On Tuesday, July 9, the Federal Transit Administration announced recipients of the Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Awards. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), on behalf of Archuleta County Mountain Express Transit (MET), will receive funding to build a new park-and-ride facility in Aspen Springs, in part to support a new bus route from Aspen Springs to Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, and Durango.
The facility, which will feature a lighted parking facility and bus shelters, will improve access and mobility. The MET was one of only nine Colorado agencies awarded funding through this competitive program and received a total of $418,359. Two more grants for this project are currently pending.
As the time nears to begin working on the park-and-ride concept, the County will seek out public input, commented Public Works Director Mike Torres. “A well-designed park- and-ride system can enhance accessibility and convenience for commuters, making public transit a more attractive option,” said Torres.
The MET is currently running the ‘Aspen Springs Express’ three times a day, five days a week, and will continue through the end of August. Ride times into Pagosa are 7am, 11:30am and 4:50pm. A reminder the MET runs from Downtown to Uptown and back down, multiples times a day.
During the months of both July and August, all of these services are FREE to the public. Check archuletacounty.org/MET for bus schedules. If you have questions, please call 970-989-2037.