[Nfbmt] [NFB] A Crisis of Public Transportation in Montana... and its real impact on NFB of Montana's upcoming state convention

Wed Aug 21 04:40:29 UTC 2013

ted I think that is a pretty good price and not having to be there on 
thursday makes it more affordable for us.
On 8/20/2013 8:38 PM, Edward Robbins wrote:
> Since notice of no busses out of GT Falls, I have been doing some looking into the costs.  To rent a van in GTF, for three days, the cost for a 15 passenger van, quoted was $99 per day.  Gas would probably run close to $130.00.  With possible other costs for the rental such as insurance, it might run another $50-$75.  Anna said she would drive, (She has always enjoyed driving vans), we would pick it up friday morning, arrive in Billings around noon.
> Cost would be spread among those traveling from Great Falls.  With total cost approximately $480.00, net to each, if 7 travel from Great Falls, would be about $70 per person.  (Anna & I would be willing to share this cost, even though with our prius we could do it for $37 in gas).
> 	We thought to look at a 15 passenger van because of possibly having 4 dogs and 7 people.  if fuer dogs or people travel, we possibly could rent a "mini" van.  (don't know how much this would cost, but gas mileage would be better.  We would need to have a committment about 30 days before travel, to get the bigger van to Great falls.  (coming out of Billings.  If any one has more/better  information or ideas, please post.
> Ted
>
> EDWARD C "TED" ROBBINS
> , CEO MBEI, Treasurer NFB of Montana & MANAGER MAB EQUIPMENT PROGRAM
> PHONE & FAX:  406 453 6678, CELL:  406 799 6268
> 104 RIVERVIEW 5 E
> GREAT FALLS  MT   59404
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nfbmt [mailto:nfbmt-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of d m gina
> Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 7:37 PM
> To: nfbmt at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [Nfbmt] [NFB] A Crisis of Public Transportation in Montana... and its real impact on NFB of Montana's upcoming state convention
>
> I was asking Jim if he would want to contact Ed Heron.
> I don't have the correct spelling, just a thought.
> Ed is working with seven day Adventist.
> Just some thoughts.
>
> Original message:
>> Hey Rik and all, the state convention in Billings is October 25-26 and
>> probably the morning of the 27th.  I don't know yet what is going to
>> happen Friday the 25th that might mean some of us will need to get
>> there Thursday the 24th.  Depends on the transportation options, I
>> guess, assuming there are any.  LOL I think it would be cool if we
>> could somehow hire or rent a van or a small bus.
>> I think in all the mess about the bus schedules that the one going
>> through Bozeman to Billings will still be running.  It's the
>> connections from Great Falls and maybe Helena and Missoula that are in
>> jeopardy.
>> Joy
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Nfbmt [mailto:nfbmt-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Rik James
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 2:21 PM
>> To: NFB of Montana Discussion List
>> Subject: [Nfbmt] A Crisis of Public Transportation in Montana... and
>> its real impact on NFB of Montana's upcoming state convention
>
>> First, this stunning revelation as brought to our attention. Thanks,
>> Joy, and others.
>> Montana and North Dakota Intercity Bus Status
>> http://mtndintercity.wordpress.com/
>> Dear NFB of Montana members and officers.
>> I have just now been reading the posts on the discussion list about
>> the loss of bus transportation between our cities here in Montana.
>> I feel that this is quite a crisis. Of course it is for some, more of
>> a crisis than for others. But if even one of those wishing to attend
>> the state convention, or for any other type of travel needs, this
>> issue will hardly be noticed, by anyone other than those who are
>> affected, unless it gets more in the press.  And the way it gets in
>> the press if its impact can be demonstrated in real terms.  I have the
>> opinion that more and more of these type of circumstances are very
>> likely to occur, leaving many without means to be at an ever worse disadvantage.
>> So, then, what?
>> What is it that we can do besides try and change things by complaining?
>> Probably not too much. But it is likely that the complaining probably
>> will not help much either. And that is because, frankly, we as blind
>> folks in Montana do not really travel as much as we even used to.  I
>> think. I don't know, but I would wonder if this is not true.
>> And whatever our needs, or in any case, we are not large enough of a
>> population to really be much of a dollar amount, as part of the great
>> loss in revenue that the bus services have been experiencing.  Still,
>> I would not wonder if more Montanans are made aware by some news
>> coverage, perhaps some members of the public might identify it as an
>> issue and something could happen to improve on the situation. Kind of
>> unlikely, but hey, if it is in the news, it can at least have more of
>> the benefit of attention.
>> So, my thoughts are these.
>> The biggest situation for us is our immediate  needs for members
>> around Montana to get to the city of Billings for the September state convention.
>> What is the weekend date again?
>> I am plum sorry, but I can t find it. Is it September 20?
>> Anyway. We need to figure out how big of a number of persons that is,
>> and where they each are. And then try and figure out how or what we
>> might be able to do to help out.
>> And IF we are going to do something, then we need to get a plan
>> together pretty soon.
>> The information needed:
>> First, who wants to come and needs a ride?
>> If we get this list together, then can we clump these folks in and get
>> folks to pool resources together, and schedule some, maybe like 3
>> routes, of transportation? Perhaps by renting vehicles and hiring drivers?
>> Member list.
>> Phone tree.
>> List of possible convention travellers.
>> Estimates of costs, decision of an adopted plan, and then its implementation.
>> That is my wee flurry of thoughts. The big picture guy. The laying
>> sideways under the apple tree dreamer, and your friend, Rik.
>> But I very well may be sideways not knowing one end of the tree branch
>> from the very core of the apple. So do some talking, and put on your
>> thinking caps, everyone. Let's get us all to Billings, by hook and by
>> cup of sweet cider.
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