City transit officials are hoping new vinyl wraps on the two fully electric Chevy Equinox vehicles that serve the Yellow Zone will promote awareness of the free service that provides on-demand, point-to-point public transit in downtown Steamboat Springs.

“A lot of people know the service exists, but we’re always trying to get the word out there to as many people as possible,” said Mike Fisher, a Colorado regional manager for Downtowner App. “We are trying to increase awareness, and one of the things we did was add vinyl wraps on the vehicles to just make them a little bit more eye-catching and noticeable.”

Fisher explained his company has been contracted by the city of Steamboat Springs to operate the Yellow Zone ride service, which provides free-to-use, on-demand public transportation and access to transit services for those who are some distance from the closest bus stop.

Riders can access the service by downloading the Yellow Zone app or by calling 970-833-4438. The service is available from 7 a.m. to 6:20 p.m. daily.

“It’s completely free for the riders to use,” Fisher said. “You can request a ride using an app on your phone, or you can call into our call center. We’ll give you a wait time and an estimated time of arrival.”

Once notified, the driver will arrive at the commuter’s location, pick them up and will then take them to their destination — or to a bus stop where a free city bus can get them to their desired location outside of the Yellow Zone service area. The service covers most of the downtown area from Hilltop Drive to the Stockbridge Transit Center, but transfers are required to go to West Steamboat, the Steamboat Ski Resort or condominiums outside the service area.

Fisher said riders may need to share the commute if there’s other commuters requesting a ride in the same area and going the same direction. The vehicles are equipped with ski racks.

“We’ve got all sorts of safety features in place,” Fisher said. “We’ve got W-2 drivers who are well-vetted, undergo regular background checks, regular drug testing and they’re all in company vehicles using company equipment.”

Fisher said the service is valuable for tourists, locals and even students from Steamboat Springs High School who have used the Yellow Line in the past to get to class or leave campus for lunch.

“(The service) was created to help connect the neighborhoods,” Fisher said. “If you look at the service area, and you live all the way on top of Hilltop, you’re quite a hike from any of those public transit routes. A big part of why Steamboat Springs Transit offers this service is not only to increase the overall mobility of that area, but to connect people that are far away from bus stops with those bus routes.”

More information and a route map are available at SteamboatSprings.net/1312/Yellow-Zone.