HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/19/2025 - TRANSPORTATION BOARD - AGENDA - Regular Meeting11/19/2025 Agenda Page 1
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
SUMMARY AGENDA
November 19, 2025, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
In person at 281 N. College, Conference Room A or online via Teams
This hybrid TRANSPORTATION BOARD meeting will be conducted in person at 281 N
College Ave, Conference Room A, or you may join online via Teams.
Participants should join at least 5 minutes prior to the 6:00 p.m. start time.
ONLINE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
You will need an internet connection on a laptop, computer, or smartphone, and may join the
meeting through Teams at Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 224 295 374 904 8, Passcode
J2eU2dG7. (Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio). Keep yourself
on muted status.
For public comments, the Chairperson will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to
indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all
participants have an opportunity to comment.
Documents to Share: Any document or presentation a member of the public wishes to
provide to the Transportation Board for its consideration must be emailed to
mdempsey@fcgov.com at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Provide Comments via Email: Individuals who are uncomfortable or unable to access the
Teams platform or participate by phone are encouraged to participate by emailing comments
to mdempsey@fcgov.com at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. If your comments are
specific to any of the discussion items on the agenda, please indicate that in the subject line
of your email. Staff will ensure your comments are provided to the Transportation Board.
(Continued on next page)
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
SUMMARY AGENDA
November 19, 2025 6:00PM – 8:00PM
1. CALL TO ORDER [10 minutes for items 1-6]
2. ROLL CALL
3. AGENDA REVIEW
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION [3 minutes per participant]
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Note: Revised August 2025 minutes included.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. NEW BUSINESS [60 minutes]
a. Transfort Optimization Plan Update [60 minutes]
8. BOARD DISCUSSION [40 minutes]
a. Board reports
b. Agenda planning for 2026
9. OTHER BUSINESS [10 minutes]
a. Staff Liaison Report
b. City Council 6 Month Calendar Review
10. ADJOURNMENT
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
October 8, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Online Via Zoom or In-Person at 281 North College
10/8/202 5 – MINUTES Page 1
FOR REFERENCE:
Chair: Ed Peyronnin
Vice Chair:
Council Liaison:
Alexa Nickoloff
Susan Gutowsky
Staff Liaison: Melina Dempsey
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Peyronnin called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
2. ROLL CALL
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ed Peyronnin, Chair
David Baker
Lourdes Alvarez
James Burtis
Ryan Noles
Emily Felton
Michael Hooker (arrived late)
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
Alexa Nickoloff, Vice Chair
Amanda Finch
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Caryn Champine
Drew Brooks
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Courtney Chancellor
Ben Sammell
3. AGENDA REVIEW
Chair Peyronnin stated there were no changes to the published agenda.
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
10/8/202 5 – MINUTES Page 2
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Courtney Chancellor spoke in support of safe bike infrastructure and discussed an incident
in which she was hit by a car while riding her bicycle at Shields and Harmony just after
dropping her child off at school.
Chair Peyronnin noted a speed camera was installed at that intersection and commented on
the possible need for speed reduction in the area.
Ms. Chancellor stated she did report the incident to the Police Services non-emergency
number, but has not seen an increased police presence. Additionally, she noted she met
with James Reed from Traffic Operations at the intersection.
Alvarez suggested the Board could assist by following up with Traffic Operations staff.
Alvarez also suggested Ms. Chancellor reach out to Cortney Geary.
Drew Brooks stated he would reach out to James Reed, Interim Traffic Director, and follow-
up with the Board.
5. APPROVAL OF MINTUES – SEPTEMBER 2025
Alvarez made a motion, seconded by Booker, to approve the September 2025
minutes as written. The motion was adopted unanimously with Noles and Felton
abstaining.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion About City Traffic Engineer Position (Caryn Champine and Drew
Brooks)
Caryn Champine, Planning, Development, and Transportation Director, introduced
herself and noted Drew Brooks is taking the lead on hiring the Traffic Engineer. She
thanked the Board for reaching out and wanting to be engaged in the process.
Drew Brooks, Planning, Development, and Transportation Deputy Director, noted the
Traffic Engineer is a crucial position for the City and was recently approved for
recruitment despite the hiring freeze. He noted staff is looking at all transportation
divisions and considering whether there may be the need for some reorganization
within those departments in preparation for the 2027-2028 budget process.
