route takes the most time of all four routes studied during this project. There are trade-offs between all four routes, but two routes 3 and 4 were identified as most beneficial to both the drivers and the pedestrians of Bozeman

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of creating a district around Montana State University in order to measure how travel to and from a university is different from travel to and from other types of development.. .

The goal of this project is to analyze data and develop plans for the continued growth of the Streamline and Galavan transit systems in Bozeman, Montana.

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The final report summarizes efforts to identify potential cost-effective alternatives to private automobile travel in Lake, Mineral, and Sanders Counties. As of this report, there are currently six organizations in these three counties that provide transportation services. The current transportation providers and other regional stakeholders have a strong interest in providing quality public transportation services

The objective of this research is to provide staff support and technical assistance to Opportunity Link for the development of a regional sustainably community planning in Northcentral Montana.. .

The objective of this project was to develop a congestion management toolkit for the National Park Service.. .

Through this project, Taylor Lonsdale, PE, will serve as the state of Montana’s “Safe Routes to School” Coordinator on behalf of the Montana Department of Transportation. This program aims to encourage active and healthy lifestyles by increasing the number of children in grades K through 8 who walk and bike to school..

The objective of this project was to conduct transportation-related visitor surveys at recreation areas in the Gallatin National Forest.. .

The objective of this project was to demonstrate the use of advanced technologies to increase information to motorists on the on US 89 and US 212 corridors at key decision points near visitor entrances to Yellowstone National Park.. .

WTI identified and analyzed alternatives related to improved coordination of transportation among the existing providers. WTI also facilitated meetings among stakeholders to discuss potential implementation of these alternatives. This project yielded numerous benefits:
• Identification of existing resources available for transportation services, including vehicles, staff, and funding.
• Identification of viable alternatives to enhance transportation coordination in three categories: communication, cooperation, and consolidation

The objective of this project was to support implementation on an ITS system for Rocky Mountain National Park (ROMO) for construction-related purposes.. .

Through this project, Taylor Lonsdale, PE, will serve as the state of Montana’s “Safe Routes to School” Coordinator on behalf of the Montana Department of Transportation. This program aims to encourage active and healthy lifestyles by increasing the number of children in grades K through 8 who walk and bike to school..

As described in the final report, this study found that Montana has some unique characteristics that may have a bearing on measures of its livability. For example, sixty-two percent of Montanans live in areas where the population density is 800 people per square mile or higher, but those areas account for only 0.1 percent of the land area. Along with its unique character, the surveys conducted for this study indicate that Montana is also a good place to live

The objective of this project is to create a national technical assistance center that provides federal land managers with easy and expedient access to technical support, training and information on alternative transportation issues and resources.. .

As described in the final report, the research team conducted an extensive literature review of intercity bus service studies in other states. Following that, a survey of peer states, with characteristics similar to Montana’s rural/frontier nature was performed to understand funding practices and perceive barriers of intercity bus service. Two additional surveys were distributed to intercity bus riders and the general public in Montana to provide insight into the use of intercity bus services and the attitudes toward the services

Through this project, Taylor Lonsdale, PE will serve as the state of Montana’s “Safe Routes to School” Coordinator on behalf of the Montana Department of Transportation. This program aims to encourage active and healthy lifestyles by increasing the number of children in grades K through 8 who walk and bike to school.
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Through this project, Taylor Lonsdale, PE will serve as the state of Montana’s “Safe Routes to School” Coordinator on behalf of the Montana Department of Transportation. This program aims to encourage active and healthy lifestyles by increasing the number of children in grades K through 8 who walk and bike to school..

This project will analyze the challenges bike sharing programs in some national parks and national wildlife refuges are facing, including liability and risk management, helmet use, business models, operations and maintenance, and funding mechanisms, and offer recommendations for Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs) interested in implementing bike sharing programs. The results can help transfer knowledge on this new technology among the FLMAs..

The objective of this project is to assess the role and capabilities of the rural transportation infrastructure in coastal communities in the Northern Gulf Coastal Region with respect to evacuation and emergency events’ planning, traffic, safety, control, and management.. .

The objective of this project is to assess the emergency preparedness of public transportation in rural coastal communities in the Gulf Coast region. The assessment will focus on how adequately prepared, and what role public transportation and school districts can play in the event of an emergency evacuation..

The purpose of this project is to analyze, design, and implement traffic management strategies that will enhance access to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (MGVC) while improving the visitor experience and safety.. .

Alternative transportation systems (ATS) can provide effective, environmentally sensitive solutions to traffic congestion, parking, pollution, and other transportation related challenges. The increased use of alternative transportation can help public land managers find the balance point between visitor access and experience and resource protection. Therefore, in order to increase the use of alternative transportation on public lands, managers need an easily accessible, central source for information, technical assistance, and coordination and outreach assistance

The objective of this project is to develop a plan for implementing a public transportation (transit) service that would serve Blaine and Hill counties in Montana.. .

Create a supplement to update the Montana Coordinated Transportation Handbook©.. .

Identify practices and technologies to automate cost recovery in Montana transit systems making transportation business practices more effective and efficient.. .

Identify practices and technologies to automate cost recovery in Montana transit systems making transportation business practices more effective and efficient.. .

To develop a Public Transportation Business Development Plan for Grand Teton National Park. .

To encourage Federal Land Highways (FLH) partner agencies to promote the accommodation of bicycles as a means of reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing the visitors’ experience.. .

To collect users’ feedback on the Transportation Toolkit, conduct limited modifications to the Toolkit package as new technologies become available, and position the Toolkit as a clearinghouse of transportation-related information for Federal Land Managers.. .

Provide a ‘Public Transportation Coordinator’ to assist the Gallatin County Big Sky Transportation District in managing its public transportation system.. .

The objective of this project is to create a site bulletin and distribution plan which will help inform pilots of the voluntary no-fly advisory zone existing at the Devils Tower National Monument.. .

To determine how using RouteMatch software has impacted the operations of the MET Specialized Transit system in Billings, Montana.. .

The purpose of this project is for WTI to provide support for the development of new routes and a schedule for the Snow Express system in Big Sky, which is funded by resort tax dollars and managed by the District.. .

To provide a one-year Beta test of the demand responsive client management software that was developed for GALAVAN.. .

The purpose of the project is to provide support for the development of a Request For Proposal (RFP) for transportation services (buses and their operation) for the District, in addition to a survey of clients who utilize the services of the District.. .

To identify technologies that could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Billings MET Transit paratransit system.. .

To identify technologies that could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Billings MET Transit paratransit system.. .

To conduct a pilot project that facilitates coordinated transportation planning in Montana.. .

The objective of this project is to develop and test prototype models of paratransit systems that can be used to evaluate routing, scheduling and dispatch alternatives. The models will be demand-driven and will be developed using historical data available from Galavan. Testing and validation with other data sets will also be done, time permitting.