News and Articles
07/22/2016
Reminder - Mountain Trail Route Running Through August 31
The North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) (“Blue Bus”) Mountain Trail route will run through August 31.
The Mountain Trail route provides service from South Capitol Rail Runner Station to stops through Downtown, Fort Marcy Park and then up Hyde Park Rd. to recreational areas and businesses along NM 475 concluding at Ski Santa Fe. Free park and ride options for local residents are available at South Capitol station and on the north side of Fort Marcy Park in the parking lot north of the bus stop located on Murales Rd. between Old Taos Highway and Bishop’s Lodge Rd.
The service will provide two roundtrips Monday through Friday and three on the weekends. There will be no service on Monday, July 4.
Passengers utilizing the service will have access to hiking, biking, picnicking and camping along the route -- or they can simply enjoy a ride along the 16-mile nationally designated Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway. Along the route, stops are provided at Dale Ball Trails, Ten Thousand Waves, Chamisa Trailhead, Little Tesuque Picnic Area, Black Canyon Campground, Hyde State Park, Aspen Vista and Ski Santa Fe.
During the non-winter RTD Mountain Trail route service, the cost to ride is $5.00 eastbound (uphill) and fare-free westbound (or downhill). Passengers disembarking at Ten Thousand Waves will be provided with a discount token that when presented at the spa resort will provide a $5.00 discount on hot tubs, spa services, or food and beverage. The bus will be equipped to accommodate six bikes per trip on a first come, first served basis.
A collaboration of public and private supporters came together to help fund the pilot phase. The sponsors include: the City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, Ski Santa Fe, Rio Metro RTD and the North Central Regional Transit District.
Riders of the route are encouraged to be aware of the fact that vast sections of the mountain remain sacred to Pueblo tribes and Native Americans. The NCRTD acknowledges that concern and has been working with its Pueblo members to provide materials to inform riders to be respectful and to be stewards of the mountain.
Riders are also encouraged to remain respectful of the trails within our state and national forests and always remember that they share the trails, often with hikers, bikers, pets, horses and wild animals.