Brooks stated the Traffic Operations Department has been historically under-resourced
in staff and funding and noted they have spoken to several people who previously held
the position who cited job complexity, technical requirements, and burdensome
expectations as key reasons why the position does not have enough time to manage
and lead the department. He stated staff is working on a brochure to send prospective
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
10/8/202 5 – MINUTES Page 3
candidates and on the job description. He noted the top of the list of duties is to lead
and support policy initiatives and strategic efforts, including Vision Zero, Active Modes
Plan, and Our Climate Future, to align transportation engineering practices with safety,
mobility, and sustainability goals.
Felton asked about remote versus in-person requirements and how technology and the
smart city of the future that Fort Collins is aiming to be wraps into the job description.
Brooks replied the expectation would be that the person would work in-person the vast
majority of the time, with a great deal of time being spent in the field. He noted there
are issues with many intersections that prevent the ability to add some of the newer
technologies, partly from a physical standpoint and partly from a bandwidth perspective.
Additionally, he noted the city is behind its own expectations in meeting ADA
requirements for intersections.
Baker asked if the goal for the position is finding someone who is both a doer and a
leader or if there will be a priority on one or the other. Brooks replied they are leaning
toward a different leadership structure in Traffic Operations with the Traffic Engineer
being more of a doer with another position that would be the overall leader of the
department; however, there could be a different structure considered. He noted there is
a need for better overall leadership in the space.
Brooks noted the revenue from speed camera citations has decreased and has
therefore not been able to fund expected positions, such as a Vision Zero Coordinator.
Chair Peyronnin asked if it would be some time before a leadership position would be
hired given the current budgetary constraints. Brooks replied that may or may not be
true as some existing positions could be changed.
Chair Peyronnin commented on the benefits of roundabouts noting they do not require
technology. He noted making those changes requires a vision for the future. Brooks
noted new capital projects always consider roundabouts and other designs; however,
retrofitting existing intersections is more difficult.
Noles requested additional information about the organizational structure. Brooks
replied the fact that Planning, Development, and Transportation are housed in the same
department has allowed for better integration at a higher level; however, there is some
work to be done lower in the organization in terms of whether things are separated that
do not need to be.
Hooker asked how the case for the importance of innovation is going to be made.
Brooks replied the City’s leaders recognize there is a problem with how things are
organized and that Traffic Engineers were getting burned out. He noted City Manager
DiMartino is eager for changes to be made.
Alvarez commented on the importance of housing Vision Zero within leadership.
Burtis stated the Board has felt the City still prioritizes travel speed in cars over safety
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
10/8/202 5 – MINUTES Page 4
and asked if that could be shifted to focus more on safety. Brooks replied in the
affirmative and noted metrics need to be adjusted to focus on things other than vehicle
travel speeds.
Brooks stated it is likely the search for this position will be difficult and noted there are
many Traffic Engineer positions open across the industry. He noted there is a trend for
people in the position to move to the private sector.
Noles asked if the City has the budget to compensate competitively for the Traffic
Engineer position. Brooks replied the compensation is competitive with other peer
municipalities.
Alvarez commented on the benefits of separating out the managerial components of the
Traffic Engineer position.
Dempsey asked if working with a consulting agency for an interim Traffic Engineer has
been considered. Brooks replied that is already being done with one firm and an RFP
has just been completed to add another firm.
Burtis asked about the advertising strategy. Brooks replied there is a recruiting team in
Human Resources that completes the routine postings. Additionally, postings will occur
on industry job boards at places such as the American Public Works Association, the
National Association of City Transportation Officials, and the Institute of Transportation
Engineers. He stated there are no available funds to hire a recruiter at this point.
Chair Peyronnin asked how the Board can assist with the hiring efforts. Brooks replied
recruiting materials will be finished in the next week or so and requested any input from
the Board in that regard. Additionally, he stated he would like the Board to participate
in any panel discussions with a group of candidates. He stated the posting will likely go
up next week and remain up for 30 days.
b. Work Plan 2026
Chair Peyronnin stated the Work Plan generally changes little from year to year and is a
high level document outlining the Board duties and responsibilities.
