Public transit bus ridership in the city of Durango reached 40,527 rides in July, marking the first time ridership broke the 40,000-ride monthly threshold since October 2017.
July 2023 ridership surpassed July 2022 ridership by 34%, according to a city news release.
“We continue to get feedback from our drivers that the program is successful overall, and both residents and tourists are very grateful for the service,” Durango Transportation director Sarah Hill said in the release.
Similarly, ridership increased by 29% through the month of June. Ridership for June 2023 reached 37,305 compared to 26,678 regular fare rides in June 2022, Hill said in an interview last month.
The surge in ridership is attributed to the city offering free rides on all public buses and trolleys from June 1 through Aug. 31. The free rides are funded by lodgers tax funds that were available for use at Durango City Council’s discretion.
The free rides were offered in tandem with Colorado’s statewide Zero Fare for Better Air initiative, which looks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing use of transit services and getting personal vehicles off the roadways.
The news release said about 85% of greenhouse gas emissions that stem from transportation are tied to daily commutes, and one can save up to 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every day by taking public transportation instead of driving.
The free rides may also encourage people inexperienced with public transit to give it a try, which may lead to permanent adjustments to their commuting routines, according to Hill.
The city recommends downloading an app called TransLoc for real-time bus locations, route information and trip planning.
cburney@durangoherald.com
