Colorado's Mountain Metropolitan Transit Wins Transit Agency Of The Year

From the City of Colorado Springs:

October 29, 2019

Colorado's Mountain Metropolitan Transit Wins Transit Agency Of The Year

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.— Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) was honored to receive the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA) Large Community Transit Agency of the Year award. The award is given to recognize best practices implemented by a transit agency serving a community of more than 15,000 people.

“Mountain Metro Transit made huge strides over the past year in improving accessibility to our transit services and furthering compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accessibility to bus stops is essential for serving the transportation needs of all citizens, but in particular, those with physical limitations who often face additional obstacles participating in community activities. These improvements connect homes to bus stops and bus stops to medical facilities, schools and places of employment making bus stops functional for all our customers,” commented Craig Blewitt, transit services division manager.

Transit staff accepted the award on behalf of the City of Colorado Springs. Over the past year, Mountain Metro Transit constructed 1.3 miles of sidewalk, 67 ADA compliant pedestrian ramps, and 71 concrete bus bench or bus shelter pads with ADA-compliant loading areas. The $1.7 million in improvements were focused along four bus routes, but also included strategic improvements system-wide. In 2019, Mountain Metro has seen a 5.3% increase in ridership on its fixed-route bus system and a 6.3% decline in ridership on our ADA Paratransit system. The improved access to bus stops has contributed to this trend.

Mountain Metropolitan Transit provides local fixed-route bus service and Metro Mobility ADA paratransit service for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. All buses use clean diesel technology and are wheelchair-lift equipped. Mountain Metropolitan Transit also provides other services such as Metro Rides’ ridesharing, vanpool, and bicycling programs. For added convenience, there are bike racks on all buses for riders who want to utilize the bike-n-bus program. For additional information regarding Mountain Metropolitan Transit please visit www.mmtransit.com (link is external), or call (719) 385-RIDE (7433).

CASTA is the statewide trade association representing the 60 transit systems throughout the state, as well as local governments, planning organizations, and the bus industry. CASTA had many excellent nominations this year in eight different categories. The nominations exemplified the transit profession in Colorado.

This press release was produced by the City of Colorado Springs. The views expressed here are the author’s own.