In future years, a traveler may be able to begin a journey by shuttle in Powell, catch a train in Bozeman and depart on a bus from Pocatello, Idaho —all on a single ticket.It's a scenario that is unlikely to happen in the near future, but regional planners hope that one day, transportation will be streamlined in the Yellowstone-Teton region.Initial meetings took place this week in Powell and Cody to discuss initiating a cooperative to help create a collaborative system for public transport.But it's not just talk. Thanks to a federally-funded grant given to Idaho, a feasibility study is analyzing regional transportation in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.Planning, funding and implementing a collaborative transportation system may seem impossible with the declining economy, but it could help revitalize the region. Public transportation fuels tourism and economic growth.One study in Idaho showed that, in some cases, unemployment wasn't due to lack of skill, but rather, lack of transportation.Despite Wyoming's limited population, the need for public transportation is real and is felt daily by numerous residents. With an aging population, the need will only increase.While it may be years before a regional system materializes, so far, planners are on the right track.

In future years, a traveler may be able to begin a journey by shuttle in Powell, catch a train in Bozeman and depart on a bus from Pocatello, Idaho —all on a single ticket.

It's a scenario that is unlikely to happen in the near future, but regional planners hope that one day, transportation will be streamlined in the Yellowstone-Teton region.

Initial meetings took place this week in Powell and Cody to discuss initiating a cooperative to help create a collaborative system for public transport.

But it's not just talk. Thanks to a federally-funded grant given to Idaho, a feasibility study is analyzing regional transportation in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.

Planning, funding and implementing a collaborative transportation system may seem impossible with the declining economy, but it could help revitalize the region. Public transportation fuels tourism and economic growth.

One study in Idaho showed that, in some cases, unemployment wasn't due to lack of skill, but rather, lack of transportation.

Despite Wyoming's limited population, the need for public transportation is real and is felt daily by numerous residents. With an aging population, the need will only increase.

While it may be years before a regional system materializes, so far, planners are on the right track.