Roaring Fork Transportation Authority

Transportation in the Roaring Fork Valley dates back to the late-1880s, when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad ran their first train to Glenwood Springs on October 5, 1887. The railroad continued extending their line upvalley to Aspen, completing the Aspen Branch on October 27, 1887. Denver and Rio Grande's competitor, Colorado Midland Railway, reached Aspen the same year, and completed their connection downvalley to Glenwood Springs on December 9, 1887. The Colorado Midland Railway's route was later converted to Colorado State Highway 82 (SH 82).{{cite web |last1=Holmes |first1=ND |title=Aspen Branch |url=http://www.drgw.net/info/AspenBranch |website=www.drgw.net |accessdate=October 18, 2020 |date=October 25, 2011}}{{cite news |last1=Soncarty |first1=Willa |title=In 1887, the railroads arrived in Glenwood |url=https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/in-1887-the-railroads-arrived-in-glenwood/ |accessdate=October 18, 2020 |work=www.postindependent.com |date=November 17, 2004}} In 1890, Aspen's economy boomed after the passing of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, becoming the largest silver producer in the United States. In June, the Aspen City Railway opened a {{cvt|1.2|mi|km|abbr=off}} narrow gauge horsecar line that zigzagged through the city. The system was the smallest in the state, owning only two cars and five horses. The repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act in 1983, Aspen's economy collapsed, and it is assumed operations were abandoned sometime afterwards.{{cite web |last1=VanderKwaak |first1=Nick |last2=Wahlers |first2=Jennifer |last3=Litvak |first3=Dianna |last4=Raath |first4=Ethan Raath |title=Historic Streetcar Systems of Colorado |url=https://www.codot.gov/programs/environmental/archaeology-and-history/assets/documents/streetcarsystems.pdf |publisher=Colorado Department of Transportation |accessdate=October 18, 2020 |date=September 2020}} Due to early abandonment, the Aspen City Railway never converted to electric streetcars as was common during that time.{{cite web |last1=Vandervoort |first1=Bill |title=TRANSIT SYSTEMS IN COLORADO |url=http://www.chicagorailfan.com/aatco2.html |website=www.chicagorailfan.com |accessdate=October 18, 2020}}

RFTA's origins dates back to the mid-1970s when the City of Aspen and Piktin County implemented separate free transit services for the area, Aspen Free Shuttle and Pitkin County Bus, respectively. Aspen Free Shuttle operated fixed routes within the city and to Aspen Skiing Company mountains, while Pitkin County bus operated on the SH 82 corridor to El Jebel. In 1983 the Roaring Fork Transit Agency (RFTA) was formed by merging the two systems, funded by a 1¢ sales tax. Service was extended to Carbondale in 1989. From 1984 to 1989, yearly ridership increased 36% from 1.4 million to 1.8 million.{{cite AV media|people = Pevec, Hamilton|date = January 31, 2012|title = RFTA: From Bluebirds to Bus Rapid Transit|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sY7VRwmso8|location = Aspen, Colorado|publisher = Grassroots TV}}{{cite web |title=2019 STRATEGIC PLAN |url=https://www.rfta.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/18091_2019-strategic-plan-draft.pdf |publisher=RFTA |accessdate=October 11, 2020 |date=August 2019}}

Between 1990 and 1995, RFTA experienced incredible growth of 85% from 1.9 million to 3.5 million annual rides. Ridership increases were contributed to service extension to Glenwood Springs, a free downtown circulator in Glenwood Springs, frequency increases, and the introduction of paid parking in Aspen. Also during this time period, the Environmental Protection Agency designated Aspen as a National Ambient Air Quality Standards#Standards, resulting in RFTA increasing services to reduce air pollution and vehicle miles traveled, particularly along the SH 82 corridor.{{cite news |last1=Dove |first1=Molly |title=Rocky Mountain Why?: Why Is The HOV Lane On The Right Side Of Highway 82? |url=https://www.aspenpublicradio.org/post/rocky-mountain-why-why-hov-lane-right-side-highway-82 |accessdate=October 24, 2020 |work=Aspen Public Radio |date=February 12, 2020 |language=en}}

In 1994 the Roaring Fork Railroad Holding Authority (RFRHA) was created as a public entity to purchase the former Denver and Rio Grande Aspen Branch between Glenwood Springs and Woody Creek. The corridor was purchased in 1996 at a cost of $8.5 million. The corridor was converted to a rail trail and railbanked for a future mass transit line to reduce congestion on SH 82. In 2000, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority was created by seven members in the Roaring Fork Valley, creating the state's first Rural Transportation Agency and taking over the responsibilities of the Roaring Fork Transit Agency. As a result of the vote, RFRHA merged with the RFTA in 2001.{{cite news |last1=Szewczyk |first1=Collin |title=From trains to trail on the Rio Grande |url=https://www.aspendailynews.com/from-trains-to-trail-on-the-rio-grande/article_c3c48d0c-ec4d-529d-aac0-6a4a38cc7bbd.html |accessdate=October 12, 2020 |work=Aspen Daily News |date=February 28, 2017 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Markalunas |first1=Jim |title=Two flawed alternatives |url=https://www.aspentimes.com/news/two-flawed-alternatives/ |accessdate=October 12, 2020 |work=The Aspen Times |date=October 17, 2002}}{{cite news |last1=Auslander |first1=Jason |title=Entrance to Aspen: Light rail millions more than buses |url=https://www.aspentimes.com/news/entrance-to-aspen-light-rail-millions-more-than-buses/ |accessdate=October 12, 2020 |work=The Aspen Times |date=March 23, 2017}}

