Boulder has free transit (and has for 40+ years). 

Duane “Woody” Wood once saw how a bus driver’s kindness — a generous attitude and the gift of a blanket — touched his father during his dialysis treatments. That inspired him to later become a Via Mobility Services driver. 

“I wanted to give back to the community and I just want to help people,” he said. “My profession is to love people and that’s what I try to do.” 

With his work driving for Via Mobility Services, Woody helps people in Boulder County (and other areas) stay connected and independent. On these buses, people facing mobility challenges and those living in rural areas find accessibility and connection.  

The Boulder-based nonprofit, a select employer group at Elevations, has been helping riders gain independence and opportunities for increased engagement both on the bus and in the wider world for over 40 years. 

Kari Lapenes, a supervisor operations specialist, said Via Mobility Services is “like a heart for…people with different abilities.” 

Beyond transit for people with mobility challenges, the nonprofit has been working with RTD’s FlexRide since 2000 and is contracted to drive for Boulder’s HOP, a public bus, and shuttles like Park-to-Park for Chatauqua among several others. They’ve also provided shuttles for a homeless shelter and “second-response” evacuation transit. 

As a driver, connecting with passengers, who may have been more isolated because of mobility challenges, is Woody’s priority. Like many drivers at the nonprofit, he seeks to boost their spirits and feels the rewards of those interactions in return. Once, he broke a new tablet when he backed his seat into it accidentally. After having become cranky as a result, he picked up a passenger from a dialysis appointment with a sunny demeanor.  

“It really changed my outlook on life and things that seem important that are not,” he said. “Obviously, I already knew what was important and what was not, but this just really brought it to light at that minute and it was very rewarding.” 

A few favorite moments and memories of Via Mobility Services team members: 

• Picking up one rider who is always singing as she boards 

• Passengers helping one another and bonding 

• Seeing a passenger’s mood change after interacting with those on the bus 

• Hearing the music from the Chatauqua while driving past as it turns dark 

• Watching the beautiful scenery during the route to Lyons 

• Hearing a 94-year-old rider paratransit rider’s grandson say “Thank you” for helping his grandmother go to the senior center whenever she wants. 

During times of hardship, Via Mobility Services has connected with the larger community. After the King Sooper’s shooting in 2021, their headquarters were open for those affected to gather and connect. 

“It’s got a little community on wheels sometimes indeed,” Woody said. 

As a “second responder,” Via Mobility Services has helped with free evacuation transport in times of wildfires, floods and the recent attack on Pearl Street, following the direction of the Office of Disaster Management.  

During the Marshall Fire, drivers put themselves in harm’s way to help evacuate people and pets. LaPenes, then a new driver, was considering leaving the state because her home was close to the fire. CEO Frank Bruno, who is also the former Boulder city manager, arranged for a safe place where she and her dog could stay out of harm’s way. 

“We’re here for the community. We reinvest in the community,” Bruno said. “The revenue stays here, the wages stay here, the commitment to community remains.” 

Via Mobility Services works closely with nearby cities and counties to learn locals’ needs and concerns, adapting their routes to address any concerns about the routes. The same attitude goes towards employees in helping improve the organization.  

Overall, the culture of the team is generosity and kindness towards the Boulder community. 

“I’ve always had this idea that you need to care for people regardless of who they are,” Woody said.