As the calendar year heads to a close, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) is preparing for future grant opportunities and long-term projects. The Nov. 13 board meeting included much momentum-focused conversation. The board also reviewed a second draft of the organization’s 2026 budget with plans to vote on the final version in December. 

There were no public comments at the November meeting. Board member Alyssa Schenk, however, shared that a Snowmass Village resident suggested more messaging around off-season bus routes. 

Chair Greg Poschman (Pitkin County) mentioned a few letters from the public regarding bike safety on the Rio Grande Trail, especially related to e-bike speeds. He stressed that addressing those concerns is a priority for the organization. Rachel Richards (Aspen) proposed forming a task force with members from RFTA, Pitkin County and other stakeholders to work on a comprehensive strategy for managing safety along the trail. 

David Johnson, director of sustainability and legislative affairs, presented details about a grant application to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for its Clean Transit Enterprise Capital Call for Projects. Should it be granted, RFTA staff intends to use the funds to add 10 electric buses to its fleet and some additional charging equipment at the Aspen and Glenwood Springs facilities. The total cost is estimated at $19.5 million, and RFTA is requesting 80%, or $15.5 million, from CDOT. The board was asked to commit $4 million toward the purchase.

Johnson outlined another grant application to CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail, which asks the state to cover 80% of costs for seven new diesel buses and six hybrid buses, along with associated infrastructure. RFTA would contribute $3.4 million, should the state agree to its request of $16.7 million. 

The board quickly approved both applications for submission to CDOT. 

Railroad Corridor and Trails Director Angela Henderson provided an update on a new educational initiative: “Railbanking 101.” The program will inform associated governments and the public about the history of the Rio Grande Trail and Railroad Corridor and its strategic importance. Details will include the timeline of acquisition, the transition from active freight use to railbank status and the reasons for protecting the corridor for long-term, multi-modal use. 

Director of Finance Paul Hamilton and Budget Manager David Carle walked the board through revisions to the second draft of the 2026 budget. The adjusted elements were highlighted for reference in the board packet. 

Kurt Ravenschlag delivered a detailed CEO report. He relayed that following a tour of RFTA’s facilities, the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project chose to honor RFTA with a leadership award for its commitment to energy efficiency. In addition, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, a local trail-maintenance nonprofit, thanked the transit authority for transporting volunteers to the Maroon Bells for trail improvement efforts there.

Ravenschlag also provided an update on the Zero Fare October and November initiative, which resulted in ridership increasing by 3.3%, cumulative of its regional routes, in October 2025 compared to October 2024. Operations staff observed that additional resources would be necessary to accommodate that level of demand. Ravenschlag shared that staff is still finalizing data, but he expected a full report on the pilot program in January. 

The next board meeting will occur on Dec. 11 at 8:30am at Carbondale Town Hall. The public can also join via Webex. An agenda will be available at www.rfta.com a week ahead of the meeting.