Burtis suggested adding ‘safety’ into one of the top five items. Felton concurred and
members discussed using ‘safe and efficient.’
Alvarez suggested moving Vision Zero up in order and members further discussed
using ‘Vision Zero Action Plan’ and changing associated language.
Members discussed interactions with other Boards and Alvarez suggested reaching out
to the Disability Advisory Board and the Senior Advisory Board regarding any
transportation-related issues they may have discussed. Members also discussed
adding participation in Super Issues meetings to the Work Plan.
Members discussed the list of outside organizations and agencies listed in the Work
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
10/8/202 5 – MINUTES Page 5
Plan and discussed other wording changes to the document.
Dempsey stated she would make the requested changes and provide the document to
members for approval at the next meeting.
8. BOARD REPORTS
Chair Peyronnin thanked Alvarez for her consistent advocacy for Vision Zero.
Chair Peyronnin reported on the What Wheels Go Where Council work session. He noted
there were questions about frustration with speed on trails and questions related to E-bike
classifications. Burtis noted there was a focus on behavior enforcement rather than
regulation of the type of bike being ridden.
Members expressed concern about younger children riding E-bikes. It was noted parental
and bike shop education is critical.
Chair Peyronnin noted trails are not part of the Board’s purview; however, he stated
controlling speed on trails is a crucial issue for safety and the perception of safety for
pedestrians and people riding bicycles.
Hooker reported on a recent forum with the mayoral candidates during which Transfort was
criticized. Additionally, he noted microtransit was also mentioned as was the possibility of
using smaller buses to help decrease the operator requirements. He also noted there is a
petition circulating downtown among businesses against the proposed on-street parking
fees.
Chair Peyronnin commented on civic conversations around the proposed County tax, which
was received positively.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Staff Liaison Report
Dempsey stated Transfort staff will be sharing the final recommendations for the
Optimization Plan at the November meeting. She stated she will continue to try to get
Police Services representatives to attend the December meeting. It was suggested
that someone from Streets discuss snow removal, particularly on bike paths, as a
potential alternative topic. Emergency preparedness and a Front Range Rail update
were also mentioned as potential topics.
Dempsey announced the White Line Route2Change event on October 30th from 5:30
to 7:30. She stated she will forward location information on when she receives it.
b. City Council 6-Month Calendar Review
Dempsey provided a list of upcoming Council items and noted the Land Use Code
Future of Commercial Corridors item will be on the October 21st agenda. Additionally,
development contributions to transportation capital projects is also on the calendar.
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
10/8/202 5 – MINUTES Page 6
Alvarez commented on successfully changing bike routes on Google Maps.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m. by unanimous consent.
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
August 20, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Online Via Zoom or In-Person at 281 North College
8 /20/2025 – MINUTES Page 1
FOR REFERENCE:
Chair: Ed Peyronnin
Vice Chair:
Council Liaison:
Alexa Nickoloff
Susan Gutowsky
Staff Liaison: Melina Dempsey
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Peyronnin called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
2. ROLL CALL
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ed Peyronnin, Chair
Alexa Nickoloff, Vice Chair
David Baker
Amanda Finch
Lourdes Alvarez
Ryan Noles
Michael Hooker
James Burtis
Emily Felton
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Cortney Geary
PUBLIC PRESENT:
3. AGENDA REVIEW
Chair Peyronnin stated there were no changes to the published agenda.
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
8 /20/202 5 – MINUTES Page 2
Chair Peyronnin commented on a recent automobile/motorcycle death at Lemay and
Horsetooth and requested a moment of silence for the deceased.
5. APPROVAL OF MINTUES – JULY 2025
Alvarez made a motion, seconded by Hooker, to approve the July 2025 minutes as
written. The motion was adopted unanimously with Burtis and Felton abstaining.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Safer Streets Northwest – Cortney Geary
Cortney Geary, Active Modes Manager, stated the Safer Streets Northwest study is
building off of the City’s Active Modes Plan and Vision Zero Action Plan, and is funded
by a federal Safe Streets and Road for All grant. She noted the boundaries of the study
area are Laporte, Horsetooth, Overland Trail, and College as that is the quadrant of the
city wherein there is the strongest overlap between roadways on the high injury
network, roadways with high-priority recommendations for separated bike lanes in the
Active Modes Plan, and areas that were identified as high priority based on the health
equity index analysis.
