ALAMOSA — Mountain Valley Transit (MVT), formally known as the Chafee Shuttle is now offering service throughout the San Luis Valley. The scheduled service that runs from Alamosa to Antonito, Creede to Alamosa, KV Estates to Alamosa, Saguache to Alamosa, and Saguache to Salida. MVT continues to serve Chafee County. The free, non-profit organization was formed in Salida in 1996. Yes, the service is free, and donations are welcome to help MVT maintain operations.
In 2022, a transit study determined the need for public transport between Antonito and Alamosa and now on Monday and Friday, there is a 7:40 a.m. departure from Antonito with a return departure from Alamosa at 1:30 p.m. The bus stops in Manassa, Romero, and La Jara.
There are on-demand services available in Alamosa between 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Just let the bus driver know where you would like to go when you board. For a full schedule see the website at www.mountainvalleytransit.com or call 719-530-8980.
Mike Bischoff, Executive Director of MVT told the Valley Courier the service began to, "Provide service and assistance to older adults and the disabled to help them age in place and stay in their homes a little longer. In 2003, we started providing transportation services and the Chafee Shuttle was born, and in 2023 we celebrated our 20th year.
"About five years ago, in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Transportation, we started servicing the northern part of the San Luis Valley, Saguache, Center and Moffat and provide once a week transit up to Saguache and once a week down to Alamosa. We are now doing as much work in the Valley as Chafee County. Our board of directors decided it was time to rebrand and create an identity that encompassed all of our areas of service, Mountain Valley Transit was born," said Bischoff.
Reservations for the scheduled service are not necessary, passengers just show up at the bus stop and jump on when it arrives.
