Two Years at the Core of Our Community
Two years ago today, Core Transit officially became Eagle County’s regional transit provider, marking the beginning of a new chapter in public transportation for our community.
For most riders, the transition happened almost without notice – and that was by design. Buses continued to arrive, operators greeted passengers with a smile, and thousands of people made it to their destinations just as they had the day before.
Behind the scenes, however, August 4, 2024, represented one of the most significant organizational transitions in our region’s history. More than 100 employees came together, overnight, under a newly established organization, assuming responsibility for operating a regional transit system while delivering a major expansion of transit service without missing a beat.
That seamless transition reflected the commitment to putting people first, a principle that continues to define Core Transit today.
From the very beginning, Core Transit has believed that public transportation is about much more than moving buses. It is about connecting people, supporting local businesses, removing barriers, and strengthening the communities that make Eagle County such a remarkable place to live, work, and visit.
Since taking over, Core Transit has nearly doubled ridership – providing dependable service for nearly 2 million passenger trips each year – while maintaining a 99% trip completion rate. The organization has expanded its customer service presence through a redesigned bilingual website, 24/7 live chat, and improved rider information. Core Transit continues to invest in accessibility and modernizing technology to make riding transit easier and more convenient for everyone.
At the same time, Core Transit has looked beyond today’s needs to prepare for tomorrow. The agency completed its first five-year Strategic Plan, adopted a 10-Year Transit Development and Capital Plan, secured more than $1 million in federal funding for future transit improvements, and launched its Open Finance platform to provide residents with greater transparency into how public transportation is funded and managed.
These milestones represent important progress, but they tell only part of the story.
The true measure of Core Transit’s success can be found in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed: an operator greeting riders daily, a customer service representative helping a first-time rider in their preferred language, a team member helping a new employee feel welcomed, or a dispatcher working behind the scenes to keep our community moving.
These moments happen hundreds of times each day. Together, they define what public service looks like.
“Our first two years have been about building a strong foundation,” said Tanya Allen, Executive Director of Core Transit. “We’ve accomplished a lot, but what I’m most proud of is the culture we’re creating together. Every day, our employees show up with a shared commitment to serving others, and that dedication is reflected in every ride we provide. Regular riders are experiencing better service, while new riders are discovering (or rediscovering!) us each day. As we look ahead, we’ll continue listening, improving, and investing in the services our community depends on.”
Two years ago, Core Transit quietly began a new journey.
Today, that journey continues with the same purpose that guided it from the very beginning: providing welcoming, accessible, dependable, and rewarding transportation while helping our communities move forward, together.
