Mobile mechanic expands service across rural Fremont County

Under the Bus Auto is widening its on-site repair service across Fremont County, Colorado, to help older residents, rural drivers and stranded travelers get vehicle repairs without towing. The move comes as the county ages, the region’s tourism traffic rises and the auto technician shortage leaves fewer repair options.

Why it matters: - Fremont County has more older residents, more rural distance and fewer repair technicians than many places in Colorado. - Mobile auto repair can remove the biggest barrier for drivers who cannot easily get a disabled vehicle to a shop. - The service also helps travelers whose trips to the Royal Gorge area can be derailed by a breakdown far from home.

What happened: - Under the Bus Auto, a mobile mechanic based in Cañon City, is expanding at-your-location vehicle repair across Fremont County. - The company is serving residents in driveways and travelers stranded along routes to Royal Gorge. - The service area includes Cañon City, Florence, Royal Gorge, Lincoln Park, Brookside, Williamsburg, Rockvale, Coal Creek and nearby communities.

The details: - Fremont County has 50,000 residents spread across more than 1,500 square miles. - The county’s population density is about 32 people per square mile. - More than a quarter of residents, 25.6%, are 65 or older, about 1.5 times the national share, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. - The county’s rural layout can make a repair-shop trip a long drive, a lost day or a dependence on family help. - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 70,000 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year through 2034. - TechForce Foundation estimates the transportation sector needs more than 240,000 new technicians annually, while technical schools and community colleges produce roughly 100,000 graduates a year. - Under the Bus Auto performs on-site auto repair, periodic maintenance and aftermarket accessory installation for vehicles of any make, model or age. - Services include engine diagnostics, brake work, oil changes, tune-ups and performance add-ons. - The company charges no mileage fee anywhere inside Fremont County. - Under the Bus Auto provides free quotes before work begins. - Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has drawn as many as 350,000 visitors in a single year. - Mountain highways feeding Cañon City, Florence and the Royal Gorge region carry road-trippers, RVs and out-of-state vehicles through unfamiliar terrain. - Roy said the company sees two kinds of calls: local residents who cannot get a vehicle started for work, and out-of-state families with warning lights and no local contact. - Roy said the company brings the shop to the vehicle in both cases.

Between the lines: - The expansion reflects a larger shift toward mobile services for rural and aging populations. - In communities like Fremont County, transportation access is tied to jobs, medical appointments and independence. - The technician shortage is likely to keep pressure on traditional repair shops, especially in smaller markets.

What's next: - Residents and travelers in the Fremont County area can request service or a free quote by calling (719) 964-0522 or visiting the company website. - Under the Bus Auto can also be found on Facebook.

The bottom line: - Under the Bus Auto is betting that bringing repairs to the vehicle will fill a growing gap for rural drivers and stranded visitors in Fremont County.