Telluride Takes Next Step in Replacing the Gondola
The Gondola Leadership Committee met recently to review updates regarding the future of the gondola system connecting Telluride and Mountain Village. At that meeting, the committee discussed recommendations for the initial construction, design capacity, station planning, and ballot measure language for the upcoming November election.
The Only Free Public Transit System of Its Kind in the US
Telski Funded 70% of the Project Initially and Contributes 1% of Ticket Sales Annually
As the only free public transit system of its kind in the United States, the gondola transports approximately three million people annually. The Town of Mountain Village currently owns and operates the gondola. Telluride Ski & Golf (Telski) funded 70% of the original capital project for the gondola’s installation. In 1999, Telski and the Town of Mountain Village agreed to allocate 1% of ticket sales towards the gondola.
Decision Made to Replace the Current Telluride Gondola Rather Than Upgrading Existing System
Ridership Anticipated to Reach 4 Million by 2037
Rather than upgrading the existing system, the leadership committee is pursuing a project to replace the gondola, which is anticipated to be more cost-effective. Moreover, the new gondola is expected to better accommodate the increasing ridership, projected to reach four million by 2037. The committee hopes to begin construction on the new gondola in 2028.
San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) has been in charge of the gondola planning. They will also oversee future gondola operations after 2027. SMART plans to introduce a ballot measure in November to help fund the operations and maintenance of the gondola. As part of its planning, the transportation authority has four options for generating revenue to fund future operations: bonds, a sales tax (not to exceed 2%), a visitor benefit tax (not to exceed 2%), and a mill levy of up to five mills on all taxable property.
Leadership Agrees that Replacement is a Better Option
Commuter Traffic Makes Up The Bulk of Riders Between Telluride and Mountain Village
As quoted in the local newspaper, the Telluride Daily Planet, communications strategist Miles Graham said, “The choice was pretty clear that our community would be much better served by a new machine. The intent is that it will offer a much faster, smoother, and more reliable trip.”