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2025-08-19 Agenda and Supporting Documentation Town Council Afternoon Meeting
1.Call to Order (2:30pm) 2.Presentation/Discussion (2:30pm) 2.1 Naming Rights Valuation (2:30pm)30 min. Listen to presentation and provide feedback. Presenter(s): Kathleen Halloran, Deputy Town Manager Background: This is a summary of the valuation report prepared by The Superlative Group for Sponsorship and Naming Rights of town-owned assets, including Dobson Arena. Staff is looking for Town Council’s direction regarding which assets to open up to advertising or naming/presenting rights. 2.2 Early Childhood Education Update and Partnership Opportunity (3:00pm) 20 min. Listen to presentation and provide feedback. Presenter(s): Krista Miller, Human Resources Manager Background: This is an update from the presentation that was given at the May 20, 2025 Town Council afternoon meeting. 2.3 Parking Transactions Update (3:20pm)15 min. Listen to presentation and provide feedback. Presenter(s): Tom Kassmel, Acting Director of Public Works and Transportation Background: The purpose of this session is to provide Council with an update on parking transactions and revenue for the summer so far. 2.4 Transit Service Enhancement Grant Discussion (3:35pm)15 min. Listen to presentation and provide feedback. Presenter(s): Tom Kassmel, Town Engineer and Acting VAIL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Afternoon Session Agenda Vail Town Council Chambers and virtually by Zoom. Zoom meeting link: https://vail.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4eDWTXyERgSlRKPMwspqJQ 2:30 PM, August 19, 2025 Notes: Times of items are approximate, subject to change, and cannot be relied upon to determine what time Council will consider an item. 250819 Valuation2.docx 250819 Council updated.pdf Council Child Care Update 2025 Aug.pptx Parking Transaction Update Memo -Final.docx Parking Transactions Update - Council 8.19-Updated.pptx 1 Director of Public Works and Transportaion Background: The Town of Vail recently completed a Transit Route Optimization Plan which recommends implementing transit enhancements to meet the current and future needs of the town and to encourage transit use to meet the Council’s Strategic Transportation Goal. Simultaneously the state recently noticed a grant opportunity, SB-230 Transit Service Enhancements grant. 2.5 Evacuation Plan Update (3:50pm)20 min. Information only. Presenter(s): Chief Ryan Kenney, Vail Police Department and Paul Cada, Wildland Battalion Chief Background: The Town of Vail’s evacuation plan has undergone its first comprehensive update since 2014. This revision modernizes procedures, aligns with current best practices, and incorporates lessons learned from recent emergency management experiences. 3.DRB/PEC (4:10pm) 3.1 DRB/PEC Update (5 min.) 4.Information Update (4:15pm) 4.1 July 7, 2025 AIPP Meeting Minutes 4.2 Vail Transportation Center Update 5.Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports (4:15pm) 5.1 Matters from Mayor, Council Members and Committees (15 min.) 5.2 Town Manager Report (5 min.) 5.3 Council Matters and Status Update 6.Executive Session (4:35pm) (45 min.) Executive Session pursuant to 1. C. R.S. § 24-6- 402(4)(b): to have a conference with the Town Attorney to receive legal advice on specific legal questions; and C. R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(e): to determine positions, develop a negotiating strategy and instruct negotiators regarding 1. SeeWalker vs. Town of Vail Civil Action:24-cv- 02833-RMR-SBP; 2. Timber Ridge Village Employee Housing Unit Exchange Program; 3. NOLEGGIO PARTNERS and LIFTSIDE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION v. TOWN OF VAIL, Transit Grant Letter of Support Memo 8-19-25.docx TOV SB-230 Letter of Support.docx Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan Final Report_withAppendix.pdf Evacuation Plan Update.pdf DRB Results 8-6-25.pdf July 7, 2025 Minutes.pdf 250819 VTC update.docx TM Report.pdf 250819 Matters.docx Future Topics.docx 2 COLORADO; VAIL TOWN COUNCIL; PARKS HOSPITALITY HOLDINGS DESIGN DEVELOPMENT and VAIL LAND PARTNERS, LLC, case number 2025CV30166; and 4. pending litigation. 7.Recess 5:20pm (estimated) Meeting agendas and materials can be accessed prior to meeting day on the Town of Vail website www.vail.gov. All Town Council meetings will be streamed live by High Five Access Media and available for public viewing as the meeting is happening. The meeting videos are also posted to High Five Access Media website the week following meeting day, www.highfivemedia.org. Please call 970-479-2460 for additional information. Sign language interpretation is available upon request with 48 hour notification dial 711. 3 AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.1 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 TIME:30 min. SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (2:30pm) SUBJECT:Naming Rights Valuation (2:30pm) SUGGESTED ACTION:Listen to presentation and provide feedback. PRESENTER(S):Kathleen Halloran, Deputy Town Manager VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: 250819 Valuation2.docx 250819 Council updated.pdf 4 TO: Vail Town Council FROM: Town Manager’s Office DATE: August 19, 2025 SUBJECT: Naming Rights / Sponsorship Opportunities I. SUMMARY The purpose of this memo is to provide Council with a summary of the valuation report prepared by The Superlative Group for Sponsorship and Naming Rights of town-owned assets, including Dobson Arena. Staff is looking for Town Council’s direction regarding which assets to open up to advertising or naming/presenting rights. II. BACKGROUND In December, Town Council authorized the Town Manager to issue an RFP for Sponsorship and Naming Rights consulting services with the intent to learn about possible funding opportunities for Dobson Arena’s $56M redevelopment as well as future opportunities with other town owned assets. The goal of finding sponsorship opportunities centers around the success and long-term financial sustainability of the operation and maintenance of Dobson. These opportunities may also allow for additional capital investment into Dobson to elevate the quality of both public ice recreational and sports programming as well as entertainment a nd corporate related events, generating vitality for the community in a top-notch facility and economic benefit for Vail businesses. The Superlative Group was selected as our partner, and the first major outcome of this process was to provide a report outlining a “valuation” of town assets and what they may be worth to sponsors and advertisers. The valuation process is designed to guide the sales campaign with a comprehensive inventory of sponsorship benefits that can be customized and packaged to generate new sponsorship revenue. Superlative’s team of valuation specialists have identified and valued all the assets that the town has available to generate revenue, with a focus on both qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate the fair market value of each naming right or sponsorship opportunity and maximum revenue garnered in the marketplace for similar organizations. The next step in the process will focus on the development of a strategic sales campaign, using a systematic approach to contact marketing partners. Superlative maintains a database of thousands of corporate contacts that is continually updated and would be used to match the marketing needs of those corporations with the logical and most 5 Town of Vail Page 2 valuable marketing assets of the Town of Vail. The team will provide regular report-outs regarding progress of sales efforts. After successful prospecting, Superlative will work with the town on negotiations and the execution of contracts with sponsors. They will also assist in the fulfillment of the agreements and ensure obligations are met. The final step includes the activation process where Superlative will ensure a seamless implementation of the partnership and that there is a smooth transition in managing the relationship. Superlative will also assist the town in compliance of the agreements and manage installation. These next steps are projected to be 18 months in duration. III. DISCUSSION Below is a summary of the valuation report, using annual estimates of revenue potential. Town Council should determine which assets are appropriate for naming rights, sponsorship opportunities and advertising, which will inform Superlative as they prepare sales campaign materials for prospective sponsors. Presenting Rights for Dobson Arena Presenting Rights means that we retain “Dobson Arena” in the name, but “presented by xxx Sponsor”. Presenting Rights could include the sponsorship opportunities outlined below, with a corresponding estimated annual value: 1. Exterior Signage: The report includes sponsor benefits on signage at both east and south plaza entrances, off-premise signs, bus stops and welcome center digital displays. The cumulative value of these signs is estimated at $61,900. If signage with a sponsor’s name/logo was allowed on CDOT directional signage, that would add another $30,600. a. An opportunity to advertise the sponsor on a pedestrian-level kiosk could bring another $28,300, however the town would need to determine quantity and placement of these digital kiosks. The main purpose of the kiosks could be wayfinding and to promote town events, etc. 2. Interior Signage: Sponsor identification on things such as floor decals, box office signage, dasher boards, ice rink, scoreboards and/or videoboards is valued at approximately $25,600. 3. Digital/Social Media: Sponsor identification on the town’s websites (Vail.gov, DiscoverVail), Dobson arena landing page, social media for VRD, etc. is valued at approximately $24,900. 4. Other marketing materials: Includes items such as sponsor identification on event tickets, staff uniforms and print collateral. Estimated value of $7,000 5. Media Exposure: Sponsor identification on paid media promotion of the venue and generated earned media mentions are estimated at $106,000. 6. Use of Venue: The ability for the sponsor to use the facility on a mutually agreeable date and receive tickets to events is valued at $22,900. 