The Future of Transit in Golden

The future of transit begins right here in Golden! The Colorado Smart Cities Alliance has chosen Golden for a one-year pilot program that will employ a free shuttle service using driverless vehicles. Thanks to a partnership between the Alliance, the City and the Colorado School of Mines, a transit company called EZ Mile which specializes in autonomous vehicle technology, will be deploying 7 driverless shuttles on three different routes through Golden beginning on the first of August.

EZ Mile is a leader in transit innovation and has been using this technology worldwide since 2014, including an autonomous shuttle that has already been in operation on the NREL campus in Golden. The vehicles can reach speeds of up to 12 mph, and although they are ‘driverless’ each one will have a CSM Mines student in the role of Customer Service Ambassador, who will be trained to answer questions and take the controls should any intervention be needed. The vehicles are fully electric and will return each night to specially installed charging stations on the Mines campus to recharge. Up to six passengers seated with seatbelts can ride in each vehicle.

Golden was selected as one of just three EZ Street deployment sites for several reasons. It represents a unique and compelling downtown/university campus use case that will serve the transit needs of residents, students, and visitors alike. The downtown and campus operating environments are highly conducive to reliable, safe operation of autonomous shuttles and lastly, because the City and Colorado School of Mines have demonstrated a high level of engagement and willingness to partner on this innovative effort. The three routes in this shuttle system were chosen based on the operating needs of the autonomous vehicles. The plan is to run them from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with variations that will help maximize ridership. One route will link the student housing at Mines Park to campus; the downtown route will link campus to west downtown and the third route links the stadium to central campus. The shuttle schedules and routes will be incorporated into the RTD website under their ‘trip planner’ feature. Detailed maps of the determined routes can be found on www.guidinggolden.com.

This exciting innovation is coming to Golden thanks to federal and state approvals, with minimal financial impact to the City. Our contribution to the success of the program is the coordination of public outreach and information about the pilot project, and ensuring that the infrastructure within the City’s right of way, such as transit stop signage, paint markings and concrete pads for passenger loading, is conducive to the operation of the vehicles. We are excited to be part of this innovative transit solution.

Staying Safe in the Great Outdoors

As the weather continues to warm, and there is a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, many people are eager to get outside and enjoy all the wonderful recreation opportunities that Colorado offers. While it’s fun to explore, it’s important to remember that the Colorado backcountry, and even our own foothills, can be wild and unpredictable. Make safety a priority when planning your adventure, and follow these tips brought to you by the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) and the Golden Fire & Life Safety Division.

Whenever possible, have a partner on your adventure. If that’s not feasible, let someone know your plans, including where you intend to be, and what time you intend to return. Make sure to take a fully charged cell phone should you or someone else have an emergency. Remember that cell phone service can be spotty or non-existent in some places, so don’t rely on your phone for route finding or GPS. Always keep a map and compass accessible. Pack a basic first aid kit, including any medicines you may need, such as an inhaler or even an ‘epi-pen’ if you are known to have allergic reactions.

Colorado is known for its sunshine, but the weather can change quickly and drastically. Be sure to wear proper footwear and bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Carry extra layers: a wool or synthetic insulating layer, gloves, rain gear, a warm hat, and extra socks. Avoid cotton which is a poor insulator and doesn’t dry quickly.

In case of an unexpected overnight, a headlamp is a good way for hands-free lighting. Always carry extra food and a firestarter like a lighter or matches (it never hurts to have both). Lastly, the CMC recommends keeping at least 2 liters of water in your pack. Even though alpine water often appears clean, it contains microbes that can make you sick.

Learn more about exploring the Colorado outdoors safely by visiting www.cmc.org.