Transdev North America has reaffirmed its commitment to the Town of Winter Park, Colorado, by securing a renewed multi-year agreement to operate "The Lift"—the town’s free public transit system. This new contract spans three years, with the possibility of two additional one-year extensions, continuing a successful collaboration that has helped shape transportation in this unique alpine destination.
Tailored Transit for a Seasonal Destination
Winter Park, a small town with around 1,200 permanent residents, experiences a dramatic population surge during ski season, often welcoming over 15,000 visitors daily. To meet this demand, The Lift operates 11 fixed routes and scales its workforce from 13 to 44 drivers during peak periods. Transdev also partners with Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) to supplement staffing, while maintaining a focus on local recruitment.
Comprehensive and Accessible Service
The Lift connects key areas across the Fraser Valley, including Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Tabernash, and Winter Park Resort. It offers both fixed-route and paratransit services, ensuring accessibility for all riders. The paratransit network specifically serves Winter Park, Fraser, and parts of unincorporated Grand County.
Currently, the fleet includes 24 fixed-route buses and 3 paratransit vehicles. In a move toward sustainability, the town is introducing two new Gillig electric buses. Transdev is supporting this transition with infrastructure upgrades and specialized training for mountain and winter conditions.
Award-Winning Performance and Growing Ridership
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). Charles McCarthy, Transit Manager for Winter Park, praised Transdev’s role in expanding and improving the service area, noting that the partnership continues to exceed community goals.