Last week, Archuleta County’s Mountain Express Transit (MET) welcomed its newest fleet member, a 12-passenger, ADA-accessible, 2024 Ford E-450 Elkhart Coach EC11.
Funded by 5311 Formula Grant for Rural Areas, the county was awarded $122,084 with a 20 percent match of $30,521, bringing the total cost to $152,605. A much-needed replacement bus, this vehicle took two years for the county to obtain.
Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act (FTA) is a formula grant, providing capital, planning and operating assistance for transportation projects serving areas outside of an urban boundary with populations of 50,000 or less. This is the first of four buses and vans the county is set to receive from these FTA grants.
The MET services Pagosa Springs, both uptown and downtown, with multiple stops per day. With prices ranging from $1 to $2 per ride, this service is a low-cost alternative to driving during the busy summer tourist seasons.
The MET also offers rides to residents with routes to Arboles, Ignacio and Durango. Registered seniors ride for free or discounted rates depending on the route. Bus passes are available at $18 for 10 rides.
For more information about the MET bus schedule, visit archuletacounty.org/MET or call (970) 264-2250.
