About RFTA
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA, pronounced ‘rafta’) has been in operation since 1983, and functions as a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The RTA includes the communities of Aspen, Snowmass Village, Pitkin County, Basalt, and a portion of Eagle County, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and New Castle. RFTA provides commuter bus service from Aspen to Glenwood Springs (Roaring Fork Valley), Glenwood to Rifle (Hogback), intra city service in the Cities of Aspen and Glenwood Springs, ski shuttle service to the four AspenSnowmass ski areas, the Maroon Bells Shuttles, and a variety of other seasonal services. RFTA also manages the greatest portion of the Rio Grande Trail which runs from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, Colorado.
Our Mission
Connecting our region with transit and trails.
Serving the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys, RFTA provides essential transit services and multi-use trails to residents, commuters, and visitors. Our services span a 70-mile corridor, from the City of Aspen and extending through the communities of Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs in the Roaring Fork Valley and then extending to the Colorado River Valley communities of New Castle, Silt, and Rifle.
RFTA Year In Review
RFTA’s Year in Review highlights the milestones and accomplishments that shaped our year—from major capital projects to enhanced safety initiatives and service improvements. Stay informed on how we’re moving the region forward by exploring our latest year in review.
RFTA Budget
RFTA’s Finance Department ensures transparent and accurate financial management. With diverse funding sources supporting our services, we are committed to keeping customers and taxpayers informed through balanced annual budgets and audited financial statements.
An Award-Winning Transit Leader
As the largest rural transit agency in the United States and the second-largest public transit agency in Colorado, RFTA is a nationally recognized leader in public transportation. Over the years, we have received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). We are also proud to operate VelociRFTA, the nation’s first rural Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, offering fast, frequent, and reliable service throughout the Roaring Fork Valley with service between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Additionally, in 2024, RFTA was honored as a Climate Champion by the Federal Transit Administration for its dedication to sustainability and innovation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This recognition underscores RFTA’s leadership in eco-friendly transit solutions, including the adoption of its Climate Action Plan.
RFTA Board of Directors
RFTA’s Board Membership is comprised of representatives of our membership communities. They hold public meetings monthly. For information on who our board member communities are, visit the Board Meetings page.
RFTA Strategic Plan
The RFTA Strategic Plan provides the framework to guide RFTA’s decision making, budgeting, and daily operations. View the RFTA Strategic Plan.