CDOT extends free rides for Trinidad to Pueblo Bustang Outrider route through May

The Colorado Department of Transportation has extended its free fare promotion for its Trinidad to Pueblo Bustang Outrider route.

Fare for that route will remain free through May 31, CDOT announced on Monday. The state transportation agency launched the route in March and made it free until April 30 before extending the promotion.

"By extending the free ride period, we’re aiming to provide potential passengers with the opportunity to test the route and experience how it can enhance their commutes,” Kay Kelly, chief of innovative mobility for CDOT, said in a news release.

Pueblo riders have access to the route from the Pueblo Transit Center, with scheduled stops in Colorado City, Walsenburg, Aguilar and Trinidad. It runs twice a day between Monday and Friday and offers northbound and southbound rides.

What is the Bustang Outrider's route schedule to and from Pueblo?

That southbound option departs from Pueblo Transit Center at 9:50 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Trinidad at 11:45 a.m. In the afternoon, it departs at 3:45 p.m.

The northbound ride leaves Trinidad at 8 a.m. and reaches Pueblo Transit Center at 9:45 a.m. Its afternoon departure is at 2 p.m. with a scheduled arrival in Pueblo at 3:40 p.m.

Bob Wilson, a spokesperson for CDOT, previously told the Chieftain the route gives riders in the area an option to travel north to Pueblo for recreational or medical services, adding that the latter isn’t as available in areas south of the Steel City.

Riders have access to WiFi and power outlets on the Trinidad-Pueblo route. The bus is wheelchair accessible and can hold 15 passengers but doesn’t have a restroom, unlike larger Bustang options.

More: CDOT launches Trinidad to Pueblo Bustang Outrider route with a month of free rides

Riders can purchase tickets for the route using the Bustang Outrider app, available on the Apple Store or Google Play, or by cash when boarding the bus.

More information about Bustang schedules, routes and fares can be found on ridebustang.com.

Chieftain reporter Josue Perez can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @josuepwrites.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: CDOT extends free fare through May for Trinidad to Pueblo Bustang route