The government of Colorado Springs is happy to test new methods for public transportation with the hope they will be fully implemented by the Spring of 2024. Generally the reactions to the new public transit options have been positive, but as in all things for the larger Colorado Springs community, some wrinkles have caused a bit of an uproar throughout some local groups. Other details in the new plan have particular strife for Colorado College students.
In May the government of Colorado Springs announced they would be testing the feasibility of a tram system and expanded bus system in the larger springs region. Since then construction on four tram lines has started and 20 new bus routes have been added. One of the largest complaints? How are the trams going to impact Colorado Springs’ robust and lively driving culture.
“I think one of the truly beautiful things about Colorado Springs is that when you walk here, and when I say walk here I really mean drive here because face it you can’t really walk to anywhere of importance, but like yah when you walk here you truly walk alone, and that’s special” said Kevin Gallager a 23-year resident of the Springs.
Some groups have said that it’s the silo of the vehicle, the protection from any contact with strangers, that really makes the Springs an incredible city. “If I wanted to work on my social anxiety I should be given the freedom to do that alone in my own room” said Mariah Loren another Colorado Springs resident.
Among students at Colorado Springs tensions have also arisen. The most prominent concern is generally how does public transit work?
“The best part about it is the little card. I love having little cards that are just kind of fun and silly.”
Paisley Kennedy ‘27 has had a hard time grasping the mechanics of public transit. “I have questions like ya know what is going on and how do I know where to go and what do you mean I need to download multiple other apps with time tables?” Kennedy said. For students who have never lived in transit cities before the whole enterprise of trams and buses has been new.
“The best part about it is the little card. I love having little cards that are just kind of fun and silly. Like you mean I just tap this and I can ride on the big choo choo? Am I literally train conductor Barbie? Maybe I am and I love it” said Mason Donaldson ‘26.
Others from Colorado College have questioned why you need to ride with strangers. “I don’t understand why the city can’t just like hire a bunch of private cars to drive people to where they need to go. That’s what my dad does for me and all my siblings and it works so great. We love it. Why should I specifically have to share.” said Benji Musk ‘27.
Despite all of these hesitations the new experimentations with public transit in Colorado Springs have brought community members close together with one another and beckon a new era connection for Southern Colorado.