Reinforcing Mobility in the Alps: Transdev Extends Collaboration with Winter Park
Transdev North America has recently renewed its multi-year contract with the Town of Winter Park, Colorado, to continue operating "The Lift," the town’s free public transportation system. This agreement extends for three years with an option for two additional one-year extensions, marking a sustained partnership focused on serving this alpine community.
**Current Operation and Routes:**
"The Lift" runs 11 fixed routes covering key areas in the Fraser Valley, including Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Tabernash, and Winter Park Resort. It provides both fixed-route bus service and a paratransit network for Winter Park, Fraser, and parts of unincorporated Grand County, ensuring accessibility for all riders.
**Staffing and Scaling for Demand:**
The system scales its workforce from 13 to 44 drivers during peak periods to accommodate the large influx of visitors, which can exceed 15,000 daily during ski season compared to about 1,200 permanent residents. Transdev partners with Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) to supplement staffing while prioritizing local driver recruitment.
**Fleet and Eco-Friendly Transition:**
The current fleet includes 24 fixed-route buses and 3 paratransit vehicles. Winter Park is introducing two new Gillig electric buses as part of a sustainability initiative. Transdev supports this shift by upgrading infrastructure and providing specialized training for handling mountain and winter conditions, indicating a clear commitment to an eco-friendlier operation.
**Performance and Recognition:**
In 2024, The Lift surpassed 500,000 rides, significantly exceeding expectations. It was awarded the “Resort Agency of the Year” by the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA), highlighting the system’s high performance and positive impact on the community. Charles McCarthy, Winter Park’s Transit Manager, commended Transdev’s role in expanding and enhancing service, with continued alignment to community goals.
In summary, Transdev North America continues to operate and grow "The Lift" system with strong community integration, operational flexibility, eco-conscious fleet upgrades, and recognized excellence in transit service in Winter Park, Colorado. Their plans emphasize maintaining comprehensive, accessible transit while evolving toward greener technology and meeting the seasonal demands of this mountain resort town. The partnership between Transdev and the city of Winter Park exceeds community expectations, according to Charles McCarthy.
Transdev North America's operation of "The Lift" system, the free public transportation in Winter Park, Colorado, encompasses 11 fixed routes covering various locations such as Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Tabernash, and Winter Park Resort. The partnership intends to expand and improve service, aligning with the community's goals.
The system's fleet consists of fixed-route buses and paratransit vehicles, with plans to phase in two new Gillig electric buses, marking a shift towards eco-friendly transportation. Transdev supports this transition by upgrading infrastructure and providing specialized training for mountain and winter conditions.
Finance-wise, the multi-year contract with the Town of Winter Park extends for three years with options for two additional one-year extensions, indicating a sustained investment in the alpine community's transportation system.
In the realm of lifestyle, "The Lift" has become an integral part of the region, providing essential transportation for both permanent residents and the large influx of visitors, particularly during ski season. With a focus on accessibility and sustainability, the system is changing the way cars are perceived in this mountain resort town.
