Durango Transit has seen significant increases in ridership in 2008.  Comparison of Durango Transit ridership for the first three months of 2008 yielded an average 33 percent increase over the same period in 2007. 

"The increase in ridership can be attributed to several improved operational changes that were implemented at the beginning of 2008," said Ann Capela, Durango Transit Manager. The large portion of the increased ridership is a result of the increase in bus service frequency.  The Durango Transit went from fixed bus service every hour to every half hour.  Additionally, one-hour service was added to Mercy Medical Center starting at 5:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. five days a week.

While Trolley services will be running the new summer hours beginning this May, Durango Transit will keep the half hour fixed loop service year-round. The "Mercy Express" service is still considered a demonstration route, based on the federal grant that currently funds this route. Transit management continues to monitor the ridership on this route to determine the level of services needed by Mercy Medical Center employees and patients.  It is anticipated that the Three Springs development will add to the service requirements as the residential and the commercial phases continue to develop.