7. Qualitative Benefit: Industry category exclusivity / intellectual property rights is valued at $30,200. Total possible annual value of presenting rights is estimated between $325,000 - $375,000. With a 25-year term and an annual CPI escalator of 3%, the total revenue generated could equate to $11.8M - $13.7M. South Plaza Naming Rights: 6 Town of Vail Page 3 Directly outside of Dobson Arena’s south entrance, there is the potential for naming rights of the plaza. The assumptions behind the valuation include many of the items listed above, such as signage on W. Meadow Drive, kiosk activation, box office signage, dasher boards/video boards and digital screens in the welcome centers. In addition, this sponsor would also benefit from digital and media exposure, and have access to use of the facility for agreed upon dates and ticket access. Total possible annual value of presenting rights on the South Plaza is estimated between $150,000 - $175,000. With a 10-year term and annual CPI escalator of 3%, the total revenue generated could equate to $1.7M - $2.0M. Title Sponsorship: Another opportunity is a title sponsorship of a new concert series at Dobson Arena. The assumptions behind the valuation include signage exposure at off-premise kiosks, box office signage, a temporary concert banner, arena video boards (rotational, appearing during TOV, VRD managed events), mainstage concert posters, and digital screens in the welcome centers. In addition, this sponsor would also benefit from digital and media exposure, and have access to use of the facility for agreed upon dates and ticket access. Total possible annual value of a title sponsorship for a new concert series is estimated between $125,000 - $175,000. With a 5-year term and annual CPI escalator of 3%, the total revenue generated could equate to $663K - $930K. Digital Display Network: In addition to Naming, Presenting, and Title Sponsorship Rights, Superlative recommends negotiating an exclusive agreement with an Out-of-Home (OOH) company to install, operate and sell a digital display network. An OOH company would make an initial capital investment to develop the signage infrastructure across the Town. The agreement should include a minimum annual revenue guarantee (MAG), a capex recovery schedule, and negotiated revenue share based on a percentage of revenue generated above the annual guarantee. A network of digital advertising displays provides a guaranteed revenue stream for the Town with no operating cost concerns. This asset would add to the Town’s inventory of partnership benefits and could be sold as a standalone advertising opportunity or packaged as part of a larger sponsorship opportunity. In an agreement with an OOH company, the Town would retain an agreed percentage of rotational inventory to promote initiatives like major events, emergency messaging, transit information, and Town wayfinding. Superlative estimates the network can generate between $700,000 and $800,000 annual in advertising revenue. Based on the revenue potential, the Town can anticipate a MAG between $300,000 and $400,000. Over a 10-year period, the digital displays could generate between $3.4 and $4.6 million in guaranteed revenue. Shared Revenue: At a future meeting, Town Council may consider sharing a portion of the sponsorship revenue with partner organizations. Depending upon the asset being used to provide value to the sponsor (i.e. VRD website or DiscoverVail website, for example) the estimated revenue generated should be shared with the provider or asset owner. Separately, given the goal of long-term financial sustainability of Dobson Arena, staff proposes sharing an appropriate portion of sponsorship revenue with the Vail Recreation District related to implementing sponsor 7 Town of Vail Page 4 requirements, and also a portion dedicated to capital maintenance and operations / programming. IV. ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL Please provide feedback to staff on the proposed assets identified as opportunities for sponsorship and naming rights: Presenting Rights for Dobson Arena South Plaza naming rights Title Sponsorship of a new concert series Digital Display Network Does Town Council want staff to inquire about cost and location of possible kiosks? Are there any other assets to remove from the list of possibilities? Does Town Council support the concept of revenue share with partner organizations? 8 Sponsorship Valuation TOWN COUNCIL PRESENTATION August 19, 2025 9 Goals •Long term financial sustainability of operations and capital maintenance •Enhance the facility for community programming, special events and corporate group opportunities •Fund approximately $5M of improvements not currently part of the Dobson Arena budget: •$2.5M South Plaza improvements •$1.5M Video boards inside Dobson •$750K optional show lighting •$100K Sound enhancements •$100K enhanced concessions •Enhanced scoreboards 2 10 Pursuit of Sponsorships In December, Town Council approved an RFP process for sponsorship and naming rights consulting. The Superlative Group has provided a valuation of town assets: •The valuation process guides the sales campaign. We’re asking for Town Council feedback on inventory of town assets that can be customized and packaged to generate sponsorship revenue. 3 11 Valuation Process 4 12 Presenting Rights: Dobson 5 Dobson Arena, presented by ……. •Exterior signage •Signs at east and south plaza entrances •Kiosks, Welcome Center digital displays, bus stops •Interior signage •Floor decals at entrances, box office signage, scoreboards, dasher boards, video boards, ice decals •Digital / Social Media •Other marketing materials (tickets, print collateral, uniforms) •Media exposure •Use of venue •Qualitative benefit Estimated annual revenue: $325K - $375K 10-year total $11.8M - $13.7M 13 South Plaza Naming Rights: Dobson 6 •Exterior & interior signage •Digital / Social Media •Other marketing materials (tickets, print collateral, uniforms) •Dasher boards / video boards •Media exposure •Use of venue •Qualitative benefit Estimated annual revenue: $150K - $175K 10-year total: $1.7M - $2.0M 14 Title Sponsorship: Concert Series 7 •Exterior & interior signage •Digital / Social Media •Other marketing materials (tickets, print collateral, uniforms) •Dasher boards / video boards •Media exposure •Use of venue •Qualitative benefit Estimated annual revenue: $125K - $175K 5-year total: $663K - $930K 15 Digital Display Network 8 Proposed Out-of-Home (OOH) exclusive agreement : •Digital display paid for by OOH, however future revenues repay that capital expense •Minimum annual revenue guarantee to OOH, then a revenue share with Town •Estimated total revenues at $700K - $800K, with Town’s share at $300K - $400K Minimum Annual Guarantee Estimate: MAG: $300,000 - $400,00 10-Year Revenue Potential: $3.4 - $4.6M Digital Display Networks benefits: •Guaranteed Annual Revenue Stream •Adds to the Town’s inventory of corporate partnership benefits •The Town will reserve rotational inventory to promote events, emergency messaging, transit information, and wayfinding 16 Shared Revenue - Sponsorship 9 •Revenue allocated to partner organizations because we’ve sold their asset (website, social media channels, etc.) •Revenue allocated to the Vail Recreation District based on operating requirements to fulfill sponsorships •Revenue allocated to the Vail Recreation District based on goal of long-term sustainable financial support of programming and capital maintenance 17 Next Steps 10 •Strategic Sales Campaign •Negotiations of Sponsorship Agreements •Subject to Town Council approval and in agreement with partner organizations •Activation / Fulfillment of Sponsorships 18 Summary 11 Does Town Council have feedback regarding sponsor opportunities: •Presenting Rights for Dobson Arena •South Plaza naming rights •Title Sponsorship of a new concert series •Digital Display Network Are there any assets to remove from the list of possibilities? Does Town Council support the concept of revenue share with partner organizations? 19 AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.2 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 TIME:20 min. SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (2:30pm) SUBJECT:Early Childhood Education Update and Partnership Opportunity (3:00pm) SUGGESTED ACTION:Listen to presentation and provide feedback. PRESENTER(S):Krista Miller, Human Resources Manager VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: Council Child Care Update 2025 Aug.pptx 20 Town Council Goal Update Early Childhood Education Access & Affordability 21 Overview •New Early Childhood Education Expansion Opportunity •Tobacco Tax Revenue and Projections 22 Support our Workforce Early Childhood Goal: By 2029, parents/caregivers working in Vail needing childcare have access to affordable childcare located where they need it, measured by a reduction in waitlist numbers at Vail childcare facilities. 23 EARLY CHILDHOOD – New Opportunities Action – Evaluate potential opportunities to expand capacity for ECE spaces. NEW – Consider partnership with new Avon proposal from Vail Valley Foundation •$50,000 funding to secure 2 spots and support capital investment in new facility •Provides for access for TOV employees and/or Vail’s workforce 24 WHAT A new childcare facility is being built by the Vail Valley Foundation in partnership with the Town of Avon. This new facility will serve up to 165 children ages zero to five and will operate as a nonprofit. VVF has partnered with Access Early Education Foundation as the childcare operator. The facility construction began in July 2025 with a scheduled opening in October 2026. OPPORTUNITY VVF is partnering with local employers and communities with the opportunity to secure spots for our local workforce via an Employer Sponsored Childcare Opportunity. •Initial investment: $25,000 per spot •Provides: A 1st right of refusal for the secured spot for 2 years with first right to secure additional spots subject to availability •Ongoing investment: $250 per spot per month ($3,000 annually per spot) •Partner discount: Employees in secured spots receive $10/day discount RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends securing 2 partnership spots now and consider additional at future opportunities based on demand at that time. VVF – New Avon Early Childhood Option 25 Town Council has directed use of Tobacco Tax Revenue for use supporting Early Childhood Education in achieving related goals. Tobacco Tax Revenues & Expenditures Tobacco Tax Reserves Revenue Rec Expeditures 2020 $ 531,913 $ 53,055 2021 $ 536,920 $ 60,000 2022 $ 549,445 $ 115,698 2023 $ 553,661 $ 168,397 2024 $ 540,391 $ 282,999 Total $ 2,712,328 $ 680,149 $ 2,032,179 Reserved Fund Balance 26 Tobacco Tax Projections Tobacco Tax Revenues & Expenditures Projection 2025 $ 551,199 $ 239,989 2026 $ 562,223 $ 247,189 2027 $ 573,467 $ 254,605 2028 $ 584,936 $ 262,243 2029 $ 596,635 $ 270,110 