Fare-free transportation service will extend hours into off season
By Jen Clancey DIGITAL PRODUCER
On Aug. 15, the Big Sky Transportation District unanimously approved an extension of hours of its fare-free transportation service, Big Sky Connect. Mandi Dibble, operations manager for BSC, hopes the decision will support the local economy, quality of life and meet demand for rides.
The service area between the Conoco gas station on the corner of Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail) and U.S. Highway 191, to Ousel Falls and Lone Mountain Ranch will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The area, which includes Big Sky Town Center, previously ran from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Sept. 18 to Nov. 24 off season.
BSC has a broader service area, which runs throughout Mountain Village and between the Conoco and Riverhouse BBQ & Events. The extended service will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Riders must request rides via the dispatch area phone number (406 898 4438).
“We did it to help with the economy because there are more and more businesses open in the evening,” Dibble said.
She said the change also allows for more full time, year-round drivers, as the previous 10-and-a-half hour shifts were difficult to staff. The new 14-hour days allow for regular shift hours for employees.
The demand for BSC rides in the off season has only gone up in the past year. Ridership this spring increased 72% from the 2023 fall off-season. Ridership this fall is expected to rise 50% compared to fall’s numbers last year, but according to Dibble, that’s a conservative prediction.
Riders can find Big Sky Connect information on the Skyline website. Skyline also offers bus routes through the Gallatin Canyon via the Link, and across Big Sky.
