Contest now open offering $5,000 for ideas to increase transit ridership in Lafayette
Submissions must be received by June 23
Boulder County Transportation is sponsoring a Lafayette “No Fare Contest” to seek ideas on how to improve transit ridership in and around Lafayette, Colorado. The top three entries will receive a share of a $5,000 cash award.
The Boulder County Transportation Department recently received a $100,000 grant from the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) to increase transit ridership in Lafayette and reduce air pollution on high ground-level ozone days. As part of that grant, and in conjunction with the RAQC’s Simple Steps. Better Air. program, the county is looking for innovative ideas from the community on how to structure a fare subsidy program that will increase bus use by Lafayette residents and employees. The contest is open to the general public, but Boulder County employees may not participate. You must be 18 to submit an idea, or have express written permission from a parent or guardian.
All submissions must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, June 23 to be included in the contest. More information - including all rules, regulations, and how to submit - is available on the contest website.
The top three ideas will be chosen by selection panel composed of members from the City of Lafayette, Boulder County, the RAQC, and RTD. Cash awards will be as follows:
- $3,000 for first place
- $1,500 for second place
- $500 for third place
“We are very excited to see what ideas are submitted,” said Boulder County Commissioner Cindy Domenico. “We have been encouraging residents to ride the bus for years and providing a multitude of reasons why it is a good idea. This time, it’s the public’s turn to tell us what would motivate them to hop on a bus more often. Increased bus ridership has many benefits to the community, from helping the environment, to reducing congestion on area roads, so this project is key for Lafayette and for Boulder County as a whole.”
“In Lafayette, many citizens are concerned about increased congestion on our roads,” added Lafayette Mayor Christine Berg. “The ‘No Fare Contest’ is an innovative way to not only educate and engage residents about using public transit and reducing traffic, but also provides affordable mobility to everyone. Increased ridership also benefits the environment by reducing air pollution and strategically addressing climate change at the local level.”
The selected program(s) will be implemented this summer, and will likely run from July through September.
For more information, visit the contest website, or contact Scott McCarey, Multi-Modal Division Manager, at smccarey@bouldercounty.org or 720-564-2665.