FrontRange Express Service finds potential funding for 2010. CDOT officials have agreed to allow state proceeds from the sale of the buses to be applied toward FREX operating expenses next year.

Here is a release from Colorado Springs City officials:

Next week Colorado Springs City Council will be asked to make a determination on whether FrontRange Express (FREX) commuter bus service between Colorado Springs and Denver will be extended in 2010 given the action of a decision today by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Due to unprecedented shortfalls in the 2010 Colorado Springs City Budget and reduced funding from the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA), Mountain Metropolitan Transit approached CDOT officials earlier this year for assistance in identifying operational funding sources for FREX in 2010. A proposal was put forward at the November and December State Transportation Commission meetings regarding using the proceeds from the sale of five to nine surplus FREX buses to keep the service running next year. After considerable deliberation, CDOT officials have agreed to allow state proceeds from the sale of the buses to be applied toward FREX operating expenses in 2010. FREX buses were purchased in 2007 with Senate Bill 1 funds (80%) and local match from the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (20%). Local proceeds from the sale would also be required for operations in 2010. Colorado Springs City Council will make a decision on the proposal next week.

El Paso County Commissioner Wayne Williams, Vice Mayor Larry Small, and City Council member Jan Martin each played critical roles in CDOT’s decision by speaking on behalf of FREX at the State Transportation Commission meeting. If approved by Colorado Springs City Council, the proposal would provide a temporary solution for maintaining the popular commuter service through next year. Mountain Metropolitan Transit will continue seeking to identify sustainable funding for FREX beyond 2010.

FREX is operated by the City of Colorado Springs, Transit Services Division/Mountain Metropolitan Transit. For specific route and schedule information, please visit www.FrontRangeExpress.com or call 719-636-FREX (3739) or 877-425-FREX (3739).