Transfort Optimization Plan

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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

A map of the recommended scenario is available below in the project updates section.

In 2026, Transfort will begin planning to implement the new system. Service changes will take effect in 2027.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to project updates on this webpage by clicking or tapping the Subscribe button near the top of the page.

Ask a question about this project by clicking or tapping the Ask us a question button.

Submit a comment about this project by clicking or tapping the Submit a comment button.


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

A map of the recommended scenario is available below in the project updates section.

In 2026, Transfort will begin planning to implement the new system. Service changes will take effect in 2027.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to project updates on this webpage by clicking or tapping the Subscribe button near the top of the page.

Ask a question about this project by clicking or tapping the Ask us a question button.

Submit a comment about this project by clicking or tapping the Submit a comment button.


Ask us a question

Have a question about this project? Ask us here and we'll answer. Your question and our answer will be published to this webpage; if you'd prefer your question to remain private, let us know when you submit your question.

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  • Share I would like to submit feedback to prevent alternations of route 7. I learned of this project from my HOA. I was not aware of the survey, but I am a rider on route 7 from Rigden Farm to CSU. This route is used by many students and employees. Please do not alter route 7. People have bought homes in this neighborhood based on the accessibility of this bus route to the CSU campus. Will there be additional opportunity to give feedback? on Facebook Share I would like to submit feedback to prevent alternations of route 7. I learned of this project from my HOA. I was not aware of the survey, but I am a rider on route 7 from Rigden Farm to CSU. This route is used by many students and employees. Please do not alter route 7. People have bought homes in this neighborhood based on the accessibility of this bus route to the CSU campus. Will there be additional opportunity to give feedback? on Twitter Share I would like to submit feedback to prevent alternations of route 7. I learned of this project from my HOA. I was not aware of the survey, but I am a rider on route 7 from Rigden Farm to CSU. This route is used by many students and employees. Please do not alter route 7. People have bought homes in this neighborhood based on the accessibility of this bus route to the CSU campus. Will there be additional opportunity to give feedback? on Linkedin Email I would like to submit feedback to prevent alternations of route 7. I learned of this project from my HOA. I was not aware of the survey, but I am a rider on route 7 from Rigden Farm to CSU. This route is used by many students and employees. Please do not alter route 7. People have bought homes in this neighborhood based on the accessibility of this bus route to the CSU campus. Will there be additional opportunity to give feedback? link

    I would like to submit feedback to prevent alternations of route 7. I learned of this project from my HOA. I was not aware of the survey, but I am a rider on route 7 from Rigden Farm to CSU. This route is used by many students and employees. Please do not alter route 7. People have bought homes in this neighborhood based on the accessibility of this bus route to the CSU campus. Will there be additional opportunity to give feedback?

    Sheena Freve asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for this feedback, we do recognize the connection between CSU and many of the community members in the Rigden Farm area. While the official public engagement period for this study was May through July, our service development team will continue to receive feedback on all routes.

  • Share Can we add a WC to the bus station? on Facebook Share Can we add a WC to the bus station? on Twitter Share Can we add a WC to the bus station? on Linkedin Email Can we add a WC to the bus station? link

    Can we add a WC to the bus station?

    aoc asked 7 months ago

    All three of our Transit Centers have restrooms available Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. except for holidays. Most of our other bus stops don't have water or sewer lines - making public restrooms challenging.  

  • Share I would like to ask whether the cost of your transportation reform will be included in our public spending. on Facebook Share I would like to ask whether the cost of your transportation reform will be included in our public spending. on Twitter Share I would like to ask whether the cost of your transportation reform will be included in our public spending. on Linkedin Email I would like to ask whether the cost of your transportation reform will be included in our public spending. link

    I would like to ask whether the cost of your transportation reform will be included in our public spending.

    aoc asked 7 months ago

    Transfort is and will continue to be funded through a combination of existing local, state and federal funding sources. 

  • Share As someone who uses a large power chair, I’ve never found a microtransit option that works for my mobility aid - most vans and sedans won’t work for power chairs even if they are accessible for manual ones. Will this be taken into consideration when factoring in whether or not microtransit is a viable option? I live in an area that would lose bus access and be solely dependent on microtransit if that plan were selected, and I’m very concerned about losing access to transportation altogether. on Facebook Share As someone who uses a large power chair, I’ve never found a microtransit option that works for my mobility aid - most vans and sedans won’t work for power chairs even if they are accessible for manual ones. Will this be taken into consideration when factoring in whether or not microtransit is a viable option? I live in an area that would lose bus access and be solely dependent on microtransit if that plan were selected, and I’m very concerned about losing access to transportation altogether. on Twitter Share As someone who uses a large power chair, I’ve never found a microtransit option that works for my mobility aid - most vans and sedans won’t work for power chairs even if they are accessible for manual ones. Will this be taken into consideration when factoring in whether or not microtransit is a viable option? I live in an area that would lose bus access and be solely dependent on microtransit if that plan were selected, and I’m very concerned about losing access to transportation altogether. on Linkedin Email As someone who uses a large power chair, I’ve never found a microtransit option that works for my mobility aid - most vans and sedans won’t work for power chairs even if they are accessible for manual ones. Will this be taken into consideration when factoring in whether or not microtransit is a viable option? I live in an area that would lose bus access and be solely dependent on microtransit if that plan were selected, and I’m very concerned about losing access to transportation altogether. link

    As someone who uses a large power chair, I’ve never found a microtransit option that works for my mobility aid - most vans and sedans won’t work for power chairs even if they are accessible for manual ones. Will this be taken into consideration when factoring in whether or not microtransit is a viable option? I live in an area that would lose bus access and be solely dependent on microtransit if that plan were selected, and I’m very concerned about losing access to transportation altogether.

    worriedwheelie asked 8 months ago

    If microtransit is implemented at a future date, it would include fully accessible vehicles available by request to accommodate most mobility aids.

