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Douglas County approves $2.9 million microtransit contract to expand Highlands Ranch service
Summary
The Douglas County commissioners unanimously approved a $2,901,410 contract with River North Transit LLC (Via Transportation subsidiary) to operate microtransit service in Highlands Ranch and connections into Lone Tree; the service is planned to launch in late spring 2025.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a contract for microtransit services with River North Transit LLC, a subsidiary of Via Transportation Inc., for $2,901,410 through March 31, 2026.
Ryan Arthur, representing the Department of Community Services, told the board the county issued a request for proposals on Jan. 24, 2025 and that River North Transit responded with a turnkey service proposal. Arthur said the contract would expand an existing Lone Tree microtransit operation into Highlands Ranch, adding service points into and out of Lone Tree.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the microtransit contract is intended to capture first- and last-mile trips that they said fixed-route RTD service has not achieved, expand safe and ADA-accessible options for older adults and people with disabilities, and connect residents to medical centers, schools, retail and RTD stations.
Key contract details provided by staff and the vendor include proposed peak deployment of up to 15 vehicles, scheduled hours of operation (Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.), an app-and-phone booking system, ADA-accessible vehicles, and integration with regional transit. Staff said Via anticipates a weekly ridership capacity of about 2,224 riders.
Joe Martin, partner success director at Via, spoke to the board and said the company is “so excited to be working with you all, and expanding the work we're doing in Lone Tree.” Commissioners praised the Lone Tree pilot as a model and cited the county92s desire to provide more localized, door-to-door options instead of relying solely on fixed-route service.
Action: The board approved the contract by unanimous vote; the motion carried 3-0.
Implementation notes: Staff said the service is scheduled to launch in late spring 2025 and will include vehicle maintenance, driver training, a call center, marketing and community engagement as part of the vendor92s all-inclusive proposal.
