What makes a public transit system great?

What do great skiing, the home of gonzo journalism and dinosaur fossils have in common? They are all easily accessible by public transit in the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) is an example of a great rural public transportation system that is transformative for the region it serves.

The organization began as the Roaring Fork Transportation Agency in 1983, when Aspen and Pitkin counties merged two separate transit services. In 2000, voters in seven jurisdictions in the valley created RFTA, which subsequently merged with the Roaring Fork Transportation Agency in 2002.

Today, as the second largest transit agency in Colorado and one of the largest rural public transportation agencies in the country, RFTA serves a 70-mile corridor connecting many communities throughout the valley.

Throughout its history the organization has overcome unique legal and funding challenges from operating and expanding across multiple rural jurisdictions. But strong leadership and public support have paved the way for what is now a thriving transit system.

RFTA has received numerous accolades, from being awarded Mass Transit Magazine’s “Best Mass Transit System of North America” to being named a White House “Transportation Innovator Champion of Change.”

Riders can take RFTA buses to access legendary ski resorts, breathtaking hiking trails and hot springs. But the destinations and spectacular scenery are far from the only reasons taking the bus in the valley is so darn great.

RFTA’s service is convenient, fast and comfortable, a combination that unlocks the numerous benefits of taking public transportation – from reducing climate pollution to enhancing road safety. Plus, features like huge concrete dinosaur eggs and dinosaur footprints in the sidewalks at bus stops make the experience unique.

Having a great transit system matters. Getting it right provides many benefits to individuals, the community at large and the environment.

Taking a RFTA bus is convenient.

Transit services should be convenient to attract ridership. RFTA buses run frequently – typically every fifteen minutes – which reduces waiting times and shortens riders’ total travel time. Usually, one doesn’t even need to check the bus schedule before heading to the nearest bus stop and hopping on before long. Buses also run early in the morning and late at night to accommodate early risers and graveyard shifts alike.

Most bus stops have real-time displays that inform riders what buses are en route and display up-to-the-minute arrival times. The system is so reliable that riders can be confident buses will almost always arrive on time.

Another convenience: fares are very affordable. Riders can take the bus between stops in the same town for free, and travelling between towns dozens of miles apart commands a modest fare between $2-8. A modern ticketing app makes paying fares and hopping on the bus a breeze, but RFTA also has old-fashioned ticketing stations that accept cash or cards.

Traveling with RFTA is fast and comfortable.

Many of the routes travel up and down the valley via Highway 82 and I-70, with some routes that branch off to ski resorts and neighborhoods. Going almost anywhere in the valley is possible by taking just one bus.

Traffic is often a bear going into or exiting Aspen, but RFTA buses have a dedicated shoulder lane, allowing them to avoid being stuck in the gridlock. This not only speeds up travel but also improves the reliability of the system overall.

Direct routes with fewer stops, specifically the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, also speed up travel for riders going longer distances.

Riders enjoy a variety of creature comforts while using transit, some before even boarding the bus. Almost every stop has shelter, seating, and even space heaters to keep chilly passengers warm while they wait.

While on the bus, riders can work or browse the internet thanks to the free WiFi (much of this article was written while riding). Many buses also have outlets to charge up devices while traveling. And overhead reading lights allow riders to dive into a book without disturbing other passengers at night.

The routes RFTA buses run connect Aspen Airport with multiple ski areas and other outdoor activities, so the buses are equipped with racks for skis, snowboards and bikes. Furthermore, buses have overhead storage for carry-on baggage (no fee for extra bags).

Riding public transportation has many benefits.

A great public transit system can benefit not only riders, but also drivers and pedestrians.

Taking public transportation can be a more pleasant and safe experience than driving. For example, public transit can increase public safety. One study found that riding public transportation is 10 times safer per mile than driving and auto deaths and injury rates reduce as ridership increases.

Riders are able to work, read or just stare out the window at the beautiful scenery – much nicer than dealing with the stress of driving (research has shown that commuting to work by car every day has been linked to a number of health issues).

Riding transit may even save riders money, as the fares can be cheaper than the cost of gas and/or parking. For example, parking in Aspen can cost between $2-6 per hour, depending on the time of day and season, while a round-trip fare of only $4.50 allows RFTA riders to travel 17 miles to and from the town of Basalt.

RFTA builds community because it connects the rural towns in the service area, allowing people to live, work and play all up and down the valley. Many locals observe how the various rural towns along the Roaring Fork Valley have become one community.

Riding public transportation even reduces climate pollution and particulate pollution. A bus with only a quarter of seats filled reduces climate pollution by 33% per passenger mile compared driving a typical gas-powered car. And the more people who ride public transit, the greater the benefit.

The only problem with all this is that it’s too good. So good, in fact, that it can sometimes be hard to get a seat. RFTA is in large part funded by local sales taxes and other non-fare revenues. However, the great service results in very high ridership, which provides critical financial support for the agency.

The benefits of a great public transit system are numerous, and the service found in the Roaring Fork Valley proves that excellent public transit is achievable when local decision-makers and citizens embrace it.