Fremont County reports less than 1% public transportation usage amid rising demand

The Riverton City Council convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss various topics, with a significant focus on public transportation in Fremont County. The meeting began with a query regarding the low percentage of public transportation usage in the area, reported at less than half a percent. A council member sought clarification on whether this statistic had changed in recent years and requested more accurate data.

In response, a representative cited the US Census Bureau and the Wyoming Community Development Authority as the sources of the data. However, they acknowledged the need for further research to provide updated figures. The representative emphasized that the reported statistic reflects the overall population's usage of public transportation services and noted the importance of considering the frequency of use among those who do utilize the services.

Councilman Larson inquired about the average ridership per route, specifically asking how many passengers typically occupy a bus that holds 35. The representative provided insight into the ridership statistics, stating that the average monthly ridership on fixed route services is approximately 1,000. They explained that ridership fluctuates throughout the day, with some peak times reaching full capacity.

Additionally, the representative highlighted the increasing demand for alternative transportation programs, such as SafeRide, which reported 310 passengers in May, alongside 2,400 passengers utilizing other demand response services. This indicates a growing reliance on these programs as part of the community's transportation network.

The meeting concluded without any formal resolutions but underscored the need for ongoing evaluation of public transportation services in Riverton, particularly in light of rising demand and usage trends. The council plans to continue monitoring these developments to better serve the community's transportation needs.