Beginning Aug. 1, 2023, residents in several Weld County municipalities and all of unincorporated Weld County will have access to a shared-ride service through Via Mobility Services.
In June 2022, the county submitted grant applications for Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Fund (MMOF) to support the county contracting with an on-demand transit provider. This program will assist residents who are unable to drive or are 60 years of age or older and must rely on others to take them to appointments, grocery shopping, work, etc. Via Mobility will be operating buses that are equipped for paratransit service, and Via’s drivers escort riders door-to-door and assist them on and off the bus when needed.
“We recognize Weld County doesn’t have a county-wide transit provider,” said Commissioner Kevin Ross, coordinator for the Weld County Department of Public Works. “It is our hope that this service will help residents maintain the level of independence they desire versus relying on family or friends to help them get where they need to go.”
The county will pay a portion of the program’s total cost and has agreements in place with nine communities who requested to be part of this program. Now, with all of the paperwork and agreements complete, the service will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
“Residents in the communities of Ault, Fort Lupton, Gilcrest, Hudson, Johnstown, Keenesburg, Kersey, Nunn and Platteville, along with residents in a large portion of unincorporated Weld County, will now be able to book a ride,” said Elizabeth Relford with public works. “Providing this option for transportation will give residents the ability to easily schedule essential and life enhancing trips that will allow them to engage more with the community. Without this option, many individuals may feel more secluded from their community and less able to engage in activities.”
Via Mobility Service is a nonprofit organization that is funded through donations, grants and service contracts to pay for rides; rides are free for users, and riders are never required to donate. To learn more about Via Mobility Services, please go to https://viacolorado.org/
(Evans/ Greeley residents have access to GET; Brighton residents have RTD services.)
Service Info
- Riders 60+ years of age or older or who are unable to drive are eligible for this service.
- This is a ride-share service, meaning other passengers could be on the bus with you.
- Rides are free for passengers and can be booked up to 7 days in advance.
- If a ride is not available or does not go where you need to go, family and friends are eligible for mileage reimbursement.
- Residents in Ault, Fort Lupton, Gilcrest, Hudson, Johnstown Keenesburg, Kersey, Nunn, Platteville and in much of unincorporated Weld County are eligible for this service.