Can Bustang Really Replace Driving on the Western Slope?

Fuel costs, driving in winter weather, and I-70 delays are three great reasons Western Colorado residents are thinking more about Bustang.

Wi-Fi, restrooms, and being able to scroll while someone else drives seem nice, but local riders say the real experience depends on timing, routes, and expectations.

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What Bustang Is — And Why Some Western Slope Riders Love It

Bustang via Facebook

If you are not familiar with Bustang, it’s a ride service from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Bustang connects Grand Junction to Western Slope destinations as well as those on the Front Range. Riders get Wi-Fi, restrooms, ADA accessibility, and even bike storage. Many fares can undercut the cost of driving, especially during seasonal promotions. Western Slope residents who ride Bustang say the biggest perk is avoiding winter driving, parking hassles, and arriving at their destination rested and ready to go.

The Real Downsides Locals Point Out

Those who may not have had an ideal experience have complaints about buses being full, a limited weekend ride schedule, and no guaranteed seating during peak travel times. The Colorado Department of Transportation and Bustang have weathered driver shortages and rising demand, which can cause service frustrations, especially on popular Western Slope routes. Pro Tip from the locals around Grand Junction: Bustand works best for planned trips – and maybe not last-minute travel.

Is Bustang Worth It on the Western Slope?

Bustang via Facebook

If your travel budget is not flexible, set it and forget it with Bustang. You won’t pay for an extra tank of gas if you get stuck waiting for the Eisenhower Tunnel. Hopefully, you’ll feel less stressed by not having to navigate I-70 or Highway 50 during winter weather. Bustang is a smart option for those who plan. If flexibility and guaranteed seats matter most, driving may still win. Bottom line: Is any trip across Colorado perfect? Well, Bustang may not be perfect according to some reviews, but it’s absolutely worth considering.

LOOK: See how much gasoline cost the year you started driving

To find out more about how has the price of gas changed throughout the years, Stacker ran the numbers on the cost of a gallon of gasoline for each of the last 84 years. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in April 2020), we analyzed the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline from 1976 to 2020 along with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for unleaded regular gasoline from 1937 to 1976, including the absolute and inflation-adjusted prices for each year.

Read on to explore the cost of gas over time and rediscover just how much a gallon was when you first started driving.

Gallery Credit: Sophia Crisafulli

NEXT: 20 Things You Should Never Do When Driving in Colorado

Colorado and I-70 are home to some pretty crazy motorists. While Colorado may not be the state with the most reckless drivers or accidents, there are plenty of things people do on the roads that drive us all nuts. Sound off on things you see Colorado drivers doing that would upset anybody.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

NEXT: What to See Along Colorado’s Longest Highway, US-160

U.S. Highway 160 stretches 490 miles across the state of Colorado and travels through the counties of Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, Mineral, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Costilla, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Baca. Here are 10 must-see attractions found along the way.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Source: Bustang on the Western Slope Sounds Great — But Is It?

Filed Under: Colorado Roads + Highways, Around Colorado

Categories: Colorado Travel, Colorado Local