In response to the letter to the editor regarding the service reductions Roaring Fork Transportation Authority will introduce today, RFTA regrets having to take this action. However, RFTA asserts we will still maintain good (every half an hour) frequency downvalley at night even with the reduction in bust-rapid-transit services. RFTA will offer local and express services at night at 15 minutes after the hour. Also, we will offer 45 minutes after the hour departures with local services.

The evening BRT runs that were cut were not generating significant ridership — averaging between 6 and 15 riders.

Starting on Aug. 14, RFTA has added 20 shifts to its scheduling roster to provide transit mitigation services for the closing of the Grand Avenue Bridge. Accordingly, RFTA has had to evaluate and prioritize resources to provide the personnel and equipment to support this effort. The preparations RFTA has undergone for Grand Avenue Bridge are unprecedented in the history of RFTA, and we are striving to be the crucial link to making transportation more manageable in the Roaring Fork Valley for the upcoming next three months. But again, we regret having to reduce service, and we greatly appreciate everyone's patience and understanding until the Grand Avenue Bridge is opened once again.

Kent R. Blackmer

Co-director of operations, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority