A complex algorithm aimed at reducing congestion took center stage during the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Work Session on September 30, 2025. The discussion highlighted various strategies, including congestion pricing and the implementation of "hot lanes," which combine bus lanes with high-occupancy vehicle access.

Commissioners emphasized the critical role of infrastructure in alleviating traffic issues. Initially, there was a perception that the board was against infrastructure changes, but the conversation evolved to recognize that without these modifications, other strategies would have limited impact. This shift in perspective is expected to guide future recommendations for congestion reduction.

The meeting also touched on the entrance to Aspen, with assurances that the reevaluation process will consider more than just the proposed underpass and bridge over the river. Additional changes are on the table, indicating a comprehensive approach to improving access to the area.

In a related discussion, the board reviewed a presentation on a carpooling app that has shown promise in reducing traffic. Notably, it was revealed that there are approximately 34,000 empty seats in vehicles entering Aspen daily, underscoring the potential for carpooling solutions to ease congestion.

As the board moves forward, the integration of infrastructure improvements with innovative traffic management strategies will be crucial in addressing the growing congestion challenges in Pitkin County.