Project Overview

The City of Fort Collins launched the Transfort Optimization Plan to work with the community. The goal is to find the most effective way to provide transit service within Transfort’s budget.

Background

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 and Goals

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

How we developed the recommended transit scenario

• 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

What We Heard From The Community

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.

Design Priorities

This process helped shape our design principles. 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.

Next Steps

Transfort presented the completed Optimization Study and Plan to City Council at the March 24 Work Session.

Updated route maps are provided in the April 2026 project update.

Most route service changes are scheduled for implementation in August 2026 while some routes which require significant realignment or new bus stops which are anticipated to change in 2027.

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