The Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMMPO) and Bis-Man Transit have initiated the update process for the 2026 Transit Development Plan (TDP). This effort marks the beginning of a comprehensive review of the community’s fixed-route and paratransit services, financial outlooks, service levels, and opportunities to strengthen public transportation throughout the Bismarck-Mandan area, according to the BMMPO.
The TDP, as outlined by the BMMPO, is designed to serve as a thorough examination of local transit. It will review existing fixed-route services, which are standard bus routes, alongside paratransit services, which provide specialized transportation for eligible riders. In addition to service types, the plan will also assess financial outlooks for transit operations, evaluate current service levels, and identify potential opportunities to enhance the overall public transportation network serving residents in Burleigh and Morton counties. This comprehensive review aims to support future transit service improvements for the Bismarck-Mandan area.
As a key part of this update process, the BMMPO will host a public input meeting. This meeting is specifically designed to gather community feedback, share information regarding the TDP, and facilitate discussions on priorities for future transit service improvements. Residents are encouraged to attend and contribute their perspectives on local public transportation.
The first of these public meetings is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the Dream Center, located at 1805 Park Avenue in Bismarck, ND. This provides a specific, accessible location for community members to engage directly with the planning process.
Community members are encouraged to provide input on existing transit services. The BMMPO and Bis-Man Transit are seeking feedback on individuals' experiences with current services, any concerns they may have, and their ideas for improvement. This input is considered essential for discussing priorities and guiding the enhancement of transit services.
For those unable to attend the in-person meeting, an alternative method for submitting feedback has been made available. Input may also be submitted online through an interactive map tool. This tool includes a comment panel designed for digital submissions of thoughts and suggestions. The BMMPO also noted that additional information about the 2026 Transit Development Plan is available on the project website, providing further context for community engagement and participation.
The agencies encourage community members to participate in this process to help inform the update of the 2026 Transit Development Plan. Their input on existing services and ideas for improvement will be instrumental in shaping the future of public transportation in Bismarck and Mandan.
