Tester Secures $3.6 Million for Missoula’s Mountain Line Public Transit System

Senator: “The Mountain Line has gone above and beyond, leading the way for our state with their commitment to sustainable and equitable public transportation that will continue to boost jobs and our economy well into the future.”

U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced this week that Missoula’s Mountain Line public transit system will be receiving $3.6 million in U.S. Department of Transportation funding as a part of its Low and No Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Grant Program which supports the purchasing or leasing of low—or no—emission buses and other transit vehicles. The Mountain Line has committed to eliminating all tailpipe emissions from its fleet by 2035.

“Public transit is essential in our Montana communities, and the Mountain Line has been connecting Missoula for decades,” said Tester. “The Mountain Line has gone above and beyond, leading the way for our state with their commitment to sustainable and equitable public transportation that will continue to boost jobs and our economy well into the future.”

In 2020, the Mountain Line Board of Directors adopted a resolution for a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035 as a part of their effort to protect air quality across the Missoula valley. The organization already has 12 electric vehicles on the road and is planning on using the additional funding to continue investing in the electric fleet.

“Mountain Line is committed to moving Missoula forward sustainably and has committed to a zero-tailpipe-emissions fleet by 2035,” said Mountain Line CEO and General Manager, Corey Aldridge. “We are grateful for the leadership and support of Senator Jon Tester in helping us transition to a cleaner fleet, for a healthier, more equitable community that benefits us all.”

Mountain Line provides zero-fare public transportation to over 1.5 million riders annually with the help of local government, businesses, and nonprofits. By reducing the number of single vehicles on the road, and lessening traffic congestion and demand for parking, Mountain Line benefits the entire community.

Tester is a longtime advocate for Montana’s transportation infrastructure. He recently secured nearly $6 million for the Missoula Urban Transportation District in July of 2020 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. More recently he fought to restore full daily Amtrak service to the Hi-Line through the American Rescue Plan Act.