Durango, CO: The City of Durango Transportation Department is wrapping up two successful initiatives that provided increased transportation options this summer. City Council directed the use of discretionary Lodgers’ Tax to fund free transit and a free parking pilot program from June 1-August 31.
These initiatives were designed to remove barriers and encourage the use of public transportation, improve congestion during the busy summer months, and to reduce carbon emissions in the region. All Durango Transit services were made available to the public free of charge, and on-street parking west of Narrow Gauge Avenue was free and advertised to downtown employees.
The program saw a 20% increase in transit ridership over the summer of 2022, providing approximately 120,000 rides during the three-month period compared to last year’s 96,000. In addition, previously underutilized parking spaces on 7th, 8th, and 9th Streets remained consistently full.
“We are thrilled to have witnessed such a positive response from the community throughout these summer initiatives,” said Sarah Hill, Transportation Director. “We are grateful to City Council for using their discretionary portion of the Lodgers’ Tax for free transit and the free parking program, and for making such a direct impact on the lives of thousands of residents and visitors in Durango this summer.”
The city will end the free parking and resume transit fare collection on Tuesday, September 5. The on-street meters that were part of the free parking pilot on 7th, 8th and 9th Street west of Narrow Gauge are among the most affordable metered parking in town, at 50 cents per hour. They allow for longer term 10-hour parking. Additionally, all-day passes to the Transit Center parking lot can be purchased for $5, and a month pass can be purchased for $30.
Durango Transit fare is $1 per ride, $3 per day for unlimited rides, or $10 per week. A variety of affordable monthly passes are also available. Passengers can download the free TransLoc app to purchase passes or visit the Durango Transit Center at 250 W. 8th Street.
For more information, visit DurangoTransit.com.
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Media Contact
Tom Sluis
Public Information Officer
Phone: (970) 375-5090
Email: Tom.Sluis@durangogov.org
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