2030 $ 608,568 $ 278,213 2031 $ 620,739 $ 286,560 2032 $ 633,154 $ 295,156 2033 $ 645,817 $ 304,011 27 THANK YOU 28 AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.3 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 TIME:15 min. SUBMITTED BY:Tom Kassmel, Public Works ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (2:30pm) SUBJECT:Parking Transactions Update (3:20pm) SUGGESTED ACTION:Listen to presentation and provide feedback. PRESENTER(S):Tom Kassmel, Acting Director of Public Works and Transportation VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: Parking Transaction Update Memo -Final.docx Parking Transactions Update - Council 8.19-Updated.pptx 29 To: Town Council From: Public Works Department Date: August 19, 2025 Subject: Summer Parking Transactions Update I. Summary The purpose of this Council session is to provide Council with an update on parking transactions and revenue for the summer to date. The Town of Vail implemented a paid summer parking program for the first time beginning in May 2025. The program’s primary purpose is to generate funding for the high-priority structural capital projects to maintain and preserve the town structures, estimated at $2.0 million annually. Additional summer parking revenues were allocated to support expanded summer transit services, with annual costs estimated at $500,000. To date, summer parking revenues total over $900,000; a $550,000 increase compared to the prior year which only included charges for overnight and event parking. When compared to the prior year, transactions within the structures are down ~16% through August 3rd while revenues are trending down 35% from budgeted projections. Staff has prepared a presentation on summer parking transactions, along with potential considerations for winter parking pricing for the parking task force to discuss prior to the winter season. II. Recommendation Provide general direction regarding future revenue goals for this upcoming winter season, which will be relayed to the Parking & Mobility Task Force for discussion and evaluation of any rate changes for this winter. 30 Summer Parking Overview August 19th, 2025 31 Summer 2024 & Summer 2025 Transaction Comparison 2024 (May 31st – August 4 th)2025 (May 30th – August 3 rd) YoY Difference Total Transactions 293,846 269,303 -8.4% YoY Total Weekend Transactions 142,126 136,258 -4.1% YoY Total Weekday Transactions 151,720 133,045 -12.3% YoY Total Transactions Less Ford & VAF 288,503 239,972 -16.8% YoY Retail vs. Pass Transactions • Pass Transaction = 40627 • (~15% total transactions) • Retail Transaction = 228676 • (~85% total transactions) Vail Transit Ridership • Outlying Ridership YOY Increase: +10% • Intown Ridership YOY Decrease: -8% 32 2024 • Season from May 24 th to September 29th • 5/24-8/4 = 313167 Transactions •Does not include Ford or VAF transactions outside of paid events 2025 • Season from May 30 th to September 28th • 5/30-8/3 = 269303 Transactions •Season began one week later 33 Summer 2025 Revenue • 5/24/24 - 8/4/24 • 59% of total transactions • Summer 2025 • Total revenue to date = $918K • Projected Total for Summer 2025 = $1.56M • Budgeted Summer 2025 Parking Revenue = $2.5M •Projected $875k shortfall • Retail vs. Pass Revenue • $874.570 vs. $43,874 • Passes make up 5% of revenue 34 What was summer parking revenue funding? Expenditure Cost Parking Operations (Bank/System Fees, staffing, communications $100,000 Increased Transit Service (Summer)$500,000 Increased Parking Structure Capital Maintenance $2,000,000 Total $2,600,000 Summer revenues are only funding the additional costs of summer parking services, the increased transit service, and a small portion of the increased parking structure capital maintenance. 35 Summer Revenue (May 30th – August 3 rd) Total Projected Revenue (Less Fees) To Date (59%) Projected Inc. Revenue To Date Actual Revenue Percent Difference Retail $1,300,000 $767,000 $486,000 -37% Discount Pass $200,000 $118,000 $44,000 -63% Pass Sales $25,000 $15,000 $46,000 207% Event, Ford/VAF & Overnight* $840,000 $496,000 $388,000 -22% Totals $2,365,000 $1,396,000 $964,000 -31% *2024 Summer Revenue was ~$505k Retail Average Revenue per transaction $2.13 Discount Pass Average Revenue per transaction 36 Potential Winter Rate Changes Option Estimated Revenue No Change $0.00 Add a retail evening rate (Ex. $2.00/hr after 3pm; Free for Passes) $100,000 Increase pass prices (Preliminary Task Force Discussion) $140,000- $180,000 Add Premium Days (17 Days- Christmas week, Presidents Weekend, etc) $360,000 37 Request from Council Provide general direction regarding future revenue goals for this upcoming winter season, which will be relayed to the Parking & Mobility Task Force for discussion and evaluation of any rate changes for this winter 38 AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.4 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 TIME:15 min. SUBMITTED BY:Tom Kassmel, Public Works ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (2:30pm) SUBJECT:Transit Service Enhancement Grant Discussion (3:35pm) SUGGESTED ACTION:Listen to presentation and provide feedback. PRESENTER(S):Tom Kassmel, Town Engineer and Acting Director of Public Works and Transportaion VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: Transit Grant Letter of Support Memo 8-19-25.docx TOV SB-230 Letter of Support.docx Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan Final Report_withAppendix.pdf 39 To: Town Council From: Public Works Department Date: August 19, 2025 Subject: Town of Vail Letter of Support for SB-230 Transit Service Enhancements Grant I. Summary The Town of Vail recently completed a Transit Route Optimization Plan which recommends implementing transit enhancements to meet the current and future needs of the town and to encourage transit use to meet the Council’s Strategic Transportation Goal. The recommended transit enhancements provide enhanced service to East Vail, Sandstone, and West Vail, with a later phase implementing a new “Middle Creek Circulator” to serve Middle Creek housing area. These enhancements were noted as “Scenario 1”, in past presentations, the Final Plan is attached for reference with Scenario 1 described in the executive summary. The Council directed staff to move forward with developing Scenario 1 further to understand scheduling/staffing needs and refining the direct operating costs/impacts. This is currently in process and will be a part of the budget approval process. Simultaneously the state recently noticed a grant opportunity, SB-230 Transit Service Enhancements grant. This state grant is formula funding and anticipated to be available for the foreseeable future based on oil and gas fees. The Town of Vail will be eligible for ~$1M to ~$1.2M in 2026-2030, requiring a minimum 20% match. The estimated cost of the transit enhancements, which includes both the current summer enhanced service and the new Scenario 1 enhanced service, are shown in the table below. In general, assuming a successful grant award yearly, the Town of Vail’s portion of cost for implementation is expected to be ~$300k to ~$400k for the next two years and ~$800k for the following three years. This would take the place of the $500k that has already been allocated for recent summer enhanced service, resulting in potential savings in 2026/27 and a small increase in years 2028-2030. 40 Town of Vail Page 2 Fiscal Year Type of SB 230 Grant Vail Summer & Scenario 1 Estimated Cost Funding ($) Match Costs Use of funds 2026 Cap 0 0 0 Ops $925,000 $435,000 $1,360,000 Driver wages and benefits; and vehicle costs 2027 Cap Ops $1,088,000 $272,000 $1,360,000 Driver wages and benefits; and vehicle costs 2028 Cap 0 0 0 Ops $1,216,000 $804,000 $2,020,000 Driver wages and benefits; and vehicle costs 2029 Cap 0 0 0 Ops $1,216,000 $804,000 $2,020,000 Driver wages and benefits; and vehicle costs 2030 Cap 0 0 0 Ops $1,216,000 $804,000 $2,020,000 Driver wages and benefits; and vehicle costs As a part of the 2026 budget Town Staff will likely recommend to budget for the recommended transit enhancements assuming successful award of SB-230 funding. Also, if determined appropriate staff may recommend that the enhanced transit service begin this winter to coincide with the start of peak transit service, which begins in early December. This will require a supplemental request for 2025 for the additional transit costs in December. Both of these actions will occur as a part of the budget process. The request today is to sign the letter of support (attached) to allow the Town to apply for the SB-230 grant. II. Recommendation Town staff recommends that Council supports the grant application and provides the necessary signed letter of support which is attached. Recognizing budgetary decisions will need to occur this fall. 41 8/19/2025 Craig Secrest Director, CDOT Clean Transit Enterprise (CTE) 2829 W. Howard Place Denver, CO 80204 RE: Town of Vail Letter of Support for SB-230 Transit Service Enhancements Dear Mr. Secrest, On behalf of the Vail Town Council, I am writing to express our strong support for the transit service enhancements detailed in the attached grant application . These enhancements are essential for our community. They will address the transportation needs of new residents in the Timber Ridge and South Face deed - restricted housing developments and provide convenient first and last mile connections to our regional transit partners such as Bustang and Core Transit. These service enhancements will also offer crucial transportation alternatives for residents and guests as we manage our recently implemented summer parking program. The Town of Vail is fully committed to providing the necessary local match for this application, which will be funded through Town of Vail general funds, and to continuing this enhanced service in the future with the support of the associated SB-230 funding. Sincerely, Travis Coggin, Town of Vail Mayor 42 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan Prepared for: Submitted on: Town of Vail June 24, 2025 43 P Table of Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................. 1 Key Findings................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Phased Recommendations and Costs................................................................................................................. 3 Chapter 1: Existing Conditions .......................................................................................................... 5 Vail Transit Planning Background ......................................................................................................................... 