CDOT Introduces New Era of Transportation Bustang™ Slated to Launch Spring 2015

January 6, 2014 - Metro Denver Colorado/CDOT Region 1 - Media Opportunity to see Colorado’s Newest Ride on Thursday, Jan 8 at National Western Stock Show Parade

Denver, Colo – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announces Bustang™, Colorado’s first-ever, state-owned and operated bus system connecting major populations, employment centers and local transit entities during the week along the I-25 front range and I-70 mountain corridors. Bustang will offer service routes during peak commuting times with an official service launch in the spring of 2015.

“CDOT is more than just building and maintaining our roads,” said Don Hunt, Executive Director of CDOT. “We are committed to helping people think differently about how they travel and what Coloradans tell us they are looking for is a different type of ride. Bustang will provide that choice.”

The bus service responds to demand from the traveling public for a reliable transit alternative along the highest traveled corridors in the state. Bustang introduces an interregional element to the local transit network, providing a peak period express service that enhances the capacity of the existing transportation system without major infrastructure costs.

“We’ve seen a steady increase in traffic congestion along the major commuting corridors in Colorado,” said Mark Imhoff, CDOT Director of Transit. “Bustang offers an affordable and comfortable alternative for those traveling to and from Denver during the week.”

Connecting Fort Collins, Denver and Colorado Springs along the I-25 corridor, and Glenwood Springs and Denver on the I-70 mountain corridor, Bustang offers three major service routes.

Along the I-70 mountain corridor, Bustang will operate one round trip during weekdays between Glenwood Springs and Denver Union Station. Along I-25, there will be six round trips per day (5 peak, 1 off-peak) from Colorado Springs to Denver and five round trips per day (4 peak, 1 off-peak) from Fort Collins to Denver.

The bus service will stop at existing park-and-ride locations along each route with fares reflected by length of trip. Multiple trip packages will be available at a discounted price as well as a 25% discount for disabled persons and seniors 65 years old and older.

The Bustang fleet will feature 13 buses in rotation on each respective route. Each coach is equipped with restrooms, bike racks, free WiFi, power outlets and USB ports. Coaches offer a 50-passenger capacity and are handicap accessible.

ONE WAY TRIP	FARE
Fort Collins → DUS	$10 / trip
Colorado Springs → DUS	$12 / trip
Glenwood Springs → DUS	$28 / trip
Vail → DUS	$17 / trip

The launch of Bustang helps further CDOT’s multi-modal mission and fulfills a key responsibility outlined in the 2009 FASTER legislation, which established CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail. For more information and a closer look at this new era of transportation, please visit https://ridebustang.com.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

Making its debut at the National Western Stock Show, a Bustang coach will participate in the stock show parade Thursday, January 8, 2015. Amy Ford and Mark Imhoff will be on-site and available for interview in the staging area prior to the parade’s kick-off.

What: Come see Colorado’s newest ride! Bustang™

When: Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Coors Field Parking Lot B, entrance at 33rd & Blake St.