Core Transit Reflects on a Year of Evolution and Impact
-A message from Tanya Allen, Executive Director of Core Transit
As we reflect on our first full calendar year of direct transit operations, we celebrate measurable service improvements, deeper community connections, and bold steps toward a more sustainable transportation future.
What began with a big idea, a basic roadmap, and a commitment to doing things right has resulted in dramatic ridership growth, visibly better service, and meaningful impacts. This reinforces one of our core beliefs: that small, positive actions- investing in our people, maintaining our assets, and truly listening to our riders- create real, lasting change.
Expanding Service and Growing Ridership
In 2025 we continued to focus on fundamentals, and it paid off. Annual ridership approached 2 million trips- almost double that of our predecessor, ECO Transit. We attribute this to strategic service increases, improved system reliability and enhanced communication. More travel options and a 99% trip completion rate meant we were there when you needed us.
Investing in People and Culture
Our service is exceptional because of the people who provide it. We continued to build a workplace where employees feel supported and valued. We offer free health insurance, a 10% retirement match, 4 weeks of paid vacation, and industry-leading pay. If you value those benefits and want to serve our community, we value you.
Real Climate and Community Impact
By providing reliable alternatives to driving and offering fare-free travel to youth, we began changing travel habits and reducing climate impacts in meaningful ways. In 2025, nearly 2 million passenger trips traveled approximately 21 million passenger miles on transit, replacing trips that otherwise may have been made by car. This meant less congestion, cleaner air, and reduced impacts on our beautiful mountain home.
State funding allowed us to offer fare-free travel for riders ages 18 and under throughout our entire system. Families shared stories of children riding the bus independently for the first time or encouraging their parents to try transit together. For some households, the bus became not just an option but their preferred way to travel.
Fleet and Facility Upgrades
Meeting our goal of 100% preventative maintenance compliance was key to strengthening system reliability, as was the replacement of older diesel vehicles with cleaner alternatives. We streamlined our maintenance approach and took targeted action to address deferred maintenance issues. Together, this contributed to a safer, more comfortable rider experience and better stewardship of public dollars. There’s more to come: our recent $1m Federal Grant award will allow us to leverage local funding and accelerate plans for stop and shelter improvements included in our 10 Year Plan.
Listening to the Community and Building Partnerships
We met more riders where they were and learned more about what they needed. We participated in pop-ups and community events, launched a bilingual website with a live-chat feature, grew our customer service team, and established new schedule feedback processes.
We also contributed to the community beyond transit, including support for the record-breaking year at the EGE airport and a donation to local trails, reflecting our belief that a strong, diverse transportation system strengthens connections across the entire region.
Planning for the Future with Transparency
Throughout, transparency guided our operations. Major decisions, investments, and policies were brought forward through public board meetings, ensuring accountability and open dialogue with the community.
To get up to speed, join or watch recordings of our board meetings, check out our Board-approved 5-Year Strategic Plan and 10-Year Transit Development and Capital Plan. Built through extensive public engagement, the plans provide a clear roadmap for thoughtful, phased improvements that we’ll be working on in the years ahead.
Looking Ahead
We move into 2026 with fresh energy and a clear sense of purpose. Our mission is to provide everyone with user-friendly transportation solutions that are safe, rewarding, and reliable. This mission informs every decision we make and helps us realize our vision: for Core Transit to become the number one choice for getting around our region because our services are so outrageously beneficial.
Proof is in the numbers: taking transit is already a better option than it was just a few short years ago. We’re still just getting started, and the progress ahead will be even more transformative for our community. Thank you for riding with us.
-Tanya Allen
