Winter Park renews extended collaboration with Transdev to boost mountain transportation services
In the picturesque town of Winter Park, Colorado, a significant transformation in its transportation system is underway, thanks to a partnership between Transdev North America and the local authorities. This collaboration has proven instrumental in addressing the town's unique seasonal challenges and enhancing its overall quality of life.
During ski season, Winter Park, with its approximately 1,200 permanent residents, experiences a population surge, welcoming over 15,000 visitors daily. To cater to this dramatic increase, Transdev scales its workforce from 13 to 44 drivers on weekends, often supplementing with operators from the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD).
The transit system, known as The Lift, offers 11 fixed routes, ensuring that residents, employees, and visitors across Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Tabernash, and unincorporated areas of Grand County are well-connected. Additionally, paratransit services are available for those within the town limits of Winter Park, Fraser, and unincorporated Grand County areas.
The Lift's comprehensive coverage extends beyond mere transportation. It connects people to recreational activities and business centers, playing a crucial role in supporting local businesses and enhancing the tourist experience, which is vital for the economic health of the region.
Moreover, The Lift's paratransit services ensure accessibility for all riders, and Transdev provides specialized training for its staff to handle mountain and winter conditions. This focus on accessibility and safety has contributed significantly to shaping transportation in the area.
The public transportation system reduces traffic congestion and supports environmental sustainability by offering an alternative to private vehicles. This not only improves air quality but also enhances the overall quality of life in the community by providing reliable and efficient transportation.
Charles McCarthy, Transit Manager for Winter Park, praised Transdev for its role in expanding and improving the service area. Transdev's partnership with the Town of Winter Park has been instrumental in securing a renewed multi-year agreement to operate The Lift for a period of three years with potential two-year extensions.
In 2024, The Lift surpassed 500,000 rides, exceeding expectations and earning the "Resort Agency of the Year" award from the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA). This success is a testament to the fruitful partnership between Transdev and the Town of Winter Park, transforming Winter Park's transportation system into a dynamic and responsive network that supports the community's growth.
The partnership between Transdev North America and the local authorities in Winter Park has expanded the transit system, The Lift, to include finance-intensive upgrades for seasonal operations. This improved system, offering 11 fixed routes and paratransit services, not only caters to the transportation needs of the town but also connects residents and visitors to the finance-dependent businesses and recreational activities, integrating the industry and finance sectors into the public-transit sector.
Moreover, Transdev's commitment to accessibility and safety training for its staff ensures that the public-transit services are efficient and reliable during transportation of passengers in winter and mountain conditions, making it a prominent player in the finance, industry, and transportation landscape of the town.