Geary stated the scope of the study was limited to the arterial roadways and discussed
the timeline of the study noting concept plans should be completed by February of
2026. She stated the vision for the plan is that the streets in northwest Fort Collins are
safe, convenient, comfortable, and joyful for everyone, and the goals of the plan are
that the recommendations should be safe, convenient, comfortable, representative,
feasible, and competitive for funding. Additionally, there are some negotiable study
considerations: motor vehicle travel times and capacities, protected bike lanes versus
shared-use paths, and non-mobility benefits. The non-negotiable considerations are:
City values, context sensitivity, transit integration, and gridlock prevention.
Geary outlined the highlights of the public involvement plan, which includes a technical
advisory committee, stakeholder interviews, presentations to City bodies, and pop-ups
at community events and destinations. She noted some themes from the first phase of
engagement included the need for more separation between bikes and vehicle traffic,
the identification of dangerous intersections, particularly Mulberry and Shields, the need
for traffic calming and slower speeds, and debris, poor snow clearing, and narrow
widths making bicycling unsafe on several arterials.
Geary stated the following corridors were selected for the study: Taft Hill from Mulberry
to the Spring Creek Trail, Shields from Mulberry to Swallow, with a gap between Lake
and Stuart as there is already design funding for that section.
Chair Peyronnin asked if there is funding for roundabouts along any of the corridors.
Geary replied roundabouts could be recommended for intersections in the study area,
though there is no funding for construction of any of the recommendations at this point.
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
8 /20/202 5 – MINUTES Page 3
Alvarez commented on Google Maps sending cyclists to sections of Taft Hill Road
where there is no bike lane and to cross Shields where there is no light. She asked if
those issues could be addressed in some fashion. Geary replied they have had varying
success with getting Google to make changes with things like a facility being present or
a road being open, and the routing issues point to the fact that the City still needs to be
producing those types of tools. She noted the City has its own online bike map that
directs riders to the low-stress routes, though there have been discussions about the
potential for more app integration.
Baker asked if it is worth the infrastructure investment to put cyclists on a very vehicle
heavy road. Geary replied that is a frequent question and noted one of the top priorities
from the Active Modes Plan was more direct routes with separated bike lanes on
arterials. She stated the low-stress network can continue to be built out and riders can
be encouraged to utilize it while also building out arterial routes.
Finch commented on dangerous conditions at Stuart and Taft Hill. Geary stated there
is a recommendation in the Active Modes Plan for a crossing improvement in the area
and commented on the possibility of using median refuge diverters.
Geary stated the second phase of engagement will include asking people about safety
issues along the selected corridors, conducting road safety audits, and identifying
safety countermeasures. She requested input from Board Members regarding their
experience on the selected corridors.
Chair Peyronnin commented on issues on Shields between Centre and Drake.
Finch commented on pedestrian safety concerns at Shields and Drake and suggested
more intersections, including that one, be considered for no right turn on red.
Finch suggested having some additional type of indication of pedestrians having
pressed a walk signal at larger intersections.
Burtis commented on the section of Taft Hill between Prospect and Elizabeth being one
of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians and cyclists citing narrow sidewalks, high
traffic speeds, and the large number of driveways.
Finch commented on issues with the Heatheridge and Prospect intersection.
Alvarez commented on the bike lane ending at Mulberry on Taft Hill Road.
Burtis commented on areas of town wherein cyclists have to go from a bike lane to a
sidewalk and back to a bike lane. He suggested there may need to be a plan for
infrastructure consistency.
Burtis noted Taft Hill does not have much traffic relative to Shields and College and
suggested that information could be used as leverage to narrow it and make it more
pedestrian friendly. Geary replied the Active Modes Plan identified Taft Hill as being
more conducive to a road diet.
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
8 /20/202 5 – MINUTES Page 4
Chair Peyronnin asked when data regarding the mobile speed cameras’ impact on
speeds will be available. Geary replied the cameras seem to be working to reduce
speeds anecdotally; though the projected revenues are not being achieved.
Felton asked how CSU is involved in these efforts and how Shields is being treated in
terms of quick, cost effective improvements. Geary replied CSU is represented on the
Technical Advisory Committee and some interviews with CSU staff have occurred.
