New RTA bus stop gives WSC shelter

Gimme’ shelter

Last winter Laurien Moes thought that she and others should have some shelter while freezing in the cold in Gunnison, waiting for the Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority bus to Crested Butte. This winter, thanks to the efforts of the Western State College senior, she won’t have to stand outside braving the elements.

Moes had the idea to build a permanent structure at the bus stop on Colorado Street and Ohio Avenue, and after consulting some friends and community members, she took the project up in an outdoor leadership class last semester. She then submitted a proposal to the college’s Sustainability Fund, which awarded $9,100 for the project. The city of Gunnison also supported the project with $1,500. Chief Construction was the contractor that built the shelter.
A small, enclosed shelter was completed on November 25, just as Crested Butte Mountain Resort began its season.
Drew Jenkins, Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration at WSC, stated that the college hopes the structure will encourage students and residents to take the RTA bus instead of driving.
Moes is pleased that her efforts came to fruition so quickly.
“It’s very rewarding to do a student project that will benefit many people,” she said.
She added that she hopes the structure will inspire others across town to follow in her footsteps.
“Hopefully it’s an example of more to come.”