Transdev Secures Multi-Year Contract Renewal with Town of Winter Park, Continuing to Power Mobility in a Unique Mountain Resort Community
Transdev is excited to announce the renewal of our contract with the Town of Winter Park, Colorado, to operate The Lift, the area’s free public transportation system. The new agreement includes a three-year term, with two optional one-year extensions, continuing a partnership that has helped shape transit in one of Colorado’s most distinctive resort communities.
A Transit System Designed Around Tourism
Winter Park is no ordinary town. With approximately 1,200 full-time residents, it transforms into a bustling destination during ski season, welcoming over 15,000 people per day. That kind of fluctuation calls for an agile and responsive transit system, which is exactly what The Lift, powered by Transdev, delivers.
We operate 11 fixed routes, with services ramping up significantly during peak tourism weeks in December, January, and March. To meet demand, our team scales from 13 to 44 drivers on weekends, often bringing in additional operators from Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), while continuing to recruit locally throughout the year.
“The Lift not only connects people to recreation and business, but it reduces traffic, supports the environment, and improves quality of life across Fraser Valley,” said Ron Bushman, Senior Vice President of the Northwest region at Transdev U.S. “We’re honored to continue helping this community thrive and evolve.”
Fixed-Route and Paratransit Coverage
The Lift offers both fixed-route and paratransit services, connecting residents, employees, and visitors across Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Tabernash, unincorporated areas of Grand County, and Winter Park Resort. The paratransit service specifically serves the town limits of Winter Park, Fraser, and unincorporated areas of Grand County, providing accessible and equitable transportation for all passengers.
Currently, the system operates with 24 fixed-route buses and 3 paratransit vehicles, and the fleet is about to become even more sustainable. The Town of Winter Park is adding two Gillig electric buses, and Transdev is actively supporting the transition, including infrastructure upgrades like a charging station and operator training tailored for mountain terrain and cold-weather operations.
Growing Ridership, Award-Winning Results
In 2024, The Lift hit a major milestone by providing over 500,000 rides, exceeding the Town’s original ridership goals. That success was recognized with the “Resort Agency of the Year” award from the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA).
Charles McCarthy, Transit Manager for the Town of Winter Park, added, “Transdev’s operational expertise has supported our shared vision for a more connected service area. Together, we’ve begun to meet and in some cases, exceed expectations. The Lift has grown to serve over almost half a million riders in the first quarter of 2025, and we’re excited to keep building a more sustainable and connected future with Transdev for the Town of Winter Park.”
The Town is currently developing a five-year transit plan, which includes the exploration of microtransit options to improve connectivity and flexibility in the years ahead.
A Trusted Partner for the Long Term
Transdev is proud to be the preferred partner for the Town of Winter Park. With decades of industry experience, deep operational expertise, and a collaborative mindset, we bring the knowledge and flexibility needed to support our clients’ evolving goals. The renewed partnership between Transdev and the Town of Winter Park reflects a shared commitment to delivering exceptional transit service and innovative mobility solutions. Together, we are proud to support the continued growth and year-round vitality of rural communities like Winter Park.
“Our work in Winter Park is a shining example of how responsive, community-focused transit can evolve to meet seasonal, geographic, and demographic challenges,” added Bushman. “We’re proud of the service growth, the introduction of electric vehicles, and the real impact we’re making together.”
We look forward to continuing to serve the Town of Winter Park’s residents and visitors alike, delivering mobility solutions that are as adaptable and exceptional as the Town itself.
