This joint resolution from the Montana Senate and House of Representatives calls for an interim study to explore improvements in passenger transportation services and public transit across the state. The resolution highlights the current challenges faced by residents, particularly in underserved areas like the Hi-Line, where options for transportation are limited. It emphasizes the need for enhanced services, including passenger rail, air travel, and public transit, to better serve senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and the general public. The resolution also notes the potential benefits of autonomous vehicles and the necessity for updated laws to accommodate them.
The resolution requests that the Legislative Council designate an appropriate interim committee or direct staff resources to conduct the study, which should include considerations for establishing a passenger transportation commission. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be presented to a designated committee and reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026. This initiative aims to address the decline in transportation options and improve mobility for Montanans, ultimately supporting the state's tourism industry and enhancing employment opportunities related to transportation services.