The Colorado Clean Transit Enterprise (CTE) board has approved its first formula grant, awarding $455,000 to the Gunnison Valley Regional Transportation Authority (GVRTA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The annual award is expected to increase in future years, with projections between $550,000 and $625,000.
This grant will allow GVRTA to double the frequency of its main commuter route connecting the City of Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Mt. Crested Butte during non-winter months. Buses will run every 15 minutes at each stop throughout the year. In a later phase, winter peak service with 15-minute intervals will be extended from early morning until late afternoon.
“Senate Bill 24-230 created a first of its kind revenue stream to support transit operations in rural and urban areas across the state. Thanks to this important new law, we are quickly seeing results for Coloradans,” said CDOT Executive Director and Clean Transit Enterprise board member Shoshana Lew. “This first grant, which will double frequency on key commuter routes in the Gunnison area such as Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Mt. Crested Butte, shows how dollars are immediately being put to work in areas where transit successfully helps people get to their jobs, schools, businesses, and other destinations. I appreciate the hard work of the Clean Transit Enterprise staff in executing this program so efficiently.”
The CTE was established by legislation passed in 2024. Over 2025, it developed program goals and policies through engagement with transit agencies statewide via virtual town halls. These efforts led to setting eligibility requirements and an allocation formula approved for the fiscal year starting July 1.
GVRTA Executive Director Scott Truex commented on the partnership: “The Gunnison Valley RTA is excited to be able to expand our schedules through this partnership with the Clean Transit Enterprise board and staff. This increase in service will benefit our community by allowing better and more consistent access to jobs in our valley, and it would not have been possible without these new funds. CTE funds have flexibility that will enable us to purchase the vehicles we need to expand the service and then fund the cost of the expanded operations. We are very grateful for the support of the CTE and for this opportunity to better service the residents of our community.”
Clean Transit Enterprise Board Chair Cris Jones stated: “As Chair of the Clean Transit Enterprise Board, I’m proud that we are delivering on the promise of Senate Bill 24-230 so quickly. Even though we just launched this program, we are already getting resources into the hands of local transit providers like the Gunnison Valley RTA. This award shows how new investments can make an immediate difference for Coloradans — improving mobility, cutting emissions, and strengthening connections between communities. It’s an exciting first step in a long-term commitment to grow transit options across the state.”
