Bus service from Durango and Grand Junction is now being integrated with the state "Bustang" network.
Southern Ute Community Action Programs is still the operator of the service, which currently is running five days per week. New Van Hool coaches are being ordered, then the service will expand to seven days per week, according to SUCAP.
Details of the service include:
Durango to Grand Junction: Will leave the Durango Transit Center at 7 a.m. and arrive at the Grand Junction Transit Center at 12:43 p.m.
Grand Junction to Durango: Will leave the Grand Junction Transit Center at 1:45 p.m. and arrive at the Durango Transit Center at 7:44 p.m.
Stops along the way include Mancos, Cortez, Dolores, Rico, Telluride, Placerville, Ridgway, Montrose and Delta.
A one-way ticket between Durango and Grand Junction is $42.
From Grand Junction, riders have the option of connecting with a bus to Denver.
"Expanding Bustang Outrider marks another crucial step at creating the healthiest multi-modal transportation system in the country," CDOT Executive Director Michael Lewis said in a news release. "Linking rural areas of the state provides a vital service for those who need or want the amenities that are provided in the state's larger communities."
The Gunnison Outrider will also travel once a day in each direction between Gunnison and Denver.
Bustang's current routes are between Colorado Springs and Denver; Fort Collins and Denver; Glenwood Springs and Denver; Lamar and Pueblo; and Alamosa and Pueblo.
CDOT anticipates extending the Colorado Springs service to Pueblo this fall.
Outrider buses are equipped with a restroom, bike racks, free Wi-Fi (where available), power outlets and USB ports. Each Outrider coach seats 38 riders and is handicap-accessible.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
