FAQs

The goal of the plan is to find the most effective way to provide transit service within Transfort’s budget.

Providing the same level of transit service as in 2019 would cost an additional $3 million each year. This increase is due to higher staffing, fuel and maintenance costs.

Fully completing the Transit Master Plan by 2040 would require another $15 million annually. Even with the new ¼-cent sales tax, which generates about $5 million each year, Transfort still faces a $13 million annual funding gap to reach full service and complete the plan. 

Purpose: Create a short-term transit plan that fits within the budget, reflects what the community wants and helps more people choose to ride the bus.

Goals:

• Keep public transit free so it is fair for everyone and encourages more people to use it
• Ensure people from different backgrounds can help set priorities
• Use strategies that are already proven to increase ridership
• Adjust service to reflect how people travel today
• Design the system so it is simple, clear and easy to use
• Plan carefully to keep costs within the budget

The recommended transit scenario was developed through the following methods:

• Reviewed feedback from the public through surveys, outreach events, focus groups and presentations
• Used data to compare and evaluate the three options listed below
• Reviewed best practices from the transit industry
• Tested how well different routes would perform
• Used all of this information to create a recommended transit system

The community said the top priority is more frequent bus service, even if that means serving fewer areas. People want service that focuses on riders who depend on transit. They also want simple, direct routes along major roads that are easy to understand and use.

People also said that improving safety, reliability, on-time performance and the overall rider experience is important. There were concerns about routes that are too long, buses that do not run often enough and gaps in service in areas like Timberline and Trilby.

Some people expressed interest in microtransit. However, many were concerned about the cost and did not like the idea of transferring between microtransit and regular bus service. People also supported building stronger partnerships to help expand service.

Finally, many people asked for better access. This includes more evening and weekend service, as well as service that connects to schools, CSU, Front Range Community College and parks and recreation areas.

Over several months, Transfort tested the recommended network to make sure it is efficient, realistic and achievable with available resources. The result is a scenario based on data, industry best practices and community feedback.

Dial-A-Ride service area will change too. 

• Dial-A-Ride service will no longer be available on Sundays
• Dial-A-Taxi vouchers will be $15 in value, and the service area will expand
• Any existing clients who now fall outside of the new service area will maintain their eligibility for door-to-door service with Dial-A-Ride.