DENVER (KDVR) — A “celebration” was held Thursday for the 10-year anniversary of Bustang, a state-run interregional passenger express bus.
Bustang connects major population and employment centers, local and national transit systems and the mountains and plains, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
“Bustang is a national model for how transit can work across urban and rural areas, and provide consumers with more choices,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Law, in a statement.
Gov. Polis was among those who attended the celebration event, which was held at CDOT headquarters in the city and county of Denver, and said Bustang has helped reduce traffic congestion, particularly in “busy” areas such as the Interstate 70 mountain corridor.
Polis also noted Bustang served nearly four times the amount of customers during this past year when compared to its initial year in service that began in July 2015.
“This milestone marks ten years of a successful service that Coloradans continue choosing,” said Gov. Jared Polis, in a statement. “Over the past decade, Bustang has significantly increased ridership and grown its reach — providing access to an expanding range of popular destinations that serve both residents and visitors.”
Bustang has gone from an initial ridership of 103,000 passengers during that first year in service to nearly 2.1 million passengers this past year, according to CDOT, which said annual ridership has more than tripled in the twelve months that just concluded.
CDOT said it has been building out mobility hubs along major corridors to be able to “more quickly and conveniently” connect riders with local amenities and “their next Bustang ride.”
“Mobility hubs expand access to the Bustang network, connecting communities, and help reduce traffic congestion,” the agency said in a news release.
Bustang also doubled the size of its fleet this year with the addition of 25 coaches, according to CDOT, which said the new busses “provide the latest in accessbility, safety, and amenities.”
More information about Bustang, including route schedules, fares and ticket purchases can be found online.