5 Demographics ............................................................................................................................................................ 8 Local Bus Routes ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 System Ridership Trends ....................................................................................................................................... 17 Productivity .............................................................................................................................................................. 24 Financial Performance ...........................................................................................................................................26 Vail Transportation Center ...................................................................................................................................29 Other Transit Services........................................................................................................................................... 30 Travel Patterns .........................................................................................................................................................32 Community Input .................................................................................................................................................... 34 Summary ................................................................................................................................................................... 35 Chapter 2: Impact Analysis.............................................................................................................. 37 Ridership Analysis ................................................................................................................................................... 37 Route Reliability Analysis ...................................................................................................................................... 40 Housing Density Analysis ....................................................................................................................................... 51 Employee Housing Transit Service.................................................................................................................... 55 Core Transit Coordination ..................................................................................................................................... 61 Summer Paid Parking Impact on Transit Needs ............................................................................................. 72 Impact Analysis Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 75 Chapter 3: Scenario Development.................................................................................................. 77 44 P Short-Term Route Opportunities ........................................................................................................................ 77 Route Concepts ....................................................................................................................................................... 78 Scenario Development ......................................................................................................................................... 86 Impact to Transit Frequency by Stop ................................................................................................................92 Scenario Trade Offs ................................................................................................................................................ 97 Chapter 4: Preferred Scenario ....................................................................................................... 98 List of Figures Figure 1: Preferred Scenario Summary ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2: Jobs Counts by NAICS Industry Sector, 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Figure 3: Inflow / Outflow Job Counts in the Town of Vail. Source: 2021 LEHD Data ............................................................................................................ 10 Figure 4: Job Concentration, LEHD, 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Figure 5: Existing Vail Transit Bus Routes, Go Vail 2045................................................................................................................................................................12 Figure 6: Distance from Residential Properties to Bus Stops (Including Outside of TOV boundaries and on the Winter Route) ............................ 14 Figure 7: Transit Catchment Area ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 8: Annual Vail Transit Ridership, 2013-2023 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Figure 9: Vail Transit Ridership by Month, Pre- and Post -COVID............................................................................................................................................... 18 Figure 10: Vail Transit Seasonal Ridership Comparison ...................................................................................................................................................................19 Figure 11: Annual Ridership by Route (excluding Intown) .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Figure 12: Winter Ridership by Route (excluding Intown) ...............................................................................................................................................................21 Figure 13: Summer/Shoulder Ridership by Route (excluding Intown)........................................................................................................................................ 22 Figure 14: Intown Route Ridership by Year ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Figure 15: Monthly Revenue Hours by Year ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Figure 16: Monthly Service Productivity by Year.............................................................................................................................................................................. 25 Figure 17: 2023 Funding Sources and Operational Expenditures (in Millions)........................................................................................................................ 26 Figure 18: Potential Schematic Concepts for Expanding Vail Transportation Center .......................................................................................................... 29 45 P Figure 19: The Origins of Travelers to Vail, by Season, 2021-2022 ............................................................................................................................................ 32 Figure 20: Percent of Total Ridership by Route ................................................................................................................................................................................37 Figure 21: Average Daily Boardings, February 2024 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 38 Figure 22: Stops with Highest Average Daily Ridership ................................................................................................................................................................ 39 Figure 23: Average Daily Boardings by Time of Day without Intown, February 2024.......................................................................................................... 40 Figure 24: Distribution of Run Time by Route, July 2023 ............................................................................................................................................................. 42 Figure 25: Average Run Times by Time of Day by Route, July 2023 ........................................................................................................................................ 43 Figure 26: Average Slack Time (Time between scheduled and average run times), July 2023 ....................................................................................... 44 Figure 27: Standard Deviation of Run Times (Variability in Total Run Time), July 2023 ..................................................................................................... 45 Figure 28: Distribution of Run Time by Route, February 2024 ................................................................................................................................................... 47 Figure 29: Average Run Times by Time of Day by Route, February 2024............................................................................................................................... 48 Figure 30: Average Slack Time (Time between scheduled and average run times), February 2024 ............................................................................. 49 Figure 31: Standard Deviation of Run Times (Variability in Total Run Time), February 2024 ............................................................................................ 50 Figure 32: Total Housing Unit Density ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 51 Figure 33: Percent Number of Bedrooms in Housing Units ......................................................................................................................................................... 53 Figure 34: Bus Frequency to Vail Transportation Center by Stop, Winter Peak Hour .......................................................................................................... 57 Figure 39: Existing Vail Transit Routes and Bus Stops ................................................................................................................................................................... 65 Figure 43: Potential New Transit Market in Summer Trips to VTC due to Paid Parking ...................................................................................................... 74 Figure 44: Vail Population Density ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 77 Figure 45: Middle Creek Circulator ......................................................................................................................................................................................................79 Figure 46: South Frontage Road Express ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 81 Figure 47: West Vail Red and Green ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 83 Figure 48: Lionsridge Loop .