Transdev and Winter Park reinforces collaboration to enhance mountain transport services
In the heart of Colorado's picturesque ski resort town, Winter Park, Transdev North America continues to shape mobility, having recently secured a three-year contract extension, with two optional one-year renewals, to operate **The Lift**, the town's free public transportation system [1][2].
The system, consisting of 24 fixed-route buses and three paratransit vehicles, is set to expand further with the introduction of two new Gillig electric buses, marking a significant step towards a more eco-friendly transportation network [1]. Transdev is actively supporting this transition by upgrading infrastructure, such as charging stations, and providing specialized operator training for the mountain terrain and winter conditions [1].
The Lift has experienced remarkable growth, with a record-breaking 500,000 trips surpassed in 2024, earning it the "Transit Agency of the Year" award from the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA) [1]. The system has also seen a surge in ridership in the first quarter of 2025, serving nearly half a million riders.
To cater to Winter Park's unique demographic, The Lift scales operations during peak ski season, increasing its workforce from 13 to 44 drivers and supplementing with operators from the Denver Regional Transportation District [2]. The system operates in major valley areas, including Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Tabernash, and Winter Park Resort.
Charles McCarthy, Winter Park's transportation services manager, praised Transdev's role in expanding and improving the network. He stated that the partnership between Winter Park and Transdev exceeds community expectations [2]. The Lift also offers a Mobility Access (paratransit) service to ensure accessibility for all.
Looking forward, Winter Park is developing a five-year transit plan that will explore innovative options such as microtransit to enhance connectivity and flexibility [1]. Transdev emphasizes its commitment to evolving the system sustainably and responsively to serve Winter Park’s seasonal fluctuations and community needs, aiming to improve quality of life, reduce traffic, and support environmental goals in this mountain resort town [1][2].
[1] Transdev North America. (2025). Press Release: Transdev North America Renews Contract to Operate Winter Park's The Lift. Retrieved from https://www.transdev-na.com/press-releases/transdev-north-america-renews-contract-to-operate-winter-parks-the-lift/
[2] Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. (2025). The Lift: Enhancing Mobility in Winter Park. Retrieved from https://www.winterparkchamber.org/the-lift-enhancing-mobility-in-winter-park/
- In the realm of sustainable living and sustainable-living initiatives, Transdev North America's three-year extension of operation for the eco-friendly public-transit system, The Lift, in Winter Park, Colorado, stands out.
- The expansion of The Lift, a combination of 24 fixed-route buses, three paratransit vehicles, and two new Gillig electric buses, signals a shift towards a more eco-friendly transportation industry within Winter Park.
- As seasonal fluctuations in home-and-garden activities take place in Winter Park, Transdev's adaptability in scaling operations for peak ski season demonstrates its commitment to cater to the town's unique lifestyle demands.
- The integration of innovative options like microtransit into Winter Park's five-year transit plan, and Transdev's continued dedication towards financing and developing such sustainable solutions, aligns with the goals of improving the quality of life, reducing traffic, and promoting environmentally friendly practices in the town.