Additionally, staff will be attending the first CSU bike/skate/scoot to breakfast event to
get feedback. She stated there will likely be places that cost effective treatments will be
easier to do and places that might need larger capital projects.
Chair Peyronnin asked if there is any appetite to reduce the speed on Shields from
Prospect to Drake. Geary replied it is worth exploring, particularly if it could be
designed to be enforced.
Chair Peyronnin asked how Transfort is involved. Geary replied Transfort is
represented on the Technical Advisory Committee and although no recommendations
will be made about service changes through this effort, connections to transit will be
considered.
Baker asked about the timing of this effort as compared to the Transfort Optimization
Study. Geary replied this effort will be wrapping up in February. Dempsey replied the
Optimization Study will hopefully wrap up by the end of October with implementation
beginning in 2026 and 2027. She stated decisions about Optimization Study
recommendations will be made in a couple of weeks.
Alvarez asked if any implementation funds will be sought from the City. Geary replied
that is a possibility, particularly if the timing would work out to request matching funds or
if there are small projects identified for example.
Felton asked if there are other funding sources should Safe Streets for All grants be
eliminated. Geary replied local funding and other federal and state grants could be
considered.
Finch commented on the fact that the study area is heavily populated by CSU students
who are frequently on bicycles. Geary noted CSU’s data about where students live has
been compelling in the grant applications.
Chair Peyronnin asked if there are any roundabouts being considered for these specific
corridors. Geary replied that is a countermeasure that is being considered; however,
the study has not yet identified potential concepts for review.
Chair Peyronnin asked how the new class 4 E-bike technology is planned to be
addressed, noting they will be able to go over 40 miles per hour. Geary replied they are
not allowed on paved trails and suggested it should be part of the Which Wheels Go
Where project to help make that clear in the Code.
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
8 /20/202 5 – MINUTES Page 5
Baker asked about the end point for this study. Geary replied the end point will include
concept plans with enough information to work toward design and anticipate costs for a
grant application. She noted projects will be prioritized based on things like crash data,
where the need is highest, and feasibility. Additionally, she noted feedback will be
sought on prioritization.
Alvarez commended the work done on Laporte and Chair Peyronnin commended the
work done on Centre.
Geary provided Board Members with information regarding the web map survey.
Burtis asked how people who live in the area are being engaged. Geary replied
postcards were sent to property owners along the corridors and interviews and pop-ups
have occurred at various locations.
Burtis suggested additional engagement with the student community and another Finch
suggested talking to teachers and parents at area schools.
Alvarez asked if a similar study was undertaken for the Laporte work. Geary replied
that planning and engagement was done prior to her tenure with the City.
Chair Peyronnin suggested seeking feedback at the Senior Center. Geary replied staff
will be attending a paralympic equipment expo at the Senior Center and may do a pop-
up at that event.
Geary outlined next steps including identifying, analyzing, and scoring
countermeasures and developing concept plans with additional public engagement with
pop-ups, Boards and Commissions presentations, and a second Technical Advisory
Committee meeting.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Action Item Recap
Chair Peyronnin noted he wrote a letter of support for the new downtown parking plan
on behalf of the Board.
Members discussed keeping a record of the memos and letters sent to Council moving
forward. Dempsey noted she has memos and letters from the past two years.
Baker suggested including letters to Council in the Board minutes for the next month.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Staff Liaison Report
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
8 /20/202 5 – MINUTES Page 6
Dempsey noted Vision Zero will be discussed at the September 8th Super Issues
meeting. Additionally, she noted the White Line Initiative, a group that advocates for
bicycling safety, is also holding a meeting at the same time on September 8th. Members
discussed possibly sending members to both meetings.
Dempsey stated the Board will hear a presentation on the Transfort Optimization Plan in
September and noted the Transfort budget has further decreased. In October, the
Board will hear a presentation on the Commercial Corridors updates to the Land Use
Code.
Dempsey noted a 2026 Work Plan will need to be developed and outlined potential other
meeting topics, including speed and red-light cameras.
Alvarez commented on the benefits of having state support for transportation efforts.
Members discussed a new stoplight on Ziegler and commented on wanting to hear a
presentation on how to ensure safety is prioritized at inception when new things are
developed.
