Sick of I-70 traffic? “Break Up with Your Car” campaign highlights benefits of taking transit to Colorado’s high country

STATEWIDE — Love may be in the air but it’s time for a breakup—with your car. At least when it comes to traveling the I-70 mountain corridor, that is.

It’s no secret that people are craving more time in the mountains and less time stuck in their cars on I-70. Traffic delays, road closures and hazardous winter conditions can make for a sketchy drive. With limited options for alleviating the corridor’s congestion, the I-70 Coalition, a nonprofit representing 27 local businesses and municipalities along Colorado’s I-70 mountain corridor, is empowering people to be a part of the solution by embracing mountain transit options – saving time, money and the stress of those I-70 jams in the process. The breakup with your car may be heartbreaking, but mountain transit is here for a smooth rebound.

The I-70 Coalition’s “Break Up with Your Car” campaign aims to increase transit ridership between the Front Range and the mountains through increased awareness of transit options. Visit GoI70.com/transit for more information on all of these available transit services.

“The transit options getting to and from the mountains have been overlooked, but we are working to change that,” said Margaret Bowes, director of the I-70 Coalition. “With a little planning, you can easily and affordably get from Denver to the mountains using transit seven days a week.”

In doing so, you’ll not only get back your time by letting someone else do the driving, but you’ll also be part of the solution to help reduce congestion, delays and carbon emissions. In 2021, approximately 12.6 million drivers traveled through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel, marking an 11% increase compared to the 11.3 million travelers in 2020. In January 2022, roughly 1.1 million motorists traveled through, compared to 863,388 last year.

As tourism returns to pre-pandemic levels and Colorado welcomes more and more transplants, using transit is also an excellent option for those who don’t feel comfortable or confident driving on Colorado’s mountain highways.

With the upcoming Presidents Day holiday expected to draw heavy ski traffic and delays along I-70, the I-70 Coalition is inviting Coloradans across the Front Range to fall in love with one of the many transit options listed on GoI70.com/transit:

Bustang (West Line)

Bus service seven days a week to/from Denver – stops include Denver Union Station, Lakewood-Denver Federal Center, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail, Avon, Eagle and points further west all the way to Grand Junction. Each bus is ADA compliant and equipped with a restroom, bike racks, free WiFi, power outlets and USB ports.

Cost: $17 one way to get from Denver to Vail, less for closer destinations.

Snowstang

Direct-to-resort bus service from Denver Union Station and Lakewood-Denver Federal Center to Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain and Steamboat Springs on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday holidays. Each bus is ADA compliant and equipped with a restroom, free WiFi, power outlets and USB ports.

Cost: Starting at $25 round trip. Kids ages 2-11 ride free with an adult. Buy one get one free promotion is in play on all adult tickets now through Feb 27.

Outrider (Craig-Denver Route)

Outrider’s bus service runs seven days a week between Craig and Denver – stops include Steamboat Springs, Granby, Fraser, Winter Park, Idaho Springs, Lakewood-Denver Federal Center and Denver Union Station. Each bus is ADA compliant and equipped with a restroom, free WiFi, power outlets and USB ports.

Cost: $5-$28 depending on destination.

Winter Park Express

Seasonal train between Denver Union Station and the base of Winter Park Resort on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between January-April.

Cost: Fares starting at $29 and $14.50 for kids (one way)

Pegasus (coming Spring 2022)

Shuttle van service offering approximate hourly service and reserved seating between Denver and Avon — stops include Denver Union Station, Lakewood-Denver Federal Center, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail and Avon on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, Sundays and Monday holidays. Pegasus will use the Mountain Express Lanes when they are open for a faster trip. Each van is ADA compliant and equipped with bike racks, ski/snowboard containers, free WiFi, and power outlets.

Cost: $20 one way from Denver to Avon, less for closer destinations.

Once you’re at your destination, there are various ways to get around the mountain towns locally – including the Summit Stage serving all of Summit County, Breck Free Ride in Breckenridge, ECO Transit in the Vail Valley, The Lift in Winter Park, and more. Uber and Lyft also operate in many of the mountain communities.

There are also more than a dozen airport shuttle services from Denver International Airport to the mountain communities for travelers visiting from out of state.

“Mountain transit is much more accessible than people think and there’s a lot to be said about the convenience and cost savings of not driving,” said Bowes. “It truly is a win-win for everyone.”

About the I-70 Coalition

The I-70 Coalition is a non-profit organization representing 27 local governments and businesses along Colorado’s I-70 central mountain corridor that serves as a collective voice in addressing transportation issues along the corridor. The Coalition advocates for improvements and aims to enhance public accessibility in the I-70 mountain corridor. Learn more at I70Solutions.org. and follow @GoI70 on Facebook, @goI70 on Twitter and @goi70_co on Instagram.