Employers provide them for their employees free or at a reduced rate. The City of Boulder annually provides the Eco Pass free to its employees. Neighborhood groups can also buy a version of the pass known as the Residential Bus Pass for residents. In addition, businesses in Boulder's downtown area pay a special tax, and money from that tax is used to buy Eco Passes for all employees in the district. Boulder has a population of nearly 100,000.
Boulder also makes the option of using mass transit as easy and convenient as possible.
For example, the city makes fleet vehicles and bicycles available for city business during the day to city employees who use alternative modes of transportation. The city has also addressed the fear that workers might miss their ride or have an emergency need to be home early. Rides are available, even in an emergency. If you take any kind of alternative transportation and have an emergency, or maybe it rains and you can't ride your bike home, you call a taxi, show them your Eco Pass, and get a free ride home. Even with a stop at day care.