Study finds need for expanded public transit

BCATT is forming steering committee to continue discussion

SANDPOINT - There is a substantial unmet need for public transit services in Bonner County, a feasibility study commissioned by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has found.

The study concluded nearly 30,000 one-way passenger trips are needed on an annual basis, but current available services such as North Idaho Community Express can only provide about 4,500.

“There is a need in Sandpoint and in Bonner County that is being under addressed,” said Clif Warren, who chairs the chamber's governmental affairs committee.

Warren presented the study to the Bonner County Area Transportation Team on Feb. 27.

The study was funded by an Idaho Transportation Department grant and conducted by Ostrander Consulting of Denver.

Warren said the notable elements of the study are the demonstrated need and available funding for public transportation.

The ridership estimate was derived from an analysis which took into account the general population in addition to the elderly, those with limited mobility, and residents who are low income or lack vehicles.

“The study showed us there is funding available with federal funds,” Warren told BCATT, which helps coordinate transportation projects among the various jurisdiction in the county.

The study contemplates potential routing and operational scenarios within Bonner County, such as a circulator service in greater Sandpoint and a regional commuter service connecting Clark Fork with Priest River and points between.

A logical starting point, Warren said, would be to expand upon the service provided by NICE and establish a semi-fixed route system.

A circulator service linking Sandpoint, Dover, Kootenai and Ponderay, for instance, could operate five days a week at an estimated annual cost of $229,500, all but $73,000 of which could be federally funded.

The balance would have to be funded through contributions from local government and businesses. Land for bus shelters and structures could also be construed as a local match, however.

Members of BCATT agreed during the meeting to form a steering committee of community and business leaders to study the public transit concept further.