Nearly one year after Carbondale launched WE-cycle’s bike share program, residents, visitors and workers alike will have another option for getting around town without a car. On March 26, trustees approved a contract with Downtowner, a company headquartered in Florida, for a six-month service trial beginning July 1.
With Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) matching $181,500 toward the trial cost, Downtowner will provide a three-vehicle fleet with one wheel-chair accessible vehicle for on-demand rides within town limits between 7am and 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 10pm on weekends. The expense was written into Carbondale’s 2024 budget with the idea of gathering impressions and data before fully committing to the program. If it proves favorable, a full year of service in 2025 would cost an estimated $726,000. That cost could be defrayed by another matching grant from RFTA’s First and Last Mile Mobility Fund, but there’s no guarantee.
Downtowner currently operates similar services in Basalt and Aspen and, according to Travis Gleason, co-founder of the Downtowner, discussions are underway to create a Valley-wide brand and phone app to tie these services together. Snowmass Village is looking at using the same app to facilitate in-town connections with its own shuttle vehicles and drivers.
Currently, the Basalt service, which includes Willits, is limited to 7am to 10am and 3pm to 10pm and can be accessed through the “Basalt Connect” app or by calling 970-355-1860. This will be the first year for year-round service in Basalt. Aspen’s service, which began in 2017, goes from 8am to 11pm daily.
On March 12, Mayor Ben Bohmfalk remarked that this service could potentially replace RFTA’s in-town circulator bus “if it accomplishes the same goal for less.” Currently, the circulator is funded by RFTA, whereas the Downtowner would rely on Carbondale taxes, as it’s currently structured. The circulator departs from the Park and Ride every 15 minutes, from 5am to 9pm daily, and only stops at City Market, the roundabout, pool and Rec Center.
Notably, trustees Lani Kitching and Luis Yllanes voted against the Downtowner contract when it first appeared on March 12, citing “too many variables.” Both voted in favor when it returned on a consent agenda on March 26 with trustee Chris Hassig voting “nay.” On March 12, Hassig expressed concern over setting a precedent that won’t be easy to undo if the service is popular but funding isn’t available.
“I share all those concerns,” said Bohmfalk, “but I think that’s going to be a community decision.” With budget work beginning in August, “We’re going to have to get a pretty quick read on whether we want to fund it for the next year.”
How it works
Persons seeking transportation within town limits can use a bilingual smartphone app or call a special number to summon a cost-free ride. A shuttle will arrive within 20 minutes to bring that person to their destination, combining trips when possible for efficiency’s sake. In Aspen, the fleet is electrified. For this trial, it will be gas-powered.