GREELEY, Colo. — The City of Greeley is set to receive more than $3.5 million from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase five buses for a new route between Greeley and Loveland.
This funding is part of a broader $52 million transit investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at modernizing and improving bus systems across Colorado.
The new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses will facilitate a limited-stop, regional service between Greeley and Loveland, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time.
According to census data, Greeley is the fourth fastest-growing metro area in the country, yet it lacks a convenient direct public transportation route. This new bus route aims to address that gap and enhance regional connectivity to the area.
“We want to enhance every person's mobility options for them to move not only within the city, but also within the region and the state," said Greeley Public Works Director Paul Trombino. "This service starts us down that path,”
The route will start at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and end at the Civic Center in Loveland. Trombino says the bus journey would take just 20-25 minutes, a distance that can take up to 40 minutes or more in traffic.
City of Loveland Mayor Jackie Marsh emphasized the necessity of this service, “We have so many people that commute back and forth. When you get on [highway] 34 at the I-25 intersection during peak hours, road rage comes to mind,” she said, only half-joking.
Loveland Transit Manager Candice Volkers said this bus service will offer the most affordable public transportation option for the route, providing opportunities for people without a car and those looking to leave their car behind.
"The nice thing about running a bus is that not only is it more convenient and helps with emissions control, but as a student or a person working, you can do your work on the bus while commuting instead of being stuck in traffic...The need for transit is there,” said Volkers.
Key stops along the U.S. 34 route include the Interstate 25 mobility hub at Centerra, which offers direct transportation to Denver and Denver International Airport, Loveland’s new Transit Center, and the City of Greeley’s future Mobility Expansion for Regional Growth and Equity (MERGE) mobility hub.
Both Greeley and Loveland received additional grant money for their respective transit infrastructure, Greeley receiving $20.5 million and Loveland $3.9 million.
The bus service is set to start in 2026.
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