Learn About MET Transit

Overview

The City of Billings Metropolitan Transit System (MET Transit) was created in 1972 by the passage of a City of Billings Ordinance and came into existence on January 1, 1973.  Billings is governed via the mayor council system. There are ten members of the city council who are elected from one of five wards with each ward electing two members. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote. The current city charter, also called the Billings, Montana City Code (BMCC) was established 1977.

Council members serve four-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms. Members must reside within the Ward from which they are elected and must be qualified voters of the City of Billings.

Areas of Jurisdiction

About 44.6 square miles of the urbanized area of the City of Billings serving 117,000 people in the Billings, with a metro population of 184,164 (2020).

Provision of Services

MET Transit determines the routing, stops, frequencies and hours of operation.

Service in Billings includes 13 fixed bus routes and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit service (MET Plus).  MET Transit has a current fleet of 40 vehicles – 25 vehicles are used on the MET fixed-route service, and 15 vehicles are used on the MET Plus paratransit service.

Operating Budget

Approximately $7.8 million annual operating budget; roughly $545,000 comes from fares. Additional revenue is generated through MET's Advertising Program, parking, and sale of retired fleet vehicles.  

Ridership

MET Transit's fixed route system generated 536,256 annual passenger trips (FY25), a 39% increase over FY24, when 385,381 rides were provided. The buses operate on roughly 265 route-miles throughout the City of Billings. Two transit centers – Downtown and Stewart Park Transit Center are available where bus routes meet and passengers are able to transfer between bus lines.

MET Transit currently tracks four categories of passengers by fares – senior, disabled, youth, and adult. Adults represent approximately 38 percent of the overall transit passengers for MET, with youth accounting for 30 percent, disabled passengers accounting for 20 percent, and seniors passengers comprising the remaining 12 percent.

Planning and Scheduling

MET Transit is responsible for the service planning, scheduling, and performance monitoring of all MET transit services. Service adjustments occur as needed to improve efficiency and customer service.

Funding

MET Transit receives funding from various federal, state, and local sources. The primary sources are a Mill-Levy of 9.4 percent, Federal Transit Administration (sections 5310, 5303, 5307, and 5339), Montana Department of Transportation and fares.

Aviation & Transit Board

The Aviation and Transit Board is composed of seven members; the Board is a Citizen's Advisory Board to the City Council to aid in formulating City policy in matters pertaining to Transit and Aviation in the City of Billings. Members are appointed by the Mayor with consent of the Council. The Board meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm in the Airport Administration Conference Room 217, unless otherwise specified in the Agenda.

Find additional information about the board function, members, and meeting resources here.

Overview

MET Transit operates under the guidance of adopted plans and policies. Public comment is accepted during the open planning phases, and all public meetings are posted on the website, MET Transit public calendar, and social media outlets.

PLANS AND STUDIES

Below are links to various operational and administrative plans and studies for the MET Transit system; these plans are created and updated as needed.

• Public Participation Plan
• Public Transit Agency Safety Plan
• 2025 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Plan
• Billings Area Transportation Coordination Plan (Updated Annually)
• FY23 Transit Asset Management Plan
• FY2024-2026 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal
• Transit Development Plan 2022
• Transit Development Plan TDP Appendices and Resources

SURVEYS

MET Transit periodically conducts surveys of the public for feedback regarding the transit system; results of these surveys can be found below.

• 2015 Onboard Survey and Technical Memo
• 2020 Community Wide Transit Survey Results

MET Transit is a dynamic team that includes administrative, dispatch, facility/ground maintenance, mechanics, and operators. Each position has different qualifications and scheduling requirements.

We are always eager to speak with dynamic individuals interested in joining our team. For positions that require a Commercial Driver's License, we even provide direct paid training to obtain the necessary license and endorsements! 

The City of Billings offers competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package, multiple retirement options, and a generous leave policy, as well as numerous paid holidays. 

Learn more about available positions and apply at the link below:

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES