Was meeting Bryon in Denver the other day, so decided to take the Ned bus down to Boulder and connect to bus to Denver. The Ned bus is the RTD bus that runs from Boulder to the town of Nederland and in winter, all the way up to Eldora Ski Area. It’s just another unique quality to Nederland that makes it different from other mountain towns in the area. I don’t know of any other mountain towns along the front range that are served by public transit. Because of commuter traffic, as well as recreational opportunities surrounding Nederland, Boulder Canyon can see a lot of traffic. The Nederland bus is a nice alternative to adding one more car on the road, and is a relaxing alternative for local residents.
What I love about riding the Ned bus is just how relaxing it can be, and how much I notice the beauty of Boulder Canyon when riding the bus as opposed to driving my car. The actual bus is a coach bus with big comfy seats, and you are allowed to bring your drinks and snacks on board as long as they are covered with a lid. I like sitting on the side along Boulder Creek, and staring up at the immense granite walls that tower above the roadway, sometimes spotting rock climbers inching their way up the massive rock faces. I also notice the occasional cables spanning Boulder Creek, where the climbers will pull themselves across using Tyrolean traverse to get to better rock climbing routes.
My friend, Jon, is not such a fan of the Ned bus, as he has given it a different nickname, the Vomit Comet. Given that Boudler Canyon drops almost 3000 feet in 17 miles, twisting and turning all the way, it’s easy to understand how he would feel that way. For some reason, leaning against the window watching the trees, river, and rocks go by lulls me into peacefulness. The Ned bus route can become an avenue of peril during the winter months, when the road ices over, and the bus can literally slide sideways across the road. Ironically, when you’d think the idea of taking the bus would be most appealing during bad weather, it’s actually not the best option. I guess because of the demands of the route, I’ve been told that only the most experienced RTD drivers are allowed to drive the Ned bus route.
We Nederland residents are fortunate to have this transit option available to us for a tiny price. Back in 2011, the town of Nederland secured a grant to provide free RTD Ecopasses to every resident of Nederland, all 1400 of them. The grant lasted two years, and during that time ridership rose 45% and the Ned bus route became the most popular of all the regional RTD routes. Because of its success, the town got enough signatures by petition to create a ballot initiative where voters could approve a tiny property tax increase (0.05%) to pay for residents to receive the bus passes for the next 10 years. Bryon and I found out for our part, it cost us a some total of $49 last year for this privilege. I guess socialism is alive and well in Nederland.
I know for myself, I find this option very appealing, as there are many days, when I just don’t feel like driving, or I’m meeting Bryon in Boulder and Denver, and then can just ride back home with him. It also alleviates the stress and expense of finding parking in Boulder and Denver as well. And I can feel good about my part in doing a little more to take care of the environment, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All aboard the Ned bus….
