Garfield County commissioners approved a 2025 intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) to fund Grand Hogback service at $544,500 for the year.

RFTA officials — Michael Yang, chief financial and administrative officer; David Pezenczyk, chief operating officer; and Ian Adams, director of operations — told the board RFTA’s Grand Hogback corridor has returned to full seasonal service after pandemic reductions. Yang said the corridor carried more than 200,000 rides in 2024, about 12% higher than 2023; year‑to‑date through May 2025 ridership was up 5%.

Ian Adams described the current service plan as 44 daily trips across the I‑70 corridor (20 trips between Glenwood Springs and Rifle and an additional 24 between other corridor points), focused on commuter windows. RFTA’s triannual onboard survey showed about 92% of Hogback riders use the service for commuting or errands; 71% of surveyed riders were traveling between Glenwood Springs and the I‑70 corridor, and Rifle produced the most boardings.

Commissioners discussed parking demand at park‑and‑ride lots, potential expansion, and longer‑term funding mechanisms to support transit as western Garfield County grows. Commissioner comments noted interest in exploring expanded governance/funding options to sustain and grow service.

The board approved the contract and authorized the chair to sign.