Alternative Transportation Case Study: The Maroon Bells of Colorado

Maroon Bells Shuttle Service Established in 1979, partnership with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and the USDA Forest Service

Maroon Bells Shuttle Service Provides public transportation to the Colorado scenic landmark of Maroon Bells from the City of Aspen

Needs and Benefits Over 250,000 visitors in a limited 5 month summer/fall season that eliminates tremendous volumes of vehicular traffic during peak hours of operations

Needs and Benefits Provides improved environmental concerns of air, water and wildlife quality issues Greatly reduces vehicle conflicts with recreational users (i.e. bicycle, roller blading, in-line skiing,) Provides improved environmental concerns of air, water and wildlife quality issues Greatly reduces vehicle conflicts with recreational users (i.e. bicycle, roller blading, in-line skiing,)

Construction of new visitor contact station, bus shelter, and restroom facilities Infrastructure Improvements

Resurfacing of existing 7 mile road and new entrance station

Construction of an interpretive wilderness trailhead and amphitheater Infrastructure Improvements

Interpretive transit station, partnership with local elementary school art department, interpretive association, ski company, RFTA and USFS

Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program Federal funding through SAFETEA-LU assist with infrastructure and system improvements. Available to federal, state and local land management agencies (i.e. NPS, USFS, BLM, USFWS, DOT) Grants and agreement categories are evaluated in two areas: Planning Implementation Federal funding through SAFETEA-LU assist with infrastructure and system improvements. Available to federal, state and local land management agencies (i.e. NPS, USFS, BLM, USFWS, DOT) Grants and agreement categories are evaluated in two areas: Planning Implementation