In 2004 the Town of New Castle voted to become the newest member of RFTA. Rifle and Silt, west of New Castle along the I-70/US 6 corridor, are not members but still receive RFTA service on the Grand Hogback route.

Service was temporarily extended to Parachute during a 95-day replacement of the Grand Avenue bridge in Glenwood Springs from August 14 to November 22, 2017.{{cite web |date=July 5, 2017 |title=Bus routes set for Grand Avenue bridge closure |url=http://www.postindependent.com/news/rifle/bus-routes-set-for-grand-avenue-bridge-closure-2/ |accessdate=November 3, 2017 |website=PostIndependent.com |publisher=Post Independent / Citizen Telegram}}{{cite web |title=GAB - Grand Avenue Bridge Detour Public Transit Routes |url=https://www.rfta.com/GAB/ |website=RFTA |accessdate=October 12, 2020}} It's estimated that the free service resulted in an additional 300,000 annual rides during 2017.{{cite news |last1=Condon |first1=Scott |title=RFTA bus service cracks 5 million mark for 4th straight year in 2019 |url=https://www.aspentimes.com/news/rfta-bus-service-cracks-5-million-mark-for-4th-straight-year-in-2019/ |accessdate=October 11, 2020 |work=Aspen Times |date=February 13, 2020}} The Town of Parachute began negotiations with RFTA to extend service there, but was shelved for being too expensive.{{cite news |last1=Wertheim |first1=Charlie |title=Parachute debuts bus system |url=https://www.postindependent.com/news/parachute-debuts-bus-system/ |accessdate=October 12, 2020 |work=Post Independent |date=September 9, 2020}} In September 2020, Parachute Area Transit System (PATS) began service to Battlement Mesa and Rifle, connecting with RFTA at the latter. While RFTA does not operate the service, they assisted in developing routes, fares, and schedules.{{cite news |last1=Phippen |first1=Thomas |title=Bus to Battlement coming summer 2020 |url=https://www.postindependent.com/news/bus-to-battlement-coming-summer-2020/ |accessdate=October 12, 2020 |work=Post Independent |date=January 22, 2020}}

File:NFI DE40i.jpg #602, one of four hybrid Inveros in existence.]]

As of January 2025, RFTA operates a fleet of 106 transit buses and 10 cutaway vans, nine of which are used for paratransit service. All buses are fully accessible and use alternative fuels to enhance environmental sustainability in the Valley. All diesel buses use biodiesel and all gasoline-powered cutaway and service vehicles use ethanol. Twenty-two compressed natural gas (CNG) buses with free on-board Wi-Fi were introduced with the VelociRFTA bus rapid transit line.{{cite news|title=Roaring Fork Transportation Authority|url=http://www.tlimagazine.com/index.php/sections/trucking-and-freight/2078-roaring-fork-transportation-authority|accessdate=August 4, 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Condon |first1=Scott |title=Roaring Fork Valley bus system enters new era Tuesday |url=https://www.aspentimes.com/news/roaring-fork-valley-bus-system-enters-new-era-tuesday/ |accessdate=October 15, 2020 |work=The Aspen Times |date=September 3, 2013}}

On December 3, 2019, eight battery electric buses were placed into service on City of Aspen routes at the cost of $9.2 million. RFTA has developed their Zero-Emission Fleet Transition Plan to guide how the organization plans to transition to a fully Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) fleet. The plan aligns with RFTA’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the goal to reduce fossil fuels burned by RFTA by 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050.{{cite news|title=Aspen's electric buses may be on road by fall|url=https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspens-electric-buses-may-be-on-road-by-fall/}}{{cite news |last1=Hager |first1=Alex |title=RFTA Unveils New Electric Buses |url=https://www.aspenpublicradio.org/post/rfta-unveils-new-electric-buses |accessdate=October 15, 2020 |work=Aspen Public Radio |date=December 3, 2019 |language=en}} CNG buses operate out of the Glenwood Springs Maintenance Facility and battery electric buses operate out of the Aspen Maintenance Facility.{{cite news |last1=Stroud |first1=John |title=Governor helps RFTA usher in CNG bus era |url=https://www.aspentimes.com/news/governor-helps-rfta-usher-in-cng-bus-era/ |accessdate=October 15, 2020 |work=www.aspentimes.com |date=March 7, 2013}}{{cite news |last1=Wanek-Libman |first1=Mischa |title=Roaring Fork Transportation Authority launches zero-emission buses |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/hybrid-hydrogen-electric-vehicles/article/21117244/roaring-fork-transportation-authority-launches-zeroemission-buses |accessdate=October 15, 2020 |work=Mass Transit Magazine |date=December 6, 2019}}