Dempsey noted there is a Harmony Corridor project looking at separated protected bike
facilities for which funding has been secured for 2026.
Noles suggested a presentation on snow removal and maintenance.
Burtis suggested compiling a list of future projects that may be of interest to the Board.
Chair Peyronnin stated there may be a joint meeting with the Active Modes Advisory
Board in January.
b. City Council 6-Month Calendar Review
Members discussed upcoming Council items for work sessions and regular meetings.
c. Board Comments
Finch noted students have returned to CSU and commented on the benefits of a
reminder email she received regarding their return last year.
Baker asked about the monthly data report from Transfort and suggested the Board
may want to discuss having a more cohesive request for information. Chair
Peyronnin suggested having a more detailed discussion next month.
Burtis commented on having a conversation with Councilmember Canonico about
prioritizing funding for ADA expansion of the sidewalk system. Alvarez commented
on sidewalk work being done in her neighborhood and expressed concern about the
scope of the work noting it seems to be only corners getting improved.
Burtis noted those corner improvements are required per ADA regulations; however,
the sidewalks around them are not required to be improved.
Members commented on possibly discussing driveway and curb cut consolidation
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR
8 /20/202 5 – MINUTES Page 7
along roadways.
Chair Peyronnin reported on attending the recent forum with the mayoral candidates
and noted the November election will involve ranked voting.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. by unanimous consent.
Headline Copy Goes Here
Kaley Zeisel, Transfort Director
Steven Zupparo, Sr. Operations
Manager
Transfort
Optimization Plan
Nov. 19, 2025
Headline Copy Goes HereAgenda
2
1. Project Overview
2. Transit Scenario Development
3.Recommended Transit Scenario
4. Paratransit
5. Safety and Security
6. Next Steps
Headline Copy Goes Here
3q
Question for Transportation Board
What questions or feedback do Transportation Board members have about the
process and recommended transit scenario?
Headline Copy Goes Here
Headline Copy Goes Here
5
Purpose + Goals
Purpose: A 5–10-year transit service plan grounded in financial constraints, focused on community needs and growing ridership.
Best Practices Alignment
Keeping transit free
ensures equity and
attracts riders.
Fare-Free Access Inclusive Engagement
Financial FeasibilityIntuitive DesignAdaptation to Travel Patterns
Purpose: A short-term transit service plan grounded in financial constraints, focused on
community needs and growing ridership.
Clear, simple navigation
encourages use.
Plans must be viable to
implement within budget.
Adjust service to new
post-COVID travel habits.
Engage diverse
voices to shape the
priorities.
Following industry
standards supports
ridership recovery.
Headline Copy Goes Here
6
Financial Overview
Expenses
•Transit industry expenses have grown 50-70% since
2019
•Fort Collins projects a ~50% increase (2019–2026)
•Major cost drivers: personnel, vehicle repair, and
contracted transportation services
Revenue
•Revenue growth has occurred primarily at the City level
(General Fund and 2050 Tax)
•Key external losses: FLEX, FASTER
•Expense growth continues to outpace revenue
increases
•Anticipated new State funding source in 2026 (SB24-
230)
*2025 revenue vs expense gap anticipated to be filled with
use of 2050 Tax Transit
Headline Copy Goes Here
7
City Priority
Council Priority
Reduce climate and air
pollution through
electrification and best
practices.
Strategic Plan
Increase Transfort access
and ridership by ensuring
the City’s transit services
provide safe, reliable and
convenient alternatives to
driving.
Our Climate Future
Make investments in
equitable access to, and
expansion of, all sustainable
modes of travel with
emphasis on growing transit
ridership.
Transit Master Plan
Provide safe, attractive,
efficient, equitable, modern
and innovative mobility for
people to live, work and
play in the City.
Transit is a City priority and key strategy in achieving City goals. The Optimization
Plan implements Transportation Master Plan (TMP) recommendations.
