It looks like it’ll soon cost a buck to hop on the bus in Castle Rock.
Town administrators have recommended charging $1 per ride for the now-free service.
The Town Council is set to vote on the measure Tuesday. The public is invited to attend the meeting and voice opinions.
But it might not do much good.
“With this economy, there’s no free lunch,” said Councilman Ryan Reilly. “It makes sense that if we have the service, we should charge for it.”
Under the proposal, multiride passes also would be available. An 11-ride pass would cost $10, and a 23-ride pass, $20.
Officials considered a monthly pass as well but decided against it because the multiride pass would allow for multiple family members to use the pass at the same time.
There will be no discounts based on age or disability. Only those 2 and younger who can sit on an adult’s lap will ride for free.
If approved by the Town Council, the new fare rate would likely start in March.
The shuttle service, which has been free since it started in 1994, will cost the town more than $450,000 to operate this year. Town officials expect to collect about $40,000 in fares, said town spokeswoman Kim Mutchler.
The shuttle service is operated by the nonprofit Clean Air Transit Co. It serves the core town area, the outlet mall, Founders Village and The Meadows.
Because revenue fell, the town ended shuttle service on Saturdays and holidays and reduced service for the Founders and Meadows areas.
The cuts might still not be enough.
Town officials say they will likely go to voters this fall or the following spring to ask them to approve a tax for transportation.
If that fails, the bus service in Castle Rock would stop.
“If the voters are not willing to fund this, it will likely go away,” Mutchler said.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
