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Parachute transit system up and running

Commissioners applaud efforts to connect communities

PRESS RELEASE
October 15, 2020

The new Parachute Area Transit System (PATS) is in full operation, connecting commuters from Parachute and Battlement Mesa with the City of Rifle and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) Hogback bus service. The system utilizes two buses – one has capacity for 20, while the other holds 12 passengers. Typically, one bus is in operation, with the other being held as a backup. Services operate from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and stops are located throughout Parachute, Battlement Mesa and Rifle.

Earlier this year, Garfield County approved a $278,360 grant to help the transit service materialize and has supported the effort throughout the process. The Town of Parachute supported the project with $100,000, and the City of Rifle donated a senior services bus for use along the route.

PATS takes riders into Rifle for work, shopping, school, health care services and more. From Rifle, commuters can connect with the Hogback, which takes them east along Interstate 70 and into the Roaring Fork Valley.

“A lot of people take it to get to work, so we identified the major employment centers in Rifle, which are City Market and Garfield County government offices, and down to the RFTA park and ride,” said Stuart McArthur, administrator for the Town of Parachute. “The route then heads out to Grand River Hospital, Walmart and out to Colorado Mountain College.”

The bus service offers a discounted monthly pass, a 10-ride punch pass and a per ride fare. Seniors, students and veterans have discounted fares, and kids ages six and younger ride for free. Schedules and information on passes and fares are available online.

“We have riders that are using the service to get around Battlement Mesa and Parachute, but most are using it to get to their places of employment,” McArthur told the commissioners.