Expanded Rico-to-Telluride bus service options described at Town Hall meeting

Options include
- - -
add daily departures & weekends

Lawson Hill drop-off for transfer to Mountain Village route

drop-off at Gondola

(top image)
Rico residents reviewed San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) service expansion proposals at Town Hall with SMART representatives Kari Distefano (standing) and David Averill (seated - lower right).

Ore Cart - photo
May 6, 2024

San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is updating its Strategic Operating Plan, and is seeking comments and suggestions. SMART scheduled a series of “open house” presentations ↗ in San Miguel County communities and Rico, April 30 – May 15. Town Hall was the site of the Rico discussion Monday, May 6, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

SMART Operations Manager Kari Distefano described proposals which could expand and improve route schedules to and from Rico for commuters and students. Weekend service is also an option.

SMART Executive Director David Averill and Board Chair Joe Dillsworth attended. Dillsworth is a Rico Trustee and represents Town of Rico on the SMART Board of Directors.

image from May 6, 2024
SMART presentation

Rico Route Potential Improvements
Benefits
Challenges

Additional run from Telluride 3:30 PM to Rico 4:15 PM and from Rico 4:30 PM to Telluride 5:15 PM
Earlier service back to Rico to accommodate teachers, staff, and students
Requires additional tax revenue

° ° °

Weekend service
Provide service for non-traditional commutes and other non-work trips between Rico and Telluride
Requires additional tax revenue

° ° °

Add stop at Lawson Hill Park N’ Ride to align with Mountain Village Route for a timed transfer
More direct route for Rico riders to Mountain Village
May not be significantly shorter trip than taking the bus to Telluride and riding the Gondola

° ° °

Route to terminate at Gondola instead of Courthouse
Direct connection to transfer at the Gondola
Reduces congestion at the Courthouse bus stop
Adds up to five minutes to the route time

Phone or email
San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation ↗
to submit comments

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