  • Share ¿11 & 12? No new plan....the redheaded step child still and always? on Facebook Share ¿11 & 12? No new plan....the redheaded step child still and always? on Twitter Share ¿11 & 12? No new plan....the redheaded step child still and always? on Linkedin Email ¿11 & 12? No new plan....the redheaded step child still and always? link

    ¿11 & 12? No new plan....the redheaded step child still and always?

    chrisb asked 9 months ago

    Historically, Routes 11 and 12 have had some of the lowest ridership in the system, which places them lower on the list for potential return to service. The Horsetooth corridor is being reviewed as part of the Optimization Study.

  • Share I live on the east side of I-25 and Mulberry (in Fort Collins city limits) and route 14 picks up on the west side, just over I-25. Two things about that, 1) I very frequently see people crossing the very busy Mulberry street there to get to that bus stop and 2) there is no safe way to bike or walk across I-25 at Mulberry, vine st does offer an option to cross I-25, but that frontage road to get back to Mulberry is not any safer. Will there be any discussion on accessing existing routes such as this situation? Additionally, as part of this initiative, one of my great disappointments in most of Noco's public transit options is that they are only geared toward workday commuters. If I want to go into town for dinner and a show, I could probably get there, but I would then be stranded. Is there any discussion going to happen around use cases we want to support? on Facebook Share I live on the east side of I-25 and Mulberry (in Fort Collins city limits) and route 14 picks up on the west side, just over I-25. Two things about that, 1) I very frequently see people crossing the very busy Mulberry street there to get to that bus stop and 2) there is no safe way to bike or walk across I-25 at Mulberry, vine st does offer an option to cross I-25, but that frontage road to get back to Mulberry is not any safer. Will there be any discussion on accessing existing routes such as this situation? Additionally, as part of this initiative, one of my great disappointments in most of Noco's public transit options is that they are only geared toward workday commuters. If I want to go into town for dinner and a show, I could probably get there, but I would then be stranded. Is there any discussion going to happen around use cases we want to support? on Twitter Share I live on the east side of I-25 and Mulberry (in Fort Collins city limits) and route 14 picks up on the west side, just over I-25. Two things about that, 1) I very frequently see people crossing the very busy Mulberry street there to get to that bus stop and 2) there is no safe way to bike or walk across I-25 at Mulberry, vine st does offer an option to cross I-25, but that frontage road to get back to Mulberry is not any safer. Will there be any discussion on accessing existing routes such as this situation? Additionally, as part of this initiative, one of my great disappointments in most of Noco's public transit options is that they are only geared toward workday commuters. If I want to go into town for dinner and a show, I could probably get there, but I would then be stranded. Is there any discussion going to happen around use cases we want to support? on Linkedin Email I live on the east side of I-25 and Mulberry (in Fort Collins city limits) and route 14 picks up on the west side, just over I-25. Two things about that, 1) I very frequently see people crossing the very busy Mulberry street there to get to that bus stop and 2) there is no safe way to bike or walk across I-25 at Mulberry, vine st does offer an option to cross I-25, but that frontage road to get back to Mulberry is not any safer. Will there be any discussion on accessing existing routes such as this situation? Additionally, as part of this initiative, one of my great disappointments in most of Noco's public transit options is that they are only geared toward workday commuters. If I want to go into town for dinner and a show, I could probably get there, but I would then be stranded. Is there any discussion going to happen around use cases we want to support? link

    I live on the east side of I-25 and Mulberry (in Fort Collins city limits) and route 14 picks up on the west side, just over I-25. Two things about that, 1) I very frequently see people crossing the very busy Mulberry street there to get to that bus stop and 2) there is no safe way to bike or walk across I-25 at Mulberry, vine st does offer an option to cross I-25, but that frontage road to get back to Mulberry is not any safer. Will there be any discussion on accessing existing routes such as this situation? Additionally, as part of this initiative, one of my great disappointments in most of Noco's public transit options is that they are only geared toward workday commuters. If I want to go into town for dinner and a show, I could probably get there, but I would then be stranded. Is there any discussion going to happen around use cases we want to support?

    cthrax asked 9 months ago

    Thanks for that feedback! The Optimization Study is reviewing all existing routes as well as looking at new travel corridors. Your suggestions will be included with other public feedback we've been collecting, not only for the period of the Optimization Study, but for ongoing adjustments as well.  

Page last updated: 27 Jan 2026, 09:45 PM