> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.westernslopetrellis.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Grand Valley Transit proposes cutting the first hour of bus service starting in January - URL: https://www.westernslopetrellis.com/grand-valley-transit-proposes-cutting-the-first-hour-of-bus-service-starting-in-january/ - Published: 2026-10-31T15:38:03.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-31T15:38:03.000Z - Description: Two options would push the first downtown departure to 6:15 a.m. on weekdays, and possibly Saturdays too. Comments are open through Nov. 21. - Author: Western Slope Trellis Staff The earliest buses in the Grand Valley could stop running in January. Grand Valley Transit is asking riders to comment on two proposals that would eliminate the first hour of service on every route, starting in January 2027\. The agency says the cuts are needed because of budget constraints. ## The two options Under the first proposal, the first hour of service would be dropped on weekdays only. Saturday schedules would stay the same. Under the second proposal, the first hour would be dropped on all service days, weekdays and Saturdays alike. Either way, the last buses of the day would run at the same times they do now. Only the morning start would change. ## What that looks like at the stops According to GVT's [information packet](https://www.mesacounty.us/sites/default/files/2026-10/GVT%20Service%20Reduction%5F2026%5F1023-Public%20Info%20Packet%5FADA.pdf?ref=westernslopetrellis.com), the first weekday departures from the Downtown Transfer Facility would move to 6:15 a.m., one hour later than today. First departures from the West Transfer Facility would shift to 5:45, 6:45 and 7:15 a.m. depending on the route, and from the Clifton Transfer Facility to 5:45 and 6:45 a.m. Under the second proposal, Saturday mornings would also start an hour later, with the first downtown departure at 8:15 a.m. The packet does not say how much money either option would save, or how many riders use the first hour of service. Those are reasonable questions to raise during the comment period. ## Why now GVT is operated by Mesa County, which is finishing a [2027 budget](https://www.mesacounty.us/news/finance/proposed-2027-budget-maintains-core-services-while-addressing-financial-pressures?ref=westernslopetrellis.com) that draws $31.9 million from reserves and trims 61 positions. The transit system is governed by the Grand Valley Regional Transportation Committee, made up of one elected official each from Mesa County, Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. That committee will get a staff report on the proposals and take public comment at its Dec. 7 meeting. GVT says it wants to hear three things from riders: whether you or someone you know would be affected, how, and anything else you want the agency to consider. ## How to weigh in Comments are being accepted through Saturday, Nov. 21\. You can: - Fill out a comment card at the Downtown, West or Clifton transfer facilities - Email [grandvalleytransit@mesacounty.us](mailto:grandvalleytransit@mesacounty.us) - Leave a recorded message at 970-683-4339 - Mail written comments to PO Box 20,000-5093, Grand Junction, CO 81502 - Attend the public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 525 S. 6th St., 2nd floor, in Grand Junction, or join virtually through the link on the [GVT website](https://www.mesacounty.us/gvt?ref=westernslopetrellis.com) GVT is posting responses to comments in a [public comment log](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iPLh%5FxCU%5FIB9I86-v%5Fig%5FbwZ33UHBen0NJi770h-wHE/edit?usp=sharing&ref=westernslopetrellis.com). The Grand Valley Regional Transportation Committee meets Dec. 7 at the Grand Junction City Hall Auditorium, 250 N. 5th St., and will take comment there as well.