On Tuesday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 23, city staff rode along with Ride Glenwood bus passengers, collecting data on how the local bus service is doing. The data obtained will be used by the city to make decisions and provide better bus service to the community. Passenger surveys have been conducted each year in August since 2000. Surveys in English or Spanish were handed out to passengers on the Community Center (orange) route and the 6 & 24 (blue) route. Of 78 surveys collected, 23 percent were returned in Spanish and 76 percent were returned in English, consistent with results from previous years.The survey showed the local bus service is important to the community and provides an additional transportation choice. Results showed:-87 percent of riders are local residents and 13 percent are visitors. -75 percent did not have a car to use that day.-67 percent currently do not have a driver’s license. For some people, the bus is the only motorized transportation choice.-32 percent use the bus to travel to and from shopping.-23 percent use the bus to travel to and from work. With the upcoming Grand Avenue construction projects, city staff hope more people will use the bus to get to and from work. -77 percent believe using the bus is very convenient.-There is a bus stop within one block of 33 percent of the riders’ work sites and 36 percent of the riders’ homes. One question asked, “Which one item would increase the number of people selecting Ride Glenwood over their own automobiles?” -40 percent of riders suggested increasing the frequency to 15 minutes.-28 percent suggested adding more routes.-19 percent recommended lowering bus fares.-9 percent called for more educational material. The city is already responding to some of those suggestions. A grassroots group, the Transportation-Tourism Task Force, is looking at ways to increase frequency without increasing operating costs. Increased frequency will be a key component to getting people out of their cars during the Grand Avenue Paving Project (GAPP) in 2004. The Task Force, City Council and city staff are looking into park and rides with more frequent shuttle service to increase ridership and relieve congestion during GAPP construction.Glenwood Springs construction update-Construction work will be ongoing on the east side of Grand Avenue for the water line replacement project. Left turns are not permitted off Grand at 8th, 9th, or 10th street for the duration of the project. For updates, check the city’s Web site at http://www.ci.glenwood-springs.co.us-Walz Avenue from West 13th to West 11th streets is getting new curb and gutter. Residents will be contacted by the contractor about the temporary closing of their driveways before the work starts. Local traffic only allowed in the construction area. The project will be completed by mid-September.-The Electric Department will be pulling wire at 19th and Blake with intermittent traffic delays. They will be placing conduit in the ground on Vista Drive for the placement of overhead wires underground.Information: 384-6437, e-mail to try@ci.glenwood-springs.co.us. This column will appear every other Monday to explain how each person in our community can make a difference in our quality of life. Transportation Responsibility & You – one day at a time, one trip at a time!