Industry News
Winter Park, Colorado, is launching a new, innovative public transit system: Lift Flex. The microtransit project, launched on June 15, is designed to function similarly to ride-share services like Lyft and Uber. Using a smartphone app, Winter Park residents and visitors can request on-demand rides between custom pickup and drop-off locations within the service area.
What makes Lift Flex stand out from other ride-share apps or public transit services is that it’s completely free. Funded by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) as part of the state’s Bustang Outrider program, the service aims to improve transportation access for people in Winter Park who are not currently served by the town’s existing shuttle routes.
Unlike a traditional fixed-route bus, Lift Flex uses a fleet of smaller vehicles that respond to rider requests in real time. Passengers can book trips through the Lift Rider app, online, or by phone, making the service accessible even for those without smartphones. The service area covers much of Winter Park and Fraser, helping connect neighborhoods, lodging, businesses, and recreation areas that previously had limited transit options.
Lift Flex operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to midnight during the summer before transitioning to a winter operating schedule for ski season. Riders are encouraged to book in advance, although same-day rides are available based on demand. Wait times are expected to top out at around 20 minutes during peak periods, with new trip requests temporarily paused if delays exceed that threshold to maintain reliable service.
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Winter Park has long been at the forefront of ski town public transportation in the United States. An already extensive transit network of 10 winter shuttle routes is uniquely complemented by the Winter Park Express, the seasonal Amtrak train that stops directly at the base of the resort. The service makes Winter Park the only major North American ski resort with direct passenger rail access from a major metropolitan area.
The introduction of Lift Flex builds on that reputation by filling gaps between fixed-route transit lines and making it easier for residents and visitors to travel without a personal vehicle. As mountain communities continue looking for ways to reduce traffic congestion and parking demand, Winter Park’s newest transit option could serve as a model for other ski towns seeking to expand car-free access to the slopes.
