Changes ahead for Bustang Outrider’s Western Slope routes
News Release
Gunnison/Chaffee/San Miguel Counties — The Colorado Department of Transportation's Bustang Outrider is updating its service schedule next month, including initiating a second daily round trip on its Crested Butte to Denver route. Adding another trip will provide passengers with another option on Outrider’s busiest route.
“Our Crested Butte to Denver route is consistently one of Outrider’s most popular, averaging nearly 800 passengers every month,” said Paul DesRocher, director of CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail. “After carefully assessing the needs of our riders, and coordinating with our statewide partners, we determined that adding another roundtrip was essential if we were going to provide passengers with the best service possible.”
The partnership includes funding from Gunnison and Chaffee counties, with each one providing an annual cash match, allowing for the second roundtrip.
“We are excited to see the expansion of service between our valley and the rest of the state,” said Scott Truex, executive director of the Gunnison Valley RTA. “This service will provide better connections across the statewide rural transit system and enough capacity to meet the needs of passengers along the route. We are grateful for CDOT and Chaffee County’s efforts to improve this service and look forward to our continued partnership.”
"After hearing from several constituents who were unable to use the Bustang service because buses were already full by the time they reached our local stops, we contacted CDOT about possibly expanding the Outrider service in Chaffee County. That led to an agreement to expand the service,” said Chaffee County Commissioner Gina Lucrezi. “Chaffee County is committed to continued advocacy for expanded local and regional transit for our community members and visitors and we are grateful to CDOT for their responsiveness to our region's transit needs."
Beginning Feb. 1, the Crested Butte to Denver schedule is as follows:
- Eastbound
- Departs Crested Butte at 5:15 a.m. Arrives Denver Union Station at 11:10 a.m.
- Departs Crested Butte at 1:15 p.m. Arrives Denver Union Station at 7 p.m.
- Westbound
- Departs Denver Union Station at 6:30 a.m. Arrives Crested Butte at 12:30 p.m.
- Departs Denver Union Station at 1:45 p.m. Arrives Crested Butte at 7:35 p.m.
Another service change is the discontinuation of the Telluride to Grand Junction route due to low passenger usage. However, daily service continues along the same route via the Durango to Grand Junction line, which stops in the same cities and towns previously served by the Telluride—Grand Junction route.
Additionally, the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation is starting new transit service between Montrose and Telluride on Feb. 17, 2025. SMART will be providing information on specific stops in the near future.
“Adjusting these Western Slope routes will better streamline service for our passengers,” added DesRocher. “We closely monitored ridership patterns for an extended period and realized that the vast majority of passengers are traveling on the Durango—Grand Junction route.”
For more information about these upcoming changes or other Bustang and Bustang Outrider routes, please visit ridebustang.com.
Follow service alerts on X and Facebook @RideOutrider, and on Instagram @RideBustang. Riders can purchase tickets through the Bustang Outrider mobile app that is available to download from Google Play and the App Store or pay when boarding the bus using cash only (exact change is required). Passengers can purchase tickets on all buses from each Park-n-Ride that Bustang Outrider serves. To sign up for Outrider text alerts, visit RideBustang.com/Text-Outrider or text “OUTRIDER” to 833-711-0252.
About Bustang Outrider
Outrider provides alternative transportation for travel between rural communities and the state’s larger cities and towns. It includes collaborating with local transit agencies to ensure Coloradans get reliable bus service, convenient connections and consistent fares. Outrider currently serves seven routes: Alamosa to Pueblo, Trinidad to Pueblo, Craig to Denver, Crested Butte to Denver, Durango to Grand Junction, Lamar to Colorado Springs and Sterling to Greeley/Sterling to Denver.
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