[NFBMT] HJ34 Interim Study on Passenger Transportation

[BRUCE&JOY BRESLAUER]

Currently this is in the first House committee and has not been tabled.  It
has not had a hearing yet before the Transportation Committee.  This is not a
bill, but a joint resolution for an interim study.  I say it's long overdue.

 

2019 Montana Legislature

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 34

INTRODUCED BY A. OLSEN

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF WAYS TO IMPROVE PASSENGER
TRANSPORTATION SERVICE IN MONTANA; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF
THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 67TH LEGISLATURE.

 

     WHEREAS, passenger rail and bus services provide mobility for senior
citizens, persons with disabilities, students, tourists, and business people;
and

     WHEREAS, some communities in Montana are poorly served by public
transportation, and options for passenger transportation services in Montana
continue to decline; and

     WHEREAS, if state services are unavailable, many Montanans need local,
tribal, or county transportation services for help getting to appointments
for medical or other physical needs; and

     WHEREAS, Amtrak's North Coast Hiawatha ceased operation through southern
Montana in 1979, and transportation to and from the major population centers
of southern Montana would be greatly enhanced by passenger rail service; and

     WHEREAS, additional passenger transportation services will increase
passenger transportation-related employment because of the need for upgraded
infrastructure and operating personnel; and

     WHEREAS, tourism is Montana's second-largest industry and would be
enhanced by improved passenger transportation services; and

     WHEREAS, the Empire Builder is one of the most popular long-distance
passenger trains in the United States, and it is greatly needed for the
citizens of Montana's Hi-Line who have limited public transportation options
but is challenged by lack of rail capacity causing frequent delays; and

     WHEREAS, there is currently no board or commission within the state of
Montana that is charged with the sole responsibility of overseeing and
advocating for passenger transportation services, including passenger rail
and passenger bus services; and

     WHEREAS, autonomous vehicles may provide one option for transportation
needs in Montana in the future, and more study is needed to determine whether
laws need changing to accommodate autonomous vehicles and whether policies
are necessary to address safety, licensing, and other issues of public
concern.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

     That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate
interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient
staff resources to investigate ways to improve passenger transportation
services in Montana, including but not limited to the establishment of a
passenger transportation commission and a review of laws that may need
changing to allow use of autonomous vehicles and provide for public safety.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any
findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate
committee designated by the Legislative Council.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including
presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15,
2020.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including
any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate
committee, be reported to the 67th Legislature.

- END -

 

sed for the Web on March 18, 2019 (7:40pm)


[ 406) 444-3064

 

Joy Breslauer, First Vice President

National Federation of the Blind of Montana 

Web Site: http://www.nfbofmt.org <http://www.nfbofmt.org/> 

 

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