Photo courtesy Andrew Mylroie.
By Chenni Hammon
Archuleta County’s New Mountain Express Transit (MET) Facility will hold its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10-11am at 83 Harman Park Drive. Free and open to the public, residents are encouraged to see what has been over a year in the making, and to take in the iconic view offered by the MET’s brand-new all-window lobby setting. The event will showcase MET fleet, a meet and greet with transit operators and drivers, and showcase the interior of the 5,900 sq ft. building.
The project has been in the works since 2019 and is funded by a combination of grants, including Colorado State Senate Bill 267, and the Federal 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program. Together, these grants provided $4.5 million in funding, supplemented by a $622,000 local match.
The new facility will serve as the central hub for MET operations, featuring a main bus terminal, a public lobby, and administrative offices. It will be ADA accessible, include ticketing options, and has the potential to connect with the proposed Town to Lakes Trail project, promoting multimodal transportation throughout the region.
MET is more than just a transportation service—it’s a community on wheels. Drivers are known for their kindness and for going the extra mile to assist riders with groceries, help up the stairs, and offer directions or local recommendations. Long-time riders know they can count on MET not only for a ride, but for a reliable, caring service.
Paratransit riders, especially seniors, have come to depend on MET drivers who help them safely complete essential errands. Many of these riders have been with MET for years and are considered part of the MET family. A new “Kudos Book” has been started to document the many thanks and heartfelt notes from passengers who rely on this essential service.
History of the MET
What began in 1999 as a small-town transit dream, MET has grown into a vital service for Pagosa Springs and surrounding communities. Although MET was retired shortly after its launch for reasons long forgotten, its story didn’t end there. Thanks to the dedication of former Coordinator Debbie Olson Condrey, MET was revived in 2009 with just two buses making four daily runs to 22 stops.
Since then, MET has been steadily expanding. In 2014, the fixed route service grew to include eight one-hour loops covering uptown and downtown Pagosa Springs. Today, the system provides 10 trips a day, serving 27 convenient stops across town, connecting people where they live, work, shop, and play.
In April 2021, MET extended its reach with a weekly Monday route to Arboles, helping seniors get to Pagosa Springs for lunch at the senior center and to run important errands.
Later that year, in October, a Thursday route to Durango was added, opening access to healthcare and other essential services not available locally. With advance scheduling, this route can even pass through Arboles to drop off or pick up passengers in Ignacio, further bridging the gap between rural and urban services.
The fleet has seen some exciting changes too. After a long wait, MET received its first bus with the brand-new logo in 2022, and a second followed in 2024.
Looking ahead, the team is working on acquiring an all-electric van for paratransit services and three propane-powered buses. These efforts reflect the MET’s commitment to reducing emissions and creating a cleaner future for Archuleta County. Ridership has grown alongside the service.
Back in 2020, MET provided around 5,000 rides annually to area seniors. In 2024, that number climbed to 6,400. Overall, MET drivers logged a whopping 91,000 miles and provided more than 11,000 rides to residents and visitors alike.
Behind the wheel is a team that truly goes the extra mile. MET has grown from three drivers in 2020 to a staff of nine drivers, one dispatcher, and one coordinator. All vehicles are ADA accessible, and every driver is PASS (Passenger Assistance, Safety and Sensitivity) certified, receiving extensive training to ensure passenger protection and comfort.
With a new facility, a growing fleet and phenomenal team, MET is continuing to roll strong, serving Archuleta County with dedication, innovation, and heart.
Chenni Hammon is HR Generalist with Archuleta County.