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 85 Figure 49: Scenario 1 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 86 Figure 50: Scenario 1 New and Changed Routes - West Vail ...................................................................................................................................................... 87 Figure 51: Scenario 2 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 89 Figure 52: Scenario 2 Route Changes in West Vail ........................................................................................................................................................................ 90 Figure 53: Preferred Scenario (Scenario 1): Enhance Local Service .......................................................................................................................................... 99 46 P List of Tables Table 1: Town of Vail Demographics, US Census, 2022 ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Table 2: Peak Seasonal Frequencies (in minutes) and Service Span by Route ........................................................................................................................13 Table 3: Fleet Replacement Cycles .......................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Table 4: Funding Sources for Operational Expenses (2020 - 2023) .........................................................................................................................................27 Table 5: Funding Sources for Capital Expenses (2020 - 2023) ..................................................................................................................................................27 Table 6: Operating Expenses and Performance Metrics ............................................................................................................................................................... 28 Table 7: Core Transit and Vail Transit Bus Stop Pairings .............................................................................................................................................................. 30 Table 8: Top Trip Pairings in Vail by Percent of Trips .................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Table 9: Run Time Summary Statistics by Route, July 2023 ........................................................................................................................................................ 42 Table 10: Run Time Summary Statistics by Route, February 2024 ............................................................................................................................................. 46 Table 11: Vail Workforce Rental Housing ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 52 Table 12: Existing Ridership to Bed Ratios ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Table 13: Forecasted Ridership at Timber Ridge and West Middle Creek Bus Stops ........................................................................................................... 54 Table 14: Bus Stop Ridership and Employee Housing .................................................................................................................................................................... 55 Table 15: Count of Buses and Frequency per Hour toward Destinations During Winter Peak Hour, by Stop and Destination ................................ 56 Table 16: Count of Buses per Hour toward Destinations During Summer Peak Hour, by Stop and Destination ........................................................... 59 Table 17: Summary of Frequency by Stop .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 60 Table 18: Core Transit Route Descriptions ..........................................................................................................................................................................................61 Table 19: Shared Challenges and Opportunities for Vail and Core Transit............................................................................................................................... 62 Table 20: Core Transit Transfer Points in Vail, Winter 2024 ....................................................................................................................................................... 66 Table 21: North versus South Frontage Road Service Trade-offs ............................................................................................................................................... 69 Table 22: Seasonal Schedule Periods, Vail and Core Transit Systems, 2024 ......................................................................................................................... 70 Table 23: Core Transit Winter 2024 Service Changes .................................................................................................................................................................... 71 Table 24: Town of Vail Parking Facilities ............................................................................................................................................................................................72 47 P Table 25: Scenario 1 Summary of Changes and Operations ......................................................................................................................................................... 88 Table 26: Scenario 2 Summary of Changes and Operations..........................................................................................................................................................91 Table 27: Count of West Vail Buses Toward Destinations During Winter Peak Hour, by Stop, Destination, and Scenario ....................................... 93 Table 28: Count of East Vail Buses Toward Destinations During Winter Peak Hour, by Stop, Destination, and Scenario ........................................ 94 Table 29: Count of West Vail Buses Toward Destinations During Summer Peak Hour, by Stop, Destination, and Scenario ................................... 95 Table 30: Count of East Vail Buses Toward Destinations During Summer Peak Hour, by Stop, Destination, and Scenario ..................................... 96 Table 31: Scenario Trade-Offs ................................................................................................................................................................................................................97 48 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 1 Executive Summary The Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan was developed to evaluate and enhance the efficiency, coverage, and performance of the town’s transit system. The planning process involved a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions, community input, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement. The goal was to develop a phased implementation strategy that aligns with community needs and funding opportunities. Key Findings The analysis revealed several areas for improvement, including route realignments, service frequency adjustments, and seasonal optimization. The study emphasized the importance of aligning service levels with demand patterns, improving on-time performance, and enhancing connectivity to existing and future key destinations. The Preferred Scenario, shown in Figure 1, is Scenario 1 from the analysis which emphasizes enhancements to local service. This scenario was selected through collaboration with Town staff, council, and community input to balance operational feasibility with service expansion goals. Key features of the Preferred Scenario include: • Year-round operation of the West Vail Express, transitioning from seasonal /peak-hour to year-round/all-day service. • Increased frequency on the West Vail Red and Green routes, with simplified routing to improve reliability and reduce travel time. • Year-round operation of the Lionsridge Loop at 30-minute frequency, with extended routing to connect to West Vail Mall • Introduction of the Middle Creek Circulator, a new route designed to connect high-density employee housing directly to Lionshead and the Vail Transportation Center (VTC). • Increased frequency on the East Vail route, with the elimination of the East Vail Express (Hiker Express). • Elimination of the Ford Park route, with coverage absorbed by other services. • Seasonal adjustments to align with regional transit schedules and anticipated demand shifts due to paid summer parking and new housing developments. • The scenario is designed to be implemented in phases from 2025 to 2030, with service expansions aligned to key events such as regional transit improvements, new housing developments, and the renovation of the Vail Transportation Center. By full implementation (2028–2030), the system is projected to cost $5.2 million in summer and $4.4 million in winter, representing an annual increase of approximately $2.0 million over current operating and administrative costs. Most of this increase is attributed to expanded summer service. 