Sustainable Transportation

photo of car being charged a level 2 charging station at paepcke park
Rubey Park Transit Center, people looking at maps
Bike on the Rio Grand Trail
RFTA bus with doors open
  1. Why Sustainable Transportation?
  2. Electric Vehicle Programs
  3. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
  4. FAQs
  • The transportation sector is the most polluting sector both in the U.S. and in Colorado. In Aspen, transportation sector emissions are responsible for 26% of the community’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. GHG emissions from gas-powered vehicles alone (passenger cars, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and buses etc) make up 11% of total transportation emissions.  
  • If you are driving, then you are part of the traffic congestion problem. As a first choice, we ask the community to prioritize active or shared transportation. For more information on walking, biking, or taking public transit, and carpooling in Aspen, please visit the Transportation Department’s Driveless Options page.
  • If you have to drive, consider driving an electric/zero emission vehicle. With unprecedented federal and state investments in clean vehicle technology, there are numerous options to find an electric vehicle that suits your needs. 

pie chart showing the percentage of emissions from different sectors

Why drive electric? 

  • Renewable Energy: A battery-powered electric vehicle (not gas) charged on Aspen Electric’s 100% renewable electric grid helps the city achieve its climate goals. 
  • Clean Air: Electric vehicles improve air quality by reducing pollution from tailpipes, including ozone and particulate matter pollution. 
  • Low Cost: Compared to gas-powered vehicles, electric vehicles cost less to operate in the long run. Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts relative to a gas engine, so less maintenance is required.  


For more information on why electric vehicles, visit Colorado.gov’s “Get the Facts on Driving Electric” guide.

For information specific to residential, multifamily, commercial, and fleet electric vehicles and chargers, please visit our Residential and Commercial Charging page.  


Questions? Contact us at climate@aspen.gov