Dan Blaneknship is the CEO of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, which is the largest rural transit system in the country. His presentation provides an overview of what the RFTA has been up to and outlines future goals.

1. Head
Shot
Here
Dan Blankenship, CEO
Roaring Fork Transportation Authority
COLORADO BRIEFS

2. Background
• Over 29 years – CEO/General Manager of Roaring Fork
Transportation Authority (RFTA) and predecessor Roaring
Fork Transit Agency
• Play bass guitar in church band
• Participate in a jail-house ministry with inmates that have
substance abuse/addiction issues
• Teaching 15-year old son how to drive

3. Community Equity
• RFTA is largest rural transit system in the U.S.
• RFTA is 2nd largest transit system in Colorado
• RFTA is first rural transit agency to implement a Bus Rapid Transit System
• Financial sustainability – 3 successful sales tax and one property tax election
• Economic Benefits of RFTA Transit ($67 - $88 Million – 2018 SWEEP)
– Commuter Service – Hwy 82 and I-70
– ASC Skier Shuttles, Aspen/Glenwood Springs Circulators, Maroon Bells, Major Community
Events (X-games, Jazz Aspen/Snowmass
– Over 5 million rides per year
• Rio Grande Trail
• Transit Infrastructure Partnerships: Grade Separated Pedestrian Crossings, Rubey Park,
Destination 2040 Project List

4. Vision
• In addition to quality transit, Mobility as a Service (MAAS)
– Bike, e-Bike, and Mobility Device Sharing – first and last mile technologies
– Ridesharing app
– Call and Demand (Uber/Lyft)
– Mobile Fare Payment Systems
• Battery Electric Bus Pilot Project - Solar Power
• Completion of Lower Colorado Valley Trail – from Glenwood Springs to New
Castle