Transit hubs acting as focal points for Bustang, with convenient entry and exit points, as Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) expands its operations
The North Line, a Bustang route connecting Fort Collins with Union Station in Denver, has returned to pre-pandemic levels of ridership, marking a significant milestone in the state's public transportation system. This resurgence in usage is not surprising, given the numerous benefits that Colorado's mobility hubs offer.
These hubs, such as the Centerra Loveland Mobility Hub, are designed to improve the speed, reliability, and frequency of public transportation. They serve as pivotal transfer points, connecting multiple transportation options in one accessible location, enhancing first- and last-mile connections, and promoting clean, shared travel modes.
The first mobility hub in Colorado was opened in Loveland less than a year ago by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). CDOT plans to open more hubs along I-25 from Fort Collins to Pueblo, with some expected to be operational by 2026.
Mobility hubs provide integrated services and infrastructure, making public transport more attractive and seamless to use. They offer amenities like bike parking, shared bikes, and connections to bus rapid transit (BRT) and other transit, improving access and convenience for commuters.
One such commuter is Ron Francis, a 62-year-old IBM manager from Loveland, who uses the Bustang coach bus to travel to Denver. Francis appreciates the cost-effectiveness of the $9 one-way ticket, as it saves him wear and tear on his vehicle, keeps his gasoline bill low, and provides peace of mind by avoiding traffic.
The North Line buses get to ride in the express lane for much of the distance between Fort Collins and Denver, further reducing travel time. In fact, CDOT has doubled the service frequency on the North Line, with 12 buses a day now going in each direction on I-25. As a result, North Line ridership has increased significantly, from over 13,000 passengers in 2021 to more than 92,000 in the 2025 fiscal year that just ended.
Bustang ridership has also been on the rise, with over 350,000 passengers in the fiscal year that just ended. The increasing usage of these services is a testament to the value they provide to commuters.
Not all of CDOT's mobility hubs will hew to the same design. For example, the Skyridge/ Lone Tree hub won't be center loading. Lone Tree Mayor Marissa Harmon mentioned that the Lone Tree hub will open next year in a fast-growing employment center and residential node in metro Denver.
Colorado's mobility hubs are not just about improving transportation experiences; they are also about reducing highway congestion. By enabling more people to choose walking, biking, and transit over driving, these hubs help decrease vehicle miles traveled. This leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions and less traffic congestion on highways.
Moreover, these hubs support economic and community benefits. Enhanced access supports a stronger local economy by connecting people efficiently to jobs and services. It can also foster neighborhood cohesion and more livable, attractive streets.
CDOT is also leveraging technology and innovation around these hubs. For example, on Interstate 70, dynamic information systems help manage congestion and hazards, increasing roadway capacity and reducing crashes.
In summary, Colorado’s mobility hubs serve as pivotal transfer points that ease multimodal travel, cut car usage, and help address roadway congestion challenges while supporting sustainable and equitable transportation access. As the suburban city of Loveland's population is expected to double in the coming years, these hubs will undoubtedly play a crucial role in accommodating the growing demand for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions.
The return of the North Line bus service to pre-pandemic levels of ridership showcases the importance of infrastructure in transportation, as mobility hubs, such as the Centerra Loveland Mobility Hub, improve speed, reliability, and frequency of public transportation. Colorado's mobility hubs are not just about transportation; they also aim to reduce highway congestion by encouraging clean, shared travel modes and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to improving transportation, these hubs support economic and community benefits. As the suburban city of Loveland's population is expected to double in the coming years, these hubs will play a crucial role in providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions that accommodate growth.
Moreover, these hubs promote integration within the transportation industry, with amenities like bike parking, shared bikes, and connections to bus rapid transit (BRT) and other transit options, making public transport more attractive and seamless to use. This integration is exemplified by the increasing usage of Bustang services, with over 350,000 passengers in the fiscal year that just ended.
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