The results are in from the I-70 Coalition’s 2024 I-70 Mountain Corridor User Survey, providing valuable insights into the travel behaviors, preferences, and experiences of users along this vital transportation corridor in Colorado. With over 4,200 respondents from the Front Range and Mountain Corridor regions, this extensive survey offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities surrounding mountain travel and benchmarks against the 2022 I-70 Mountain Corridor User Survey.
Traffic Congestion Remains a Pain Point
One persistent issue highlighted by the survey is the frustration caused by traffic congestion on the I-70 mountain corridor. A staggering 92% of Front Range respondents actively try to avoid peak travel times, primarily by arriving early and leaving ski resorts early. Moreover, 75% of Front Range respondents indicated that I-70 congestion has reduced the frequency of their ski and snowboard trips.
Public Transit Awareness and Usage
While awareness of public transit options like Bustang and Snowstang has slightly increased since the 2022 survey, there is still room for improvement in promoting these services. The ability to relax and avoid driving emerged as the top motivator for using these transit services.
Online advertisements and social media remain the most effective channels for reaching potential riders, which will continue to be heavily utilized in the I-70 Coalition’s advertising efforts.
The 2024 survey asked respondents about their awareness of the recently launched Pegasus van service, which garnered mixed results. Mountain Corridor residents demonstrated higher awareness and usage compared to their Front Range counterparts. However, across both regions, the ability to reserve a seat was highly valued among Pegasus riders.
Travelers Remain Loyal to Their Cars
A key factor influencing people’s hesitancy to use public transit options like Bustang, Pegasus and Snowstang is the perceived need for a personal vehicle at their mountain destination. Across both the Front Range and Mountain Corridor regions, one of the top reasons cited for not utilizing these services was wanting to have their own transportation once arriving at the resort or mountain town. This deeply ingrained preference for maintaining independence with a personal automobile presents a significant hurdle for public transit adoption. The I-70 Coalition plans to address this concern by publicizing all of the supplemental transportation solutions, for example the Summit Stage or Breck Free Ride, that integrate seamlessly with bus and van services to help assuage fears about being stranded at one’s destination without a vehicle.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Improvement
The survey responses provide invaluable feedback for enhancing mountain travel and public transportation services in the I-70 Corridor. Respondents voiced a strong desire for more affordable, convenient and reliable transit options, with expanded route coverage to various mountain destinations. Respondents are attracted to the benefit of leaving the driving to someone else, particularly during challenging weather conditions.
As Colorado’s population continues to grow, addressing the challenges of mountain travel will become increasingly crucial. The 2024 I-70 Mountain Corridor User Survey serves as a valuable resource, highlighting the perspectives and priorities of those who rely on this vital transportation artery. By leveraging these insights, stakeholders can work towards developing sustainable solutions that improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall experience for all I-70 mountain corridor users.