In a move that underscores the City of Fort Collins' dedication to keeping public transit accessible and equitable for its citizens, Transfort has revealed two key service updates that are sure to be welcomed news for local commuters. Notably, the city's transportation operator will continue offering fare-free service, an initiative that initially took off during the COVID-19 pandemic as a temporary measure but has since proven its worth and support in the community. This decision was based on findings from the 2023 Transit Funding Study, which emphasized not just the financial viability but also the environmental and social benefits that come with a fare-free public transit system.
The second update, almost as if in tandem with the fare-free announcement, marks the return of the MAX bus service to a sprightlier schedule during the busiest of hours. Starting September 30, passengers can expect a 10-minute MAX frequency from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, an adjustment aimed at boosting ridership by streamlining the commute during peak times, and this move, not quite restoring the service to its pre-pandemic bustle, but it inches towards that very goal, hoping to near those levels by January 2025.
According to the City of Fort Collins by Transfort, outside these peak hours, the buses will run every 20 minutes, catering to early birds and night owls from 5:20 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m., respectively. The fare-free policy coupled with the increased MAX frequencies reflects Transfort's ongoing efforts to improve the public transport experience and to make it a more enticing option for residents, especially those dependent on the service for their daily engagements around town.
Responding to the service enhancement, Transfort Director Kaley Zeisel said, as per the City of Fort Collins, "This increase in service frequency is a crucial step towards revitalizing MAX and improving our overall ridership," highlighting the connection between transit convenience and increased usage. As staffing levels rise, Transfort envisions a full return to the 10-minute frequencies, promising a full-circle comeback to the days before the buses run less frequently, it’s a testament to the city’s recovery and push toward what seems an era of reimagined public utilities.