Beginning in the late 1970s, RFTA's predecessors were one of the first transit agencies in the United States to allow buses to carry bikes using custom built bike racks.{{cite news |last1=Condon |first1=Scott |title=RFTA pressed for more bike-friendly bus service |url=https://www.aspentimes.com/news/rfta-pressed-for-more-bike-friendly-bus-service/ |accessdate=October 15, 2020 |work=www.aspentimes.com |date=October 10, 2012}} All buses are equipped with bike racks from mid-spring to late-fall. Racks on most buses are capable of hauling four bikes at a time, although racks on VelociRFTA buses are only capable of carrying two bikes. During winter ski season, the bike racks are removed and replaced with ski racks. Bikes are not allowed on buses after nightfall due to driver visibility issues.{{cite news |title=Aspen bus service gears up for winter |url=https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-bus-service-gears-up-for-winter/ |accessdate=October 15, 2020 |work=The Aspen Times |date=November 11, 2009}}

RFTA's system offers express service throughout the Roaring Fork Valley from Glenwood Springs to Aspen since September 3, 2013. VelociRFTA is thought to be the first ever rural Bus Rapid Transit system in the U.S.{{cite web|title=2013 #7: RFTA starts nation's first rural Bus Rapid Transit system|url=http://www.postindependent.com/news/local/2013-7-rfta-starts-nations-first-rural-bus-rapid-transit-system/|website=PostIndependent.com|date=January 2014 |publisher=Post Independent / Citizen Telegram|accessdate=November 3, 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Dorich|first1=Alan|title=Roaring Fork Transportation Authority|url=http://www.tlimagazine.com/sections/trucking-and-freight/2078-roaring-fork-transportation-authority|publisher=Transportation & Logistics International Magazine|accessdate=November 3, 2017}} Ridership immediately rose 27.6% year over year with the new system.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-county-news/ci_24537913/future-bus-rapid-transit-u-s-36-lessons|title = The future of bus rapid transit on U.S. 36: Lessons from Roaring Fork Valley|date = November 16, 2013}} These buses operate on CNG from the Glenwood Springs facility.

The name is a pun on Velociraptor and the logo is a green Velociraptor. To promote the new service, RFTA placed giant concrete dinosaur eggs at selected bus stops, and cast dinosaur footprints in nearby sidewalks.{{cite web|last1=Urquhart|first1=Janet|title=Roaring Fork Transportation Authority laying giant eggs|date=May 21, 2013 |url=http://www.aspentimes.com/news/roaring-fork-transportation-authority-laying-giant-eggs/|publisher=The Aspen Times|accessdate=November 3, 2017}}

File:RFTA buses at Main St & Garmisch St, Aspen, 2010.jpg

RFTA operates "corridor" regional services on Interstate 70 and State Highway 82 that connect Glenwood Springs with cities along the respective highways. The agency also has circulator and local routes that serve Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Woody Creek, and Snowmass Village.{{cn|date=April 2025}} The City of Aspen has several local routes, including the Maroon Bells shuttle operated under a contract with the United States Forest Service.{{cite web|last1=Condon|first1=Scott|title=Forest Service says record numbers visiting Aspen's Maroon Bells|date=September 22, 2016 |url=http://www.aspentimes.com/news/forest-service-says-record-numbers-visiting-aspens-maroon-bells/|publisher=The Aspen Times|accessdate=November 3, 2017}} The Maroon Bells shuttle is the only RFTA route that requires reservations and uses a special fare.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

RFTA uses fare zones to determine fares based on the length of a trip. Ticket vending machines are available at 9 bus rapid transit stations Stored value cards, seasonal and 30 day zone passes are available from ticket vending machines at all 9 VelociRFTA stations and select retail outlets and offer a 25% discount. RFTA Mobile Tickets was introduced in 2022 and lets riders buy tickets and passes anytime from anywhere on their smartphones. Riders save 25% every time they purchase a single one-way trip or round-trip ticket across all RFTA regional routes when using the RFTA Tickets mobile app. Discount fares are also available for veterans and persons with disabilities. Children under 5 and seniors 65 and over ride for free.{{cite web |title=Bus Fares |url=https://www.rfta.com/fares/ |website=RFTA |accessdate=October 10, 2020}}

Service is free when riding within each fare zone, and between Aspen, Snowmass Village, and Woody Creek.

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Category:Bus transportation in Colorado

Category:Government agencies established in 1983

Category:Transportation in Eagle County, Colorado

Category:Transportation in Pitkin County, Colorado

Category:Transit agencies in Colorado

Category:1983 establishments in Colorado