Yampa Valley Transit Wins: A Rural Model, Regional News, and a Busy YVRTA

There is a lot happening across the Yampa Valley this spring, and some of it is too important to wait for the next board meeting. In this roundup, we take a closer look at why Steamboat Springs Transit stands out as a national rural transit success story, highlight regional and state transportation news (including a new law that links housing and transit planning), and share updates from the recent YVRTA board retreat. We also have a couple of opportunities for you to help shape the future of regional transportation as the new authority gets off the ground.

Catching Up Around the Valley

Steamboat Springs Transit stands out as a model for rural transit. In a City Corner column, SST Manager Jonathan Flint laid out what makes Steamboat Springs Transit one of the nation's most successful rural transit systems. Serving a year-round population of about 14,000, the fare-free network provides more than one million rides annually, operates 28 buses across 620,000 miles of service, and averages 35 passengers per service hour against a national average of 27. Summer daytime service increases to a bus every 15 minutes, with on-time performance now in the high 90-percent range. After 2028, the YVRTA will take on regional routes so SST can focus on local service, and we are genuinely excited to see that partnership take shape. Read the column.

Routt County lands a $465,000 grant for safer travel on U.S. 40. Routt County has been awarded a $465,000 grant through the Colorado Energy Office's Local IMPACT Accelerator program to support safer and more connected transportation options. The funding will support development of a countywide multimodal transportation plan beginning in 2026 and pay for lighting and signage improvements at the Brandon Circle intersection in west Steamboat, with construction anticipated in 2028. YVRTA Board Chair and County Commissioner Sonja Macys said the funding will allow the county to "proactively plan for safer, more connected and multimodal transportation systems." Investments like these help lay the groundwork for a transportation network that better serves residents, workers, and visitors across the Yampa Valley. Read more.

A Craig profile worth reading: YVRTA Board member Randy Looper. The Craig Daily Press recently profiled Randy Looper, a Craig City Council member and YVRTA Board member, whose commitment to public service and regional collaboration is helping shape the future of transportation in the Valley. In the interview, Looper discusses the impact of the regional transportation authority and the transformative potential of a future rail connection between Craig and Steamboat. His perspective on civic life and engagement is one we appreciate: "There's a spot for anyone if they want to be involved." We are grateful for Randy's service to Craig, the YVRTA and the broader region. Read the profile.

The Yampa River Core Trail extension breaks ground. Construction on the next segment of the Yampa River Core Trail is set to begin at the end of May, extending the trail from Snow Bowl Plaza toward the KOA Campground. A future phase will continue west to the Sleepy Bear neighborhood and include a pedestrian tunnel beneath U.S. 40. The project will create a safe, vehicle-free connection for residents traveling between west Steamboat neighborhoods. It is another example of the Valley's ongoing investment in a transportation network that supports every kind of trip, whether you walk, bike, roll, or ride. Read more.

A busy, festive weekend ahead: the 45th Steamboat Marathon runs Sunday, June 7. Thousands of runners will take on the marathon, half marathon, and 10K along County Road 129 and the Elk River before finishing downtown. It is a wonderful community tradition, and celebrates transit-by-foot. With Lincoln Avenue and several side streets closed throughout the morning, it is also a great day to leave the car at home and take advantage of fare-free Steamboat Springs Transit service. Race details and road closures.

Across Colorado

A new state law connects housing and transit. On May 27, Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1065 into law, creating new financing tools and tax credits to support affordable housing development near transit. Future stops on the mountain rail passenger line include Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig, which puts our region squarely in the conversation. The bill was championed in part by local legislators, including Sen. Dylan Roberts, and reflects a growing recognition that transportation and housing challenges are deeply connected. For communities across the Western Slope, this is an issue worth watching closely. Read more.

CDOT's 10-year plan brings major investments to Northwest Colorado. The Colorado Department of Transportation's latest 10-year plan includes more than $300 million in transportation investments for Northwest Colorado. Projects with local impact include new passing lanes on U.S. 40 between Craig and Steamboat Springs, along with continued support for Bustang, the state's intercity bus network. Bustang's Outrider routes already connect Steamboat and Craig to the Denver metro area. Together, these highway and transit investments will help improve mobility, reliability and access throughout the region. Read more.

Building Toward June 29

Following its first board retreat on May 30, the YVRTA Board is energized and focused on building its roadmap for the authority's first years of operation. As the organization begins establishing day-to-day operations, it is seeking professional partners to help support that work. Two solicitations are currently open, with proposals due Monday, June 22:

• Accounting Services: a firm to provide accounting support for Authority operations across the member jurisdictions.
• Executive Director Recruitment: a firm to conduct a nationwide search for YVRTA's first executive director.

Both opportunities are posted on the Town of Hayden bids and RFP page. If you know qualified firms that may be interested, please pass these along.

Looking ahead to the June 29 board meeting, the Board is preparing additional solicitations as it continues to build organizational capacity. Upcoming efforts are expected to include an RFP for marketing and branding services, as well as a community polling initiative to help inform future planning.

Save the date: The next YVRTA Board meeting will be held on Monday, June 29, at Hayden Town Hall (178 West Jefferson Avenue) and online via Zoom.

In the meantime, we encourage you to stay engaged and share your thoughts with your local, state, and YVRTA representatives. Your voice helps shape the transportation future of the Yampa Valley.