Headline Copy Goes Here
Headline Copy Goes Here
9
Path to the Recommended Transit Scenario
Evaluation
Evaluate scenarios
against a diverse set of
data inputs
Transit Scenario
Formulate a preferred
transit scenario
Operational
Viability
Test and modify
Best Practices
Grounded in a body of
industry best practices for
ridership improvement
Principles and
Network
Design
Priorities
Establish and check
against our foundational
elements
Feedback
Consider from public, staff
and stakeholders
Headline Copy Goes Here
10
Three Scenarios for Public Feedback
Scenario 1: Travel Patterns Scenario 2: Rider Demand
Scenario 3: Condensed with
Microtransit
Each scenario was presented with their anticipated impacts:
Equity benefits,cost effectiveness,ridership improvement,economic health
benefits,environmental benefits,alignment with City priorities.
Headline Copy Goes Here
11
Feedback on the Three Scenarios
•Frequency First: Frequency (over coverage) is the top priority!
•Rider-Centered Service: Support for transit-reliant riders and simple, linear routes on major corridors for clarity and ease of travel.
•Safety and Quality: Focus on improving on-time performance, reliability, safety, and overall service experience.
•System Gaps and Travel Time: Concerns about long routes, low-frequency service, and gaps in areas (Timberline, Trilby).
•Microtransit: Some interest but skepticism due to cost, with most people not liking the idea of transferring from microtransit to fixed route.
•Partnerships: Enhance and establish new partnerships to expand service opportunities.
•Expanded Access: Requests for evening, weekend (esp. Sunday), and school-oriented service, including PSD high schools, CSU, Front Range Community College (FRCC) and parks and recreation areas.
The community-at-large,
Boards and Commissions,
TAC/CAC and targeted
groups weighed in on the
three options via an online
survey, focus groups,
presentations, open
house, and other
community events.
Who and How What We Heard
Headline Copy Goes Here
12
System Evaluation
Areas of High Transit Propensity Average Annual Daily Traffic Affordable Housing LocationsExisting Routes with Highest
Ridership
The three scenarios were evaluated against a diverse set of data inputs including:
Route productivity,ridership by route and stop,rider demographics,transit propensity,travel
patterns,annual average daily traffic,affordable housing,proximity to key destinations.
Headline Copy Goes Here
13
Best Practices
Characteristics Fort Collins, CO Akron, OH
CityBus
Lafayette, IN Davis, CA
FAST
Fayetville, NC
GP Metro
Portland, ME
WRTA
Worcester, MA
46%99%93%93%103%89%156%Each peer agency’s ridership
recovery is well above the national
average.
Service Area /
Number of Routes N/A -7%-8%-14%-1%-9%-14%On average, most peer agencies
have reduced their service area by
~ 6%.
Total Operating
Funds +16%+8%+27%+45%+19%+28%+24%Operating funds have increased
across all peer agencies
Operating
Expenses per
Passenger +76%+37%+46%+84%-20%+57%-4%
Operating expenses per passenger
have increased across most
agencies, except for two peer
agencies.
Main Recovery
Drivers N/A Network redesign,
higher frequency
Higher college
enrollments
and
spaces
Student focus
and limited
parking spaces
Free fare and flex
stop for a new
route
Half fare, route
adjustments,
higher service hours,
partnership
We examined the main recovery drivers of six peer agencies with successful ridership recovery
rates well above the national average between 2019 and 2023.
