Road Runner Transit, one of the only public transportation operators in La Plata County, is thinning its routes in 2020 in an attempt to maintain services with less funding.
The transit service, operated by Southern Colorado Community Action Agency, connects Bayfield, Durango and Ignacio. It has filled in gaps when other transit services could no longer keep routes, but each year, Road Runner’s financial situation becomes more strained. Staff members plan to change routes, hoping to have minimal impact on customers.
“We’re trying to do multiple things with one schedule,” said Matt Nesbitt, Road Runner division director. “It’s going to be difficult, but 2020 is going to be a learning experience.”
Road Runner offers two fixed routes, Ignacio to Durango and Bayfield to Durango, which also include stops at the Tech Center, Mercy Regional Medical Center, Walmart and other locations. Road Runner also operates a Dial-a-Ride service in the Ignacio area and the Bustang Outrider bus line to and from Grand Junction.
Instead of two fixed “A to B” routes, Road Runner will follow a circular path from Ignacio to Bayfield then to Durango in 2020. One bus instead of two will run the route.
Stops will be less frequent, and the route will be extended by about 10 minutes. Bus fare prices will not increase in 2020.
“Most of (the riders) just want to see a schedule,” said Susan Palmer, a driver for the service. “They’re a little concerned about that, but for the most part, we try to reassure them that we’re trying not to change it too much.”
The service aims to provide an affordable transit option while increasing mobility for commuters, seniors and people without cars or driver’s licenses.
In 2011, Greyhound discontinued its service through Durango, and Road Runner filled the gap. In 2018, Road Runner provided service to Mercy through a partnership with Durango Transit, when Durango no longer could. The partnership earned a state award.
But from 2014 to 2019, the Road Runner’s operating budget fell 32% – from about $129,000 to $87,000.
In 2018, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe – although supportive, Nesbitt said – stopped providing $70,000, which amounted to a $140,000 annual loss because of a federal grant match.
Ignacio, Bayfield, Durango and La Plata County stepped in, but the countywide decline in oil and gas revenue continues to strain the governments.
“You just do the best you can. You trim the fat, then you start having to get really skinny,” Palmer said. “That’s where we’re at.”
Road Runner raised rates and cut routes or route frequencies in 2018 and 2019. From 2016 to 2019, Bayfield ridership decreased by 36%, from about 6,500 to 4,100 people. Over the same period, Ignacio ridership decreased by 29%, from 9,100 to 6,500 people.
Road Runner’s preliminary funding for 2020 is about $74,500, which will be matched by a federal grant. Bayfield approved $9,000 of the requested $15,000; Ignacio, $15,000. Road Runner expects $15,000 from Durango and about $35,500 from the county.
Even with full funding from local governments, the service would still be underfunded, Nesbitt said.
Road Runner is pursuing other funding sources. The green buses will start carrying advertisements after Jan. 1. However, those extra funds will not replenish the budget.
“It’s going to help a little bit, but no, things are not going to go back to the way they were 15 years ago,” Nesbitt said.
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