Helena is shaping its transportation future amid a population surge of about one-third since 2000. The Greater Helena MPO — or metropolitan planning organization — is in the final stages of putting together its Long Range Transportation Plan after two rounds of public feedback and now a third open house series this week. Manager Ty Weingartner emphasized that public involvement is crucial to identifying real needs that will improve the community’s transportation system. A draft of the plan is scheduled for release at the end of September, with final adoption expected in December. Public transit, railroad crossings, traffic: Helena residents weigh in on transportation futureBy Evan Charney, KTVH