28-05-2025
Grand Valley Transit to offer free fares this summer
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — To start on June 1, the Grand Valley Transit (GVT) will offer free trips in June through August. The initiative aims to encourage Grand Junction residents and visitors to keep Colorado's air clean during the summer months when air pollution is high.
The free fares will be a part of 'Zero Fare For Better Air, We'll Get You There,' a statewide collaborative initiative designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing the use of transit for transportation. It is the largest free fare transit initiative in the U.S. It is made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 24-032 and the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office.
The Zero Fare pilot program launched in August 2022. It was reported to be a success with transit systems all over the state participating.
Colorado Association of Transit Agencies Executive Director Ann Rajewski said, 'All agencies that participated increased ridership, ranging anywhere between 2% to 59%.'
In 2023, the Zero Fare program, in addition to a marketing campaign, helped generate a 2% to 216% ridership increase in participating communities. In 2024, 13 systems in the state that participated in the program had a 34% average monthly ridership increase between July and August.
GTV and the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies advertise the program to allow riders to experience environmental, financial, lifestyle and community benefits of transit, such as:
Saving car costs on maintenance, parking, and gas.
Reducing traffic congestion, air pollution and ground-level ozone.
Reducing individual stress and increasing safety.
Increasing personal productivity.
The Grand Valley Transit was designed to increase mobility options for residents in Grand Junction. It encourages both individuals who have never used its transit services and regular customers to ride with the free fare from June to August.
Individuals can learn more by visiting GVT's website at
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