49 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 2 Figure 1: Preferred Scenario Summary 50 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 3 Phased Recommendations and Costs The table below summarizes the proposed route changes and associated costs by year and season. These recommendations are structured to support phased implementation and are suitable for inclusion in grant applications. There are three improvement packages, showing which improvements should be made together. Anticipated Event Increased Regional Service (Improvements by Bustang and Core Transit ) Summer Paid Parking (at TOV parking facilities) New Housing and Activity Nodes (Middle Creek, Timber Ridge, West Lionshead) Vail Transportation Center Renovation to increase capacity Year 2025-2026 2026-2027 2027-2028 2028-2029 2029-2030 Season Summer* Winter Summer* Winter Summer* Winter Summer* Winter Summer* Winter Existing Operational Costs Subtotal** $3.32M $4.24M $3.32M $4.24M $3.32M $4.24M $3.32M $4.24M $3.32M $4.24M Improvement Packages Route Service Change Additional Operational Cost from Existing (2024-2025) Package 1: WVG + WVR + LRL + WVE and related changes West Vail Red and Green Year-Round Routing Change and Increase Frequency - +$195K +$575K +$195K +$575K +$195K +$575K +$195K +$575K +$195K Lionsridge Loop Year-Round Routing Change and Increase Frequency +$50K +$70K +$275K +$70K +$275K +$70K +$275K +$70K +$275K +$70K West Vail Express Year-Round All-Day Service +$300K +$125K +$550K +$125K +$550K +$125K +$550K +$125K +$550K +$125K Winter Piggybacks Eliminate winter piggybacks by incorporating into service - -$235K - -$235K - -$235K - -$235K - -$235K Early Winter Service Eliminate Early Winter Service (Summer schedule transitions to winter schedule) - -$445K - -$445K - -$445K - -$445K - -$445K 51 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 4 Package 2: East Vail and related changes East Vail Year-Round Increase Frequency - +$150K +$205K +$150K +$205K +$150K +$205K +$150K +$205K +$150K East Vail Express (Hiker Express) Eliminate East Vail Express (Hiker Express) in summer +$100K - -$225K - -$225K - -$225K - -$225K - Package 3: Routes that can be added without direct relationship to other routes. Sandstone Increased Frequency During Summer +$50K - +$115K - +$115K - +$115K - +$115K - Middle Creek Circulator New Year-Round Route - - - - - - +$390K +$270K +$390K +$270K Golf Course No Change - - - - - - - - - - Intown No Change - - - - - - - - - - Net Additional Seasonal Operational Cost Subtotal +$500K -$140K +$1.50M -$140K +$1.50M -$140K +$1.89M +$130K +$1.89M +$130K TOTAL SEASONAL COST TOTAL SEASONAL COSTS $3.8M $4.1M $4.8M $4.1M $4.8M $4.1M $5.2M $4.4M $5.2M $4.4M *Summer includes new "early summer" season **Existing Cost includes "early winter" season. Costs may change with operational changes 52 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 5 Chapter 1: Existing Conditions Vail Transit Planning Background The Vail transportation system has historically centered around the movement of skiers. In 1980, Vail Associates funded the implementation of a regional bus service in Eagle Valley to transport skiers between Beaver Creek and Vail Mountain, and to transport employees between Edwards and Vail. Today, Vail is an internationally recognized mountain resort community with year-round activities. Vail Transit provides free year-round bus service throughout Vail, making it one of the largest free transportation systems in the country. The Town continues to experience growth and the resulting mobility and transportation challenges. The system serves 2.8 million annual transit riders and consists of eight routes. Go Vail 2045 Mobility & Transportation Plan The Go Vail 2045 Mobility & Transportation Master Plan addresses transportation with innovation, sustainability, and community input. The plan was completed in 2024 by the Town of Vail and replaced the 2009 Vail Transportation Master Plan. The adopted Vision Statement follows: “Vail is recognized as having a comprehensive multimodal transportation system with well-integrated alternative transportation options which reduce the number of single occupant vehicle trips and overall vehicle miles traveled to, from, and within Vail.” Transit improvements aim to advance the following six goals: 1. Multimodal Options – Allow people to conveniently get to and around Vail without a car. 2. Equity – Provide seamless connections between local and regional transit and increase transit options for employees in Vail. 3. Climate/Quality of Life – Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and parking demand in Vail by making transit feasible for more trips. 4. Access – Increase access to high-frequency transit to more areas on Vail. 5. Innovation – Transition to zero emission buses and explore opportunities for autonomous transit vehicle technology. 6. Safety – Provide safe/comfortable access to buses for people walking to and waiting for the bus and improve safety of bus operations in locations with high pedestrian traffic. 53 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 6 The following specific transit recommendations came out of the plan: • Increase service frequency and transition to year-round schedule • Year-round, all-day West Vail Express • Year-round, high frequency East Vail service • Timed transfers between East Vail and West Vail Express. • 20 to 30-minute service on Lions Ridge and Sandstone (combine current into one loop) • West Vail Local Service to 30-minute year-round • New transit route to serve planned employee housing • Coordinate overlapping service to maximize stop frequency • Increase summer frequency in coordination with paid summer parking • Increase service frequency adjacent to dense development, including Middle Creek Village and Timber Ridge • Explore on-demand (microtransit) service along Buffehr Creek/Potato Patch or Golf Course As the Vail Short Term Transit Route Optimization Plan will be a direct outcome of the Go Vail 2045 plan, it will aim to provide a path for achieving these goals. The recommendations may also serve as a baseline for planning efforts. Regional Planning Efforts Intermountain 2045 Regional Transportation Plan The Intermountain 2045 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is a long-range plan for multimodal transportation in the region, which includes Vail and over two dozen other mountain communities, of which there are ten transit providers: Town of Avon, Town of Breckenridge, Town of Snowmass Village, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), City of Glenwood Springs, Summit County, Lake County, Eagle County Regional Transit Authority (Core Transit), Town of Vail, and City of Aspen . Vail tourism is recognized as a crucial component of regional economic vitality. Transit is recognized as essential for employees who support the industry but are not able to live in the high-cost communities where they work. Regional transit plays a crucial role in servicing the area and expanding job opportunities. Expanded regional transit also provides additional transportation options to residents and visitors. Eagle County identified the following two high priority highway and multimodal projects: • Construction of I -70 Vail Pass auxiliary lanes including an eastbound climbing lane, westbound deceleration lane, truck parking, chain up, and runaway truck ramp improvements to increase capacity ($400M) • Vail intermodal transit site on I -70 ($15M) 54 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 7 The Vail intermodal transit site refers to the renovations proposed for the Vail Transportation Center (VTC) which is discussed in more detail in a later section of this plan . West Vail Master Plan The West Vail Master Plan, adopted in 2021, serves as a guide for commercial development, housing, and transportation in the West Vail neighborhood. The purpose of the plan is to guide development to create a comfortable environment for individuals to move around and through, regardless of level of access to a car. The plan proposes a series of recommendations specific to Vail Transit to expand ridership and allocate resources: • Analyze performance on an annual basis • Coordinate with Core Transit to better align the two services • Explore late night, on-demand service partnerships • Improve infrastructure at bus stops (shelters, bike racks, walkways, etc.) • Create first-and-last mile connections from bus stops Eagle County Strategic Plan The ongoing Eagle County Strategic Plan similarly centers workforce support and sustainable economic growth. Topics to be addressed will include access to housing, early childhood education, and healthcare. The two-year planning process is expected to be completed in December 2025. The Strategic Plan finds support in the Go Vail Mobility and Transportation Plan, as a flexible, high-quality transportation system will increase access to opportunity, including essential services such as healthcare and education. Service to workforce housing, healthcare, and educational facilities will inform recommendations in the Vail Short Term Transit Route Optimization Plan. Core Transit 10 Year Transportation Development and Capital Plan Core Transit, formerly known as Eagle Valley Transportation Authority (EVTA) and operated as ECO Transit, is the newly formed Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in Eagle Valley. In 2022, voters in unincorporated Eagle County; the towns of Avon, Eagle, Minturn, Red Cliff and Vail; and Beaver Creek Metropolitan District approved the creation of Core Transit along with a new half-penny sales tax to be collected to fund operations and future service improvements. Core Transit is currently developing the 10 Year Transportation Development and Capital Plan, providing an opportunity to rethink regional transportation systems in conjunction with Vail route optimization. 55 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 8 Demographics Population and Demographic Characteristics The Town of Vail has a total population of 4,835 people and 7,300 housing units (Table 1). The population is predominantly white, high earners who have a car (Table S0801, 2022). The median value of owner-occupied housing units in Vail is $857,300, which is more than double the amount in the United States (Table B25075, 2022). The percent of people below the poverty line, 5.9, is about half the percent in the United States, 12.5 percent (Table B17001, 2022). Table 1: Town of Vail Demographics, US Census, 2022 Demographics Town of Vail Eagle County Total population 4,835 55,731 Employment rate 68.1% 70.5% Median household income $96,667 $98,887 Total housing units 7,300 32,967 Hispanic or Latino population 500 16,858 Employment Sectors The number one job sector in Vail is Accommodation and Food Service (Figure 2). This sector eclipses the second highest, Health Care and Social assistance, by about 130 percent. Transit service in this region is recognized as essential for employees who are not able to live in the high-cost communities where they work. This planning effort offers local and regional transit in Vail the opportunity to prioritize the service destinations served by this sector. 