Thanks to Bustang, an interregional bus service that began July 13, commuters can relax in reclining, high-back chairs or choose to plug their devices into outlets and utilize wifi for the 69-mile trip between Colorado's two largest cities.
about 145 riders per day took the route between the two cities in November," writes Stephen Hobbs for The Gazette. "That's a [three-fold] increase from the first seven days of the service, when about 43 riders took it between Colorado Springs and Denver per day."
The CDOT-run buses make seven round trips between Colorado Springs and Denver each weekday. Bustang also takes riders to Denver from Glenwood Springs and Fort Collins. The vehicles seat 50 riders, have restrooms, wireless Internet, electrical outlets and are wheelchair-accessible.
According to the CDOT Interregional Express [IX] Bus Fact Sheet [PDF], prepared before service began—even before it was named Bustang, "the bus service connect(s) commuters along the I-25 Front Range and I-70 Mountain Corridors."
On Sept. 18, an insightful letter to the editor on Bustang service was published by The Gazette (and thoughtfully linked in the article). "Colorado Springs has produced few new higher level jobs in the past decade," writes Colorado Springs resident Margaret Henkens. "Thus, transportation to Denver is even more important, "
Ms. Henkens letter deals with the need for improved signage and lighting at park-and-ride facilities. Transit planners may find her suggestions helpful.
Park and imagine the bus is not there and then look around for where the bus may be pulling up for you to get on or for someone you're picking up to get off. If it is not dark, or raining, imagine the problems that exist if that were the case.
Unfortunately the Bustang website was not operating on January 1, so I could not check fares and trip times. The CDOT fact sheet indicates the one-way fare for the Colorado Springs to Denver Union Station trip would be $12
FULL STORY: Bustang ridership has more than tripled in five months
Express Bus Station Features Prominently in Colorado Express Lanes Project
Bustang, the interregional bus service launched by the Colorado Department of Transportation in 2015, will have a station in the middle of Interstate 25 as part of a $350 million plan to add toll lanes between Johnstown and Fort Collins.
As Colorado Grows, Buses Become More Important for Regional Transportation
Bustang regional bus service is growing fast as people look to navigate a growing state.
Denver Considers How to Heal Neighborhoods Decimated by I-70
Something will be done to help Denver's Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods recover from decades of decline brought by the construction of I-70. Will a plan to bury the interstate be replaced with an ambitious proposal to reroute the road entirely?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)