Telluride, Colorado, is celebrating after voters approved Measure 3A, which will raise taxes to secure the future of the widely popular gondola system serving the picturesque town and nearby Mountain Village. The gondola is not just any transport; it’s unique—it’s the only free public transit system of its kind across the United States, transporting over three million people annually, exceeding even some of the regional light rail lines.
Launched back in the 1990s, the gondola connects Telluride with Mountain Village, taking passengers over the stunning 10,500-foot Coonskin Ridge, making the trip shorter than driving the road. It's frequented by both residents and tourists, offering quick transit that's become integral to local life. David Averill, executive director of the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation, describes it as “accessible, free, high-quality, frequent transportation for everybody.” He emphasizes its role as “a great equalizer” for the community.
During peak times, when holiday visitors flock to the area, lines can stretch to over an hour, underscoring the gondola's popularity and the pressing need for investment. The gondola’s operations depend heavily on funding from the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association, but as their 30-year agreement winds down by the end of 2027, local leaders turned to voters for help. With the passage of Measure 3A by 53% to 47%, it appears the community is ready to shoulder the responsibility.
The fiscal impact is significant, with projections estimating annual revenue of $8.2 million, which will primarily support not just the gondola's future but also enhancements to regional bus services. Averill notes, “About $1 million of this new tax revenue will fund improvements to bus service to down-valley communities where many workers live.” This is expected to quintuple the regional transportation authority’s annual revenue from $2 million to around $10 million.
On the downside, the tax hike brings mixed feelings. While many locals support the gondola's continued operation, some voiced concerns about the increasing cost of living. For example, Erin Ries, who has called Telluride home for 35 years, believes higher expenses should predominantly fall on Mountain Village—particularly due to their significant development plans, including the looming construction of a near $1 billion Four Seasons hotel and condo complex.
While there wasn’t any organized opposition to the tax increase, the conversation around affordability remains. Ries shares the sentiment of many long-time residents: “It’s hard to live here. I want people to be able to buy here and live here. And things like this make it very difficult for locals.”
With local officials citing the gondola as integral to reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality—a big plus for its environmental impact—citizens are hopeful for its future. The new funds will help prepare for the eventual replacement of the gondola, with estimates ranging between $60 million and $100 million, depending on advancements and community needs.
Proponents of the Measure argue this new revenue will pave the way for enhanced public transport, ensuring sustainable access for both residents and tourists alike across the vibrant, mountainous region of Colorado.
Residents are reminded, though, of how civic engagement can shape their future—this issue reflects broader struggles faced by many communities weighing growth against sustainability and affordability. The gondola project has become not just about transportation but about balancing local needs with economic development interests.
