VIA bus service, by appointment, between Lyons and Longmont
This shuttle bus serves Lyons one day a week, on Tuesdays, and is open and free for all residents, and goes to Longmont only. Participants must set up an account and schedule their trip. (Note, there are different phone numbers to register, and to schedule rides).
REGISTER:
303-444-3043 is the number to call to register to use the service.
Open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Online Portal: www.VIAColorado.org *
The service is open to all people, not just seniors or disabled.
Everyone must set up an account.
You can do it online, but you may find it easier to do over the phone. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes over the phone to do. The clerk can help you with all your questions, such as scheduling multiple pick ups in one day, or how much merchandise you can bring on board.
==* Online portal link to get a ride: — This is being set up and should be available some time June. — Once you are registered you can ask the Mobility Specialists how to use the portal; and they can walk you thru the process. — Online registration may take up to 24-48 hours to be put in the system.
==PICK UP IN LYONS
You must live within the town limits of Lyons. If you are unclear, call VIA and ask them for assistance. At last check, places like Apple Valley Road and Stone Mountain Road are not covered.
==DESTINATION
The bus picks you up at your home in Lyons and takes you to your destination in Longmont.
(The only route for Lyons people is “Lyons – Longmont”)
You can visit your friends, go to the doctor, attend a movie, go shopping, and more.
It can also take you to places in Lyons, such as the library, post office, or grocery store.
(See below for “30 minute rule.”)
==WHAT YOU CAN BRING/ BUS RULES
Walkers, wheelchairs and most scooters are acceptable, and secured inside the vehicle.
Note, you can bring on board — weight/space: what a driver can carry in two trips.
No eating or drinking on the bus.
Must wear your seat belt.
Masks are optional
Must not stand up while bus is moving.
==SCHEDULING TIME
Call 303-447-9636, Monday thru Friday 8a.m. to 4:30p.m.
Once registered, you can call to request a trip; or use the portal online.
You can book up to 7 days in advance (whether using the phone or the portal).
The bus may have other passengers with several stops — it does not only serves Lyons, but serves Boulder County.
Trips are scheduled first come, first served.
You schedule BOTH your pick up time at your home, and your pick up time at your destination at the same time.
You do not have a limit as to how long you can stay at your destination, as long as your return trip is within their normal bus schedule time of service.
Bus hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
No evening or weekend service.
(See below for rules on missing a pickup at home, or at your destination)
==COST
There is no cost to Lyons residents, but a $5 donation is welcome. There are envelopes at the front of the bus that you can put the funds in, or you can take it home and mail it later. The box is emptied at the end of each shift.
Drivers are not allowed to take tips.
==30 MINUTE WINDOW (missed rides)
Your driver will arrive in a “30 minute window” — Example: If you want to be at your destination at 9:00a.m. then you chose the pickup window between 8:00-8:30 a.m. (thus the 30-minute window). Once the driver arrives within that window, they can wait 5 minutes for you, and then will move on to the next trip. Via’s dispatcher will attempt to contact the rider to let them know the bus is there.
==For pick up’s at your Home: You will be marked a “no show.” Your return ride will be automatically cancelled. “No shows” on the “going to a destination trip” cannot be rebooked; meaning that they don’t go back to get someone who wasn’t ready at their home.
==For pick up’s at your Destination: On the return trip back to your home, if the rider is not ready then you will be marked a “will call.” You will need to contact Via within their service hours to reschedule a return trip. 303-447-9636. Via will send the next available vehicle but you may have to wait a while until they can get there as the driver is picking up other riders.
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Thanks to VIA for working with us to get these facts accurately provided to the public. For more information, go to VIA-Mobility — note there are other VIA services across the nation, so be sure to use connect with the right web page. The name includes the words “Mobility”.
For more information on free LYONS FLYER (CDOT bus service) from Lyons to Boulder, during morning and afternoon rush hours, go to our ARTICLE.
For more information on ztrip ‘taxi’ vouchers to Boulder and Longmont, for those without reliable transportation, see our ARTICLE.
See also our article on the Bustang seasonal bus that goes to Estes Park, and Rocky Mt. National Park.
