ALAMOSA — Bus service will begin on May 1 from Alamosa to Pueblo as part of a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) program, CDOT spokesperson Maddy Tischler Ward reported to Alamosa city council.

Bustang Outrider buses will begin running the Alamosa route on May 1, with connections this summer to Colorado Springs, she explained. Riders can then make connections to Denver as well.

CDOT is purchasing the buses, setting fares and making sure there will be reliable bus service to rural areas, she added. Fares will be equitable across the state. “You are paying 17 cents per mile.”

The cost one way from Alamosa to Pueblo would be $31. Tickets are available on line or with the “just ride” app, or riders can pay exact change on the bus, with a credit card system in the works. Riders can also purchase tickets at the bus stop at Loaf ‘N Jug in Alamosa.

The 38-seat buses are ADA compliant and have on-board restrooms, electrical outlets and WiFi, Ward said. The Alamosa-to-Pueblo route will drop riders off at the Pueblo transit station.

The bus stop will be at Loaf ‘N Jug, which is open 24/7, making it a reliable stop, Ward added. Riders could leave for Pueblo at 6 a.m. and be back in Alamosa that same evening, Ward explained. Folks could go to doctors’ appointments and come back the same day, for example.

“We hope the schedule benefits everyone,” Ward said.

CDOT will be building bus shelters in the future, she added.

The Alamosa city council and staff were supportive of the bus service and said they would help provide information to area residents when it is available. Councilor Liz Thomas Hensley said she was excited about this and added that Adams State would be a good place to market the service. She said students sometimes need a way to get to Pueblo, Springs and Denver.

Mayor Ty Coleman added that veterans could possibly use this service as well to get to their VA medical appointments, and he suggested that something be worked out for them. Ward said she would look into that. She said the bus lines is considering bulk ticket prices, which might be an option for veteran services.

Information should soon be available at www.ridebustang.com

Also keep an eye out on the Alamosa city webpage and Facebook, email [email protected] or contact Ward at [email protected]