56 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 9 Figure 2: Jobs Counts by NAICS Industry Sector, 2021 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 Information Transportation & Warehousing Manufacturing Finance & Insurance Wholesale Trade Construction Educational Services Waste Management Utilities Professional & Tech Services Services Arts, Entertainment, & Rec Real Estate Public Administration Retail Trade Health Care & Social Assistance Accommodation & Food Services 57 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 10 Commute Patterns Just 11% of Vail’s population takes public transit to work, however, users are concentrated geographically to the north of I-70. Under half of the population (45%) live in the census tract north of I -70 but the area comprises 57% of the population who use transit to commute to work. By contrast, just 23% of the population live in eastern Vail, but just 4% of the population use transit to commute to work (Tables S0802, 1701). Figure 3 shows the percent of the population who live in Vail that also work within the town, versus the percent that work outside of the town. Most people who live in Vail work outside of Vail (62%), whereas almost 40 percent of people both live and work in Vail. This does not account for remote jobs, which could skew the data by showing a smaller percentage of people who live and work in Vail than actual. Overall, the data shows that there is a significant outflow of employees from Vail. Figure 3: Inflow / Outflow Job Counts in the Town of Vail. Source: 2021 LEHD Data 62% 38% Job Inflow and Outflow of Vail Residents Live in Vail but work outside Live and work in Vail 58 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 11 Employment Locations in Vail Jobs in Vail are concentrated in a commercial core south of I-70 (Figure 4). This node includes Vail Resort, hotels, restaurants and retail as well as the hospital, library, and town hall. The core is served by several Vail Transit routes: West Vail Red, West Vail Green, and Intown. In general, more jobs are in West Vail compared to East Vail. West Vail has more dense development and services north and south of I-70, whereas East Vail is almost exclusively developed south of I-70. Jobs in East Vail are likely associated with the resorts in the area. Figure 4: Job Concentration, LEHD, 2021 59 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 12 Local Bus Routes Vail is currently served by nine bus routes (Figure 5). This section discusses seasonal service and frequency, coverage, and the current fleet transition plan. Figure 5: Existing Vail Transit Bus Routes, Go Vail 2045 60 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 13 Transit Service Span & Frequency Vail Transit service frequency expands and contracts in response to changes in seasonal demand (Table 2). More service and higher frequencies are provided mid-December through April to meet high travel demand during the ski season. Services and frequencies in summer and early winter are lower in response to lower ridership. The balance between service to seasonal visitors and year-round residents and workers will be an important consideration in this plan. Vail Transit utilizes piggyback bus services to increase capacity during peak times. This is done by adding three buses to the East Vail route and two to the West Vail Express routes. Table 2: Peak Seasonal Frequencies (in minutes) and Service Span by Route Route Early Winter Winter Summer Winter Span of Service Summer Span of Service In-Town Shuttle varies varies 6:30a-1:30a West Vail Express 40 10 - 6:10a-5:20p (peak only) - East Vail 30 15 30 5:50a-2:00a Varies East Vail Hiker Express - - 30 7:45am-4:45pm Sandstone 60 20 60 6:00a-2:10a 6:40a-11:40p West Vail Red 40 30 40 6:00a-12:30a 6:20a-11:40p West Vail Green 40 30 40 5:45a-2:10a 6:00a-11:20a Golf Course 60 30 60 6:45a–11:50p 7:40a-5:10p Ford Park 10 10 - 6:20a-8:35p - Lionsridge 60 60 - 6:15a – 8:15p - Source: Vail Transit (2023-2024) 61 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 14 Winter Buses are at peak frequency in the winter months. Service frequency on the West Vail Express, East Vail, Sandstone, and Golf Course routes are the most elastic to demand throughout the year. Peak system frequency is on the West Vail Express and Ford Park routes, each of which reach 10-minute frequencies in the winter. Summer The summer months, mid-April to November, see the most limited transit frequencies. The average service is over 45 minutes and the West Vail Express, Ford Park, and Lionsridge routes cease operation. Vail also operates a Special Events Express service as needed during the summer months. The Event Bus runs between Ford Park, Vail Village parking structure, and Lionshead parking structure. This provides coverage for four event venues in Ford Park: Ford Amphitheater, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Nature Center, and Ford Park Athletic Field. Transit Coverage Vail residents and visitors have adequate access to the Vail Transit system. According to analysis conducted during the Go Vail 2045 plan, 94% of Vail’s residential units are within half of a mile or a 10-minute walk from a bus stop. Furthermore, 82% of residential units are a quarter mile or closer to a bus stop, and 33% are within one-sixteenth of a mile (or 330 feet) from a bus stop (Figure 6). Typically, planners measure transit coverage as within a quarter mile of local transit and half a mile of high-capacity, high-frequency or regional transit. Within the context of Vail, it may be reasonable to assume transit access within a half mile in the summer and a quarter mile or smaller in the winter given snow, ice, and topography can make a half mile much harder to navigate by foot in the winter. Figure 7 also displays all land parcels by their distance to bus stops using the roadway network. The areas in the town where bus stops are located further than a half mile from the parcels include Vail Intermountain, parts of Matterhorn/Glen Lyon, and Sandstone/Potato Patch. Figure 6: Distance from Residential Properties to Bus Stops (Including Outside of TOV boundaries and on the Winter Route) Source: Town of Vail 6% 11% 19% 30% 33% 0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40% Beyond 1/2 Mile 1/4-1/2 Mile 1/8-1/4 Mile 1/16-1/8 Mile Within 1/16 Mile 62 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 15 Source: Town of Vail Figure 7: Transit Catchment Area 63 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 16 Transit Fleet Electrification In May 2022, the Town of Vail adopted a Zero Emission Transit Fleet Transition Plan, which outlines the steps that the Town of Vail will take to transition 100 percent of its fleet to battery electric vehicles by 2032. The implementation of an all Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) fleet is supported by both the GoEV City resolution and the Go Vail 2045 plan. Regional-level support for fleet electrification can be found in the Eagle County Climate Action Plan and the Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan. When the Zero Emission plan was adopted in 2022, the Town had thirty-three 40-foot buses, of which four were battery electric and two were diesel hybrid. At the time of this plan , two of five planned replacement cycles had already occurred. In 2023 Vail Transit purchased two electric buses and in 2024 added an additional six. In total, Vail Transit now operates twelve battery electric buses. A summary of future transition cycles is shown below in Table 3. Table 3: Fleet Replacement Cycles Cycle Year Replacement # 3 2029 8 4 2030 7 5 2032 6 Source: Town of Vail Zero Emission Transit Fleet Transition Plan, 2022 64 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 17 System Ridership Trends Annual Ridership Annual ridership trends indicate a return to pre-COVID levels (Figure 8). Vail Transit, like most systems, experienced a significant dip in ridership during the peak of the pandemic, between 2020 and 2022. Annual ridership levels were relatively consistent during the years prior to the pandemic, hovering around 2.8 million. The lowest annual ridership during the pandemic was recorded in 2021 at approximately 1.5 million, over a million fewer riders than in 2019. Ridership returned to previous levels in 2023, following an almost 50 percent increase from 2021 to 2022. The return of ridership over the last few years offers Vail Transit the opportunity to re-invest in the system. Figure 8: Annual Vail Transit Ridership, 2013-2023 Source: Vail Transit 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 1.7 1.5 2.2 2.8 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Nu m b e r o f R i d e r s ( i n M i l l i o n s ) 65 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 18 Monthly Ridership Monthly ridership trends indicate a return to pre -COVID patterns (Figure 9). Ridership from August 2020 to July 2021 saw an overall drop in ridership, particularly in the winter months when ridership typically peaks between December and March. Ridership returned to pre-COVID patterns beginning in summer 2022. Summer ridership is typically about half of winter ridership, and the seasonal peak is between June and August. Summer 2023 ridership peaked in July at almost 200,000 and by March 2024, ridership more than doubled to about 510,000, surpassing any other month over the last five years. Figure 9: Vail Transit Ridership by Month, Pre- and Post-COVID Source: Vail Transit 0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Nu m b e r o f R i d e r s 2018-2019 2020-2021 2022-2023 2023-2024 66 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 19 Seasonal Ridership Seasonal ridership trends over the last decade are shown in Figure 10. Prior to 2020, winter ridership was relatively stable, and summer ridership was steadily increasing. Following the dip in ridership during the pandemic, trends indicate an increase to pre-pandemic levels. Summer 2023 ridership approached 2018 levels and winter 2024 ridership increased to the highest level since 2016. Figure 10: Vail Transit Seasonal Ridership Comparison Source: Vail Transit 0 500,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000 2,500,000 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Nu m b e r o f R i d e r s Winter (Dec-Apr)Summer/Shoulder (May-Nov) 67 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 20 Ridership by Route From 2022 to 2023, all routes experienced increased ridership at similar levels, so the overall hierarchy of highest to lowest ridership routes remained the same (Figure 11). After the Intown route (not included in this figure), East Vail, West Vail Red, and West Vail Green routes have the highest ridership in the system, in that order. The Golf Course, Lionsridge Loop, and Ford Park routes have the lowest ridership in the system. Low ridership can likely be attributed to the fact that Lionsridge Loop and Ford Park run only during the winter. Figure 11: Annual Ridership by Route (excluding Intown) Source: Vail Transit (2022-2023 data is APC, 2021 data is hand counts). Note that prior to 2023, West Vail Green and Red ridership counts were combined. Vail Transit ridership peaks in the winter, driven by ski tourism. Figure 12 shows that ridership increased modestly between 2023 and 2024 compared to the increase from 2022. The ridership rebound following the pandemic is beginning to level off, and future ridership increases will likely be less drastic by comparison. 