Eagle Valley Transportation Authority expands schedule, fare-free zones
As of May 19, buses run more frequently, and many passengers will ride for free
Jonathan Resnick/Courtesy photo
The Eagle Valley Transportation Authority launched its expanded fare-free zone and increased service frequency updates with the start of its summer schedule on Sunday, May 19.
The fare-free service is now available on the U.S. Highway 6, Valley and Minturn routes. Passengers can ride for free to unincorporated Eagle County, as well as the towns of Avon, Eagle, Minturn, Red Cliff, Vail and the Beaver Creek Metropolitan District.
Gypsum and Leadville fare zone information
Fares will still apply for trips that include stops within the towns of Gypsum and Leadville. The procedure for fare payment at Gypsum and Leadville stops is as follows.
Valley route Gypsum stops:
- Eastbound Valley route (Dotsero to Vail): When riding from Dotsero to Gypsum, riders have the flexibility to pay their fare either upon boarding or upon exiting the bus.
- In Gypsum, riders must board and exit through the front door only and can utilize the mobile app, ECO Tickets, or cash to pay for their one-way fare of $3.
- Westbound Valley route (Vail to Dotsero): All riders who plan to exit the bus at a stop located in Gypsum have the flexibility to pay their fare either upon boarding or upon exiting the bus. For those who choose to pay upon boarding, the driver will issue a token, which must be returned to the driver upon exiting as confirmation of payment. This system ensures a smooth and efficient process for both riders and staff.
Leadville route:
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- Similar to the Gypsum route, all riders who plan to exit the bus at a stop in Leadville will have the option to pay their fare either upon boarding or exiting the bus, and the process of using a token as confirmation of payment will apply. Riders can use the mobile app, ECO Tickets, or cash to pay for the $7 one-way premium pass fare.
Key service increases
The ECO Transit summer 2024 schedule also includes more frequent bus service.
Valley East and Valley West routes:
- 30-minute service between Chambers Park & Ride in Eagle and the Vail Transportation Center from approximately 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., doubling the frequency in each direction compared to the most recent winter schedule.
Highway 6 East route:
- Service every 15 minutes between Edwards and Vail during morning and evening rush hours and every 40 minutes from 9 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. and 6:40 p.m. to 11:20 p.m. for afternoon and nighttime service.
- Service every 20 minutes between Avon and Vail from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and every 40 minutes during nighttime service.
Highway 6 West route:
- Service every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Vail and Edwards.
- Service every 10 minutes between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. during afternoon rush between Vail and Edwards.
- Service every 30 minutes at night between Vail and Edwards.
Minturn route:
- Two additional trips during the morning hours, including a trip to Red Cliff.
- One additional trip in the evening.
For further information, including schedules and updates, visit Evta.org. Buses can be tracked in real-time at RideEcoTransit.com and passengers can receive text updates by texting ECO+Bus Stop # to 41411. For trip planning assistance, visit Evta.org or call 970-328-3520. To pay fares via phone, download the ECO Tickets app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
