Modular transit stations function as the core focus for Bustang as the Colorado Department of Transportation strives to expand operations, simplifying passenger travel.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is transforming the state's public transportation landscape with the construction of multiple mobility hubs along the I-25 corridor and other key areas. These hubs aim to enhance transit options and connectivity, particularly in northern Colorado [1][2].
One such hub under construction is in Thornton at the interchange of I-25 and Highway 7. This hub will initially offer 152 vehicle parking spaces, expandable to 304, and will feature a pedestrian bridge over I-25, bus shelters, new traffic signals, sidewalks, and a permanent water quality pond [1][2]. The hub is designed to address the increased transit demand in the region.
CDOT, in collaboration with local partners, has already constructed three new mobility hubs along the I-25 corridor to serve growing ridership. These hubs improve accessibility and efficiency of services like Bustang, Colorado’s intercity bus system [2][3]. The Lone Tree Mobility Hub in the south metro area is designed to provide more transit options and connections across the state [5].
The Bustang North Line, connecting Fort Collins with Union Station in Denver, has returned to pre-pandemic levels of ridership. In fact, Bustang ridership has increased significantly, with over 350,000 riders in the fiscal year that just ended, up from 175,000 in 2021 [4]. North Line ridership has surged from just over 13,000 passengers in 2021 to more than 92,000 in the 2025 fiscal year that just ended [4].
Ron Francis, an IBM manager, is one of the many commuters who have benefited from these improvements. Francis uses Bustang coach buses to travel from Loveland to Denver. The $9 one-way Bustang ticket to Denver has been well worth it for him, as it saves wear and tear on his vehicle, keeps his gasoline bill low, and provides peace of mind by avoiding traffic [6].
The mobility hubs offer numerous advantages. For instance, the Centerra Loveland Mobility Hub shaves 10 minutes off the travel time compared to the previous Park-N-Ride [3]. These hubs also significantly reduce the time it takes for boarding and disembarking. Bustang buses get to ride in the express lane for much of the distance between Fort Collins and Denver [7]. Moreover, the hubs, like the Centerra Loveland Mobility Hub, provide a straight shot for the bus, eliminating multiple turns [3].
CDOT plans to identify a location for a mobility hub in Castle Rock next year and roll out a network of a dozen or more mobility hubs along I-25 from Fort Collins to Pueblo in the coming years [1][2][3][5]. The Lone Tree Mobility Hub will open next year and serve Bustang's South Line, RTD’s southeast E-Line light rail, and the Link on Demand shuttle service [5].
For commuters like Ron Francis, these mobility hubs play a critical role in making public transportation easier. Francis finds his bus journey a relaxing experience, often listening to music during his commute [6]. The Colorado Department of Transportation's mobility hubs are indeed revolutionising public transportation in Colorado.
[1] Colorado Department of Transportation [2] Denver Post [3] 9News [4] The Gazette [5] Bustang
- The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) aims to expand transportation options in the state by constructing more mobility hubs, such as the one in Thornton and the future Castle Rock hub, which will cater to buses, rail services like the southeast E-Line light rail, and other on-demand shuttle services.
- The construction of mobility hubs along the I-25 corridor, like the Lone Tree Mobility Hub, is not only benefiting users of intercity bus systems, such as Bustang, but also improving infrastructure in the areas they serve, with features like pedestrian bridges, bus shelters, and water quality ponds.
- TheThornton mobility hub, slated to offer 152 vehicle parking spaces initially and have the ability to expand to 304 spaces, is a testament to the potential growth of the transportation industry, as it's designed to accommodate increased demand for public transportation services in the region.
