Public transit moves working families. And we need leaders to support it. 

Celeste Thompson – MT – op-ed

Everyone deserves access to reliable, safe, and affordable transportation—especially working families who need to make the most of their earnings. Working families rely on public transit, whether they live and work in big cities, small towns, or rural communities.

As a home care provider, I rely on public transit daily to get to my clients and run errands. Missoula’s bus system has been a lifesaver for me. Since 2015, buses have been free. This makes a huge difference for me with everything else increasing in cost, especially rent. The buses are typically reliable, although I always leave a little early, just in case, to ensure that I get to my clients on time. 

That said, some things could be improved. Some stops don’t have shelters or benches, which isn’t great when it’s raining or snowing. The weather here can be rough, and it would help to have more places to wait comfortably. Also, while the routes work for most of my needs today, I know other workers who would benefit from more coverage, especially express routes to nearby areas like Lolo. Many people travel there for work or appointments, and having better connections would save so much time.

Here is the truth: Increasing access to affordable transportation options is key to improving affordability for working families in our community and across the United States. Eighty-nine percent of Americans report concerns about the cost of living. You hear about it wherever you go in our community. 

What many people don’t know is housing and transportation are typically the two highest household expenses for most families in the United States. In 2023, U.S. households spent an average of $13,174 on transportation, making it the second-largest annual household expenditure after housing. The significant proportion of household income spent on transportation and housing highlights the financial challenges working families face.

High transportation costs, particularly for those who rely on personal vehicles, combined with housing costs, can limit disposable income and impact overall quality of life. 

When working families can count on the bus or train to get where they need to go, they can easily access jobs, education, medical care, culture, goods and services, and the daily life of their communities. They benefit from greater economic mobility and lower household costs. Transportation systems that maximize people’s access to good transit are necessarily inclusive, without barriers linked to race, income, age, or ability. 

For many working families, transportation can be a significant barrier to job opportunities. Public transit serves as a lifeline to affordable, reliable access to workplaces. By ensuring a robust public transportation system, we can create pathways for workers to secure, stable jobs — whether in transit, public services, or private sector positions. 

Public transit is much more than just a means of getting from point A to point B. It is a crucial tool for leveling the playing field for working families, ensuring that they have the mobility, financial security, and opportunities necessary to thrive. 

I’m grateful that local businesses and the University of Montana sponsor the fare-free transit system, but additional funding could make it even better. If our transit agency had more resources, they could expand routes, add more frequent buses, and improve stops with shelters and seating. Public transit is about more than just getting from place to place—it’s about giving people access to work, healthcare, and their community.

In an era where the gap between the wealthy and the working people continues to grow, strengthening public transit systems is a practical, impactful way to reduce inequality, promote sustainable economic growth, and protect workers’ rights. 

Public transit is essential to working families and helps people like me stay independent and keep moving forward, even during tough times. It’s not just transportation—it’s a lifeline.

Thompson is a member of SEIU 775 and a resident of Missoula.