A new bus service will start this weekend to connect Durango with Grand Junction and, as a result, to the Front Range.
The Colorado Department of Transportation on Saturday will expand its “Bustang” service with the intent of connecting people in Southwest Colorado to areas around the state through public transportation.
The southwest “Outrider” line will run once a day in each direction, Monday through Sunday. Route details are:
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 hopping on a line that runs 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, Monday through Sunday. Route details are:
Gunnison to Denver: Will leave the Econo Lodge at 6:15 a.m. and arrive at Denver’s Union Station at 10:50 a.m.Denver to Gunnison: Will leave Denver’s Union Station at 1:55 p.m. and arrive at Econo Lodge at 6:40 p.m.Stops along the route include Salida, Buena Vista (Johnson Village), Fairplay and Pine Junction.A one-way ticket between Gunnison and Denver is $40.
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