Themes: Smaller service areas/less routes, increased operating expenses and funds
Headline Copy Goes Here
14
Principles and Design Priorities
Principles
Frequency
Productivity
Equity
Simplicity
Efficiency
Network Design Priorities
Grid pattern
Data-driven
Transit-reliant populations
Productivity
Highest-travelled corridors
Popular destinations
Community-requested service
Highest ridership return
Feedback Evaluation Best Practices Principles and Design Priorities
Headline Copy Goes Here
Headline Copy Goes Here
16
The Recommended Transit Scenario
Toward growing ridership
•A lean, linear, grid-like route system that limits detours
•Maintains or improves highest performing routes
•Ridership projected to increase to 3.35M (2.62M in 2024)
Focuses on community needs
•Informed by community outreach (e.g. new service on Timberline)
•Serves areas of the city with the highest transit reliance
•Connects key destinations like schools, healthcare facilities,
shopping centers, human services, and affordable housing
Grounded in financial constraints
•Retools low performing routes
•Tested against existing resources
•Operationally viable
Headline Copy Goes Here
17
Recommended Frequencies & Service Hours
Frequent Core Local
Contracted routes FLEX, HORN, GOLD and FHS are
included in the system
Weekday 10-20 mins all day
Weekend 15-20 mins all day
Peak frequency of 30 mins for 8 hrs/day*
Off-peak frequency of 60 mins for 6 hrs/day Frequency of 60 mins for 14 hrs/day
Monday-Saturday service, no Sundays
*The 7 runs at 30 min frequencies for 14 hrs/day
Monday-Saturday
Headline Copy Goes Here
18
Long-term Service Expansion Options
Service Expansion Options
•W. Elizabeth connection to MAX
•Higher frequency on MAX
•Extending Timberline route to service Trilby (18N)
•New route to service west Harmony (Route 11N)
•Sunday service for fixed route and paratransit
•Return of service along Laporte Ave (Route 9)
•Micro-transit zone
Headline Copy Goes Here
Headline Copy Goes HereDial-A-Ride Service Area – Impacts and Mitigation
20
Impacts
•Dial-A-Ride service area will decrease with new
fixed route map
•No Sunday service
•FTA requires complementary paratransit service
within ¾ mile of fixed route service
•Dial-A-Ride program costs are difficult to predict or
control
Mitigation Actions
•Legacy-in existing clients who will be outside the
new service area
•Update Dial-A-Taxi Voucher Program
•Expanded service area to Growth Management
Area
•Service any time of day, any day of week
Headline Copy Goes Here
21
Dial-A-Ride Service Area
Service
Reduction
New Service
Area
Service
Expansion
Headline Copy Goes Here
Headline Copy Goes Here
23
Police & Transfort Partnership
SARA Model Framework
Analysis
ResponseAssessment
Scanning
•Homeless Outreach & Proactive Engagement
Team (HOPE)
•Mental Health Response Team (MHRT)
Program Timeline: Oct. 2025-Dec. 2028
2025 = $40k
2026 = $260k
2027 and 2028 = $250k annually
Transfort plans to use 2050 tax approved in
BFO offer 65.22 to fund partnership.
Headline Copy Goes Here
Headline Copy Goes Here
25
Next Steps
Public outreach and engagement
Evaluate and analyze feedback to develop principles and priorities
Develop final scenario based on principles and priorities
Ensure that final scenario is operationally viable and fiscally sustainable
Confirm principles & priorities with Council
Inform stage of public engagement
Implement operational plan
(2027)
Headline Copy Goes Here
26
Question for Transportation Board
What questions or feedback do Transportation Board members have about the
process and recommended transit scenario?
Headline Copy Goes Here
Transportation Board – November 2025
Staff Liaison Report
•Upcoming agenda topics include:
o AVIS (red light and speeding camera) updates from FCPD (December)
o Joint meeting with TBoard and AMAB (January)
Council 6 -month c alendar
•December 2nd (CM): The Future of Commercial Corridors and Centers:
Land Use Code Updates and Proposed Changes to Harmony Corridor
Plan. Ordinance-2nd reading
•December 9th (WS): Parking Study Engagement Report and
Implementation Strategies
•January 27th (WS): Sounds in the City Follow-Up from Community
Engagement
Note: Work Session (WS), Council Meeting (CM)
Transfort Data Update
2Ridership- System Wide
System wide
recovery to 2019
levels continues to
improve, with the W
Elizabeth Corridor
and HORN Routes
closest to pre
pandemic levels.
Year over year
improvement is
resting at about 15%.
October growth may
have been negatively
impacted by service
reductions and
cancellations.
3Ridership- MAX
MAX returned to 10
minute service 7AM-
7PM in the Spring
signup.
As of 10/13, service
was reduced to limit
10min frequency to
11am- 6pm.
4On Time Performance
•Buses are considered on-time if they depart from a timepoint no earlier than one minute before or no
later than five minutes after schedule
•Transfort Service Standards set the target of 90% on time for any given route
5On Time Performance
•Buses are considered on-time if they depart from a timepoint no earlier than one minute before or no
later than five minutes after schedule
•Transfort Service Standards set the target of 90% on time for any given route
6Paratransit – Dial A Ride
•The paratransit service continues to increase, YTD up 5% from last year.
•On Time Performance seems to be impacted. We are in conversations with vendor to address.
•In 2025, Transfort is rolling out improvements to the program through automated reminders, trip arrival
notifications and a portal (and later, app) by which passengers can request rides.