Passengers adjust to new bus schedule in Colorado Springs

More buses are making more stops in Colorado Springs Monday.

New routes and schedules are now in effect for Mountain Metro Transit.

We spoke with passengers trying out the new system for the first time on Monday.

“I’m kind of expecting a little inconvenience here and there. That’s why I brought my bike, in case I get stuck somewhere. I’m kind of skeptical about it,” said Steve Saylor, a regular passenger on Metro buses for five years.

Starting this week, Mountain Metro has more buses on the road; a total of 33.

The company said it also has more options; Saturday service will now be restored on bus routes four, six and eight.

Additionally, the popular bus route 5 will be stopping every 15 minutes, instead of every 30. Route 5 carries at least 900 passengers every weekday in Colorado Springs.

“As far as the bus stops being moved, a lot of people are used to them being in one spot, when they’re moved it’s going to confuse a lot of people,” said Hope Smith, another regular passenger.

“We have put notices on any stop that was going to be removed. The one route that was serving the Peterson Air Force Base has been cut back. We’ve been able to redirect those resources elsewhere,” said Craig Blewitt, director of Mountain Metro.

Although some passengers don’t seem thrilled about the change, Metro said all the revisions were based on public input.

“We’re going to improve overall productivity to our system and also improve on-time performance, it’s really important to our riders,” said Blewitt.

https://transit.coloradosprings.gov/transportation/public-transportation/route-information/routes-schedules-html