South Central Council of Governments Transit Director pleased with year-one’s success, number of routes increased
OUR WORLD — The first full year of the Colorado Bustang Outrider Program in rural southern Colorado has come to a close, and year two so far is off to a good and fast start.
The most used legs of the route are between Trinidad and Pueblo and from Pueblo to Walsenburg. According to Aaron Lopez, the transit director of the South Central Council of Governments, this is great news for local residents. “It’s going better than we thought it would. The number of passengers is encouraging for a new route coming into year two,” he said.
In year one Bustang Outrider had 255 days of operation, and free bus fares from March 22 through August 31, 2023, with 1,276 total passengers in that time.
“The Trinidad to Pueblo route has helped connect rural Coloradans to essential needs and recreational opportunities along the Front Range and beyond over the past year,” Paul DesRocher, director of CDOT’s transit and rail division, said in a news release. “We’re thrilled that the community has supported and embraced this route since its launch, as we continue with our mission to provide additional transit options for the people of southern Colorado.”
According to the website ridebustang.com, the program now provides transportation on weekdays between Trinidad and Pueblo ten times a week, up from only three times per week initially. There is currently no weekend service.
Lopez added, “If you are going to see the doctor, wanting to go out of town to eat, to go shopping, or commuting to work this ride is for you. This is so important because we are providing more options for people. If they need to get up to Pueblo for any medical appointment they might have, or to get some shopping done, or to go out a night with their families this is just another option they have to do these things. We want the residents of southern Colorado to use and take advantage of this great “Bustang” program and come see what it’s all about
The “Bustang Outrider Program is operated by the Trinidad Transit Office of the South Central Council of Governments and the rides are from Monday – Friday starting at 516 East Elm Street at 8 a.m. for the morning departure and 2 p.m., for the Afternoon departure.
To learn more about the “Bustang” Outrider routes, maps, schedules, purchasing tickets, and more go to ridebustang.com. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @RidBustang.
You may also download tickets from the mobile app for Google Play and the Apple Store.
