The Mobility and Access Coalition (MAC) newsletter, a staple source for transportation updates in Boulder County, will soon be going the way of the dinosaur. The last edition of this monthly bulletin hit inboxes this December, with readers being urged to switch gears and sign up for the Mobility for All monthly newsletter instead. This newer offering promises to keep residents abreast of programs, workshops, and more – and yes, it will still serve up its content in both English and Spanish.
As the MAC shifts its operational gears – which is to say, their monthly dissemination of community updates is taking a permanent detour – there are some noteworthy action items and changes for the public to chew on. One of the highlights is the 20th anniversary celebration of the DRMAC's Annual Meeting set for December 2, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. That's not all – the community response to Via Mobility Services' dip into fare free territory for paratransit has been smiling faces all around, according to the Boulder County news statement.
In the spirit of sustainability and community engagement, MAC's GoTober initiative continued to encourage Boulderites to ditch solo car trips in favor of more environmentally friendly commuting options. Meanwhile, on November 14, the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day found eight BVSD elementary schools engaging students and the community in a walk for justice and history, which was hosted in collaboration with Mobility for All.
Looking ahead, starting January 1, 2026, the RTD Access on Demand service will tweak its provisions. The fare per trip will tick up to $4.50, with those qualifying for RTD's LIVE program having their fare pinned at $2.25 per trip. Whereas subsidy amounts will see a decrease from $25 to $20, and while service hours will remain within ADA paratransit hours, there will be a new blackout period between 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. The service will also loosen up the reins by allowing up to two stops per trip with providers that support this feature – a step up from the previous single-stop limit. Keep in mind, though, that all trips must still begin and end within the RTD service boundary, and the monthly trips cap remains at 60.
And finally, if you've marked your calendars for all things MAC, adjust your reminders for the next meeting slated for Wednesday, January 21, from 1 - 2:20 p.m. But before you switch tabs and start planning your new commuting strategies, let's take a moment to appreciate the coalition's recent nod to civil rights heroine Ruby Bridges. The event at the Boulder Public Library marked a significant community gathering, as detailed in Boulder County's news report. The day saw around 40 attendees, with activities ranging from book readings and crafts for young ones to restorative justice dialogues for teens and adults, all rooted in Ruby Bridges' enduring legacy.
