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The days are getting shorter, the winter tires are getting mounted, and we’re wishing for a holiday season where we don’t worry about driving after dark when it’s freezing or finding a parking space in a snow-covered lot…

Welcome to the transit-oriented 4th Quarter 2024 Western Colorado Alliance of Garfield County Newsletter!

In this edition:

• Initial bus survey insights
• Down valley transportation meet & greet
• Keeping up the momentum in 2025

Initial bus survey insights

With over 80 responses to our bus survey collected so far, we’re starting to see some trends. On the bright side, about 75% of people would rate our local bus system as fair or good. I’d agree. The last time I rode the bus, it was clean, on-time, the wifi was good, and the driver was friendly and helpful. Additionally, almost nobody avoids riding the bus due to the fares or stigma around public transit. Unfortunately, not many people are taking the bus. The main reasons are the lengthy trip times, inconvenient bus schedules, and the lack of bus stops close to peoples’ homes. If you live down valley, this won’t be news to you. But there is something you might find surprising: A decisive majority of people surveyed said they would support a small sales tax increase if it meant we get bus service that meets the needs of our communities. We’ll keep collecting survey responses for a few months before compiling the results into a report that can be presented to local decision makers.

Haven’t taken the bus survey yet? It’s a relaxing, helpful activity you can do while you’re staying cozy and warm inside. Please take 5 minutes to complete our bus survey!

Down valley transportation meet & greet

Right before the holiday season got underway, we held a casual meet & greet for the down valley transportation campaign. Folks interested in bringing more buses to western Garfield met for pizza and conversation at the Silt Library. The group shared their knowledge and brainstormed the local locations they’d like to travel to by bus, which neighborhoods need a bus stop, and developed a list of potential community allies that would be willing to endorse this project. Of the various group activities, marking up the giant map was the crowd favorite. Check out the digital version here. What would you add?

Keeping up the momentum in 2025

Looking for a fun social activity to extend the holiday season? Host a down valley transportation get-together! We’d like to roll out a series of small gatherings with neighbors and friend groups that are modeled after the activities at the meet & greet. There is no need to be a current bus rider. The only requirement is a desire to expand local mobility options beyond personal vehicles and help our rural communities do something meaningful to reduce emissions and traffic. You provide the invite list; we’ll provide the rest! Reach out to Hanna at hanna@westerncoloradoalliance.org for more information.

Happy holidays from Western Colorado Alliance of Garfield County!