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 400,000 East Vail West Vail Red West Vail Green Sandstone West Vail Express Golf Course Lionsridge Loop Ford Park 2021 2022 2023 68 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 21 Note that prior to 2023, West Vail ridership data was not separated according to route. West Vail Red and Green ridership was combined into one count. If considered together, West Vail has the highest ridership and East Vail has the second highest ridership. Figure 12: Winter Ridership by Route (excluding Intown) Source: Vail Transit. Note that prior to 2023, West Vail Red and Green ridership counts were combined. - 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 East Vail West Vail Red West Vail Green Sandstone West VailExpress Golf Course Lionsridge Ford Park Nu m b e r o f R i d e r s 2022 2023 2024 69 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 22 Summer and shoulder season ridership in Vail is typically about half of winter ridership. Compared to winter routes, summer routes have similar levels of ridership relative to one another. East Vail has the highest ridership, followed by West Vail Red and Green, and Sandstone (Figure 13 ). The Lionsridge Loop and Ford Park routes do not run during the summer months, which accounts for the lower ridership during these seasons. Winter 2024 ridership levels were close to 2023, following a few years of ridership rebound from the pandemic. Figure 13: Summer/Shoulder Ridership by Route (excluding Intown) Source: Vail Transit. Note that prior to 2023, West Vail Red and Green ridership counts were combined. 2021 West Vail Express data included event ridership. 0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000 80000 90000 100000 East Vail West Vail Red West Vail Green Sandstone West VailExpress Golf Course Lionsridge Ford Park Nu m b e r of R i d e r s 2021 2022 2023 70 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 23 The Intown route serves the commercial core of Vail and has the highest ridership in the bus system. Like other routes, ridership on this route experienced a dip during the pandemic and has been rebounding since 2021 (Figure 14). Ridership in 2023 was still below 2019 levels but has increased year-over-year. Due to the high ridership, optimization of this route will not be the primary focus of the planning effort. Figure 14: Intown Route Ridership by Year Source: Vail Transit 0 200000 400000 600000 800000 1000000 1200000 1400000 1600000 1800000 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Nu m b e r o f R i d e r s 71 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 24 Productivity Transit productivity is a measure of transit ridership per service hour, which is useful in understanding demand and opportunities for improvement. Vail Transit began tracking revenue hours of service in 2020 to fulfill reporting requirements for federal funding. It is important to note that because Vail Transit collects both Automatic Passenger Counts (APC) and hand counts, there may be slight differences in the reporting of the ridership figures and their impact on productivity. As seen in Figure 15, except for the initial months of the pandemic during 2020, Vail Transit provides a consistent level of service year over year, with the most hours of service between December and March. The number of service hours is growing slightly during the summer months to accommodate the larger visitation Vail experiences during the summer. Figure 15: Monthly Revenue Hours by Year Source: Town of Vail When comparing the service hours to ridership (ridership per revenue service hours), the overall system is becoming more productive (Figure 16). In fact, although the total number of service hours only slightly increased from 2022 (66,679 hours) to 2023 (67,284 hours), the system - 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 Re v e n u e H o u r s 2020 2021 2022 2023 72 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 25 served significantly more riders. This increase in productivity from 34.5 riders per hour to 41.7 riders per hour represents a 21% increase in productivity. This was especially visible from January to April 2023 compared to the same period the previous year. In fact, the system was more productive during January and February 2023 than in the same months of 2020, indicating the system has likely recovered from the impacts of the pandemic. Figure 16: Monthly Service Productivity by Year Source: Town of Vail 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Pr o d u c t i v i t y ( R i d e r s h i p / R e v e n u e H o u r s ) 2020 2021 2022 2023 73 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 26 Financial Performance Operational Funding Sources and Expenditures In 2023, Vail Transit operational costs were $6.96 million, which typically covers personnel, fuel, and maintenance. Vail Transit received funding from local, state, and federal sources. Most funding was local with $6.34 million, which represents 91% of the operating expenses (Figure 17). An additional 8% of the funding came from federal sources and just 1% came from state sources. Figure 17: 2023 Funding Sources and Operational Expenditures (in Millions) Source: National Transit Database Local Funding, $6.34 State Funding, $0.06 Federal Funding, $0.57 74 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 27 Historically most funding was local, but between 2020 and 2022, a substantial portion of federal funding became available for Vail Transit to pursue (Table 4). In 2023, however, operational funding was again almost all locally sourced. Table 4: Funding Sources for Operational Expenses (2020 - 2023) 2020 2021 2022 2023 Local Funding $3,543,959 $3,692,534 $4,743,027 $6,337,420 State Funding - - - $56,892 Federal Funding $1,507,242 $2,018,887 $1,789,613 $566,508 Total $5,051,201 $5,711,421 $6,532,640 $6,960,820 Source: National Transit Database Capital Funding Sources and Expenditures In 2023, capital expenses were over $200 thousand. Capital expenses typically cover buses, bus stops, and other infrastructure or equipment. As seen in Table 5, capital expenses differ significantly from year-to -year based on the capital needs at the time. In 2020 and 2021, Vail Transit purchased buses and made investments in electric charging. In 2022 and 2023, these investments focused on lower-cost items like bus sign replacements and bus shelters. As capital investments differ from year-to-year, so do funding sources. Table 5: Funding Sources for Capital Expenses (2020 - 2023) 2020 2021 2022 2023 Local Funding $3,074,664 $3,491,533 $341,429 $211,254 State Funding $473,657 $1,449,920 - - Federal Funding - $525,288 - - Total $3,548,321 $5,466,741 $341,429 $211,254 Source: National Transit Database 75 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 28 Costs Per Hour, Mile, and Rider Table 6 displays the total operating expenses and how they average when compared to revenue hours, revenue miles, and ridership. Note that data on annual vehicle revenue hours of service is not available prior to 2020. Overall, all the factors have increased year-over-year as more service hours require more operating expenses. However, while operating expenses increased by 7% from 2022 to 2023, ridership increased by 22% and resulted in a more efficient cost per rider in 2023 than in 2022. As the system returns to pre-pandemic ridership levels, consideration should be given to the efficiency of the system compared to pre-pandemic. In 2023, the total ridership was essentially the same as in 2019, however the operating expenses were 35% more expensive. This is likely the impact of inflation and other economic factors, but as the system continues to grow and requires heavier investment, it will be important to watch this metric. Table 6: Operating Expenses and Performance Metrics 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Total Operating Expenses $5,165,592 $5,051,201 $5,711,421 $6,532,640 $6,960,820 Vehicle Revenue Hours N/A 50,988 61,914 66,679 67,284 Vehicle Revenue Miles N/A 592,152 734,265 760,840 781,118 Ridership 2,803,385 1,692,924 1,532,514 2,299,325 2,802,387 Cost per Revenue Hour N/A $99.07 $92.25 $97.97 $103.45 Cost per Revenue Mile N/A $8.53 $7.78 $8.59 $8.91 Cost per Rider $1.84 $2.98 $3.73 $2.84 $2.48 Source: Town of Vail, National Transit Database 76 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 29 Vail Transportation Center The Vail Transportation Center (VTC) is a centrally located hub and transfer point for local and regional bus services. The VTC also has a three - level parking garage with about 1,300 spaces that are paid for during peak times in the winter and summer. The VTC is currently near capacity during peak winter ski season, and the town is engaged in a planning and design process to renovate and expand the center. As depicted in the Go Vail 2045 Mobility & Transportation Master Plan, the transportation center is to be expanded to include 18-20 bus bays and an additional 15- 20 bays for smaller shuttles and taxis. Plans also include a pedestrian connect ion to I-70 in anticipation of an in-line bus station along I-70 or a long-term Advanced Fixed Guideway (AGS) station. Two high-level schematic concepts for expanding the VTC are shown in Figure 18. Figure 18: Potential Schematic Concepts for Expanding Vail Transportation Center Concept A Concept B Source: Go Vail 2045 In addition to VTC renovation, the town is exploring adding or expanding existing mobility hubs to facilitate transfers between buses and non- bus modes, and generally increase access to the transit system. Future minor mobility hubs, which will be at key mixed-use/commercial developments, are planned at West Vail, the Lionshead Welcome Center, and Ever-Vail. Future residential TOD mobility hubs, which will be at future dense residential developments, are planned at Timber Ridge and Middle Creek Village. A key element of this Route Optimization Plan will be to envision how the transit system will improve service to these locations and utilize planned mobility hubs. 77 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 30 Other Transit Services The State of Colorado and Eagle County provide regional transit service through Vail and the Vail Transportation Center (VTC) serves as a key transfer hub. The following section describes the relationship between local, county, and state transit systems. Core Transit Core Transit, formerly known as Eagle Valley Transportation Authority (EVTA) and operated as ECO Transit, is the newly formed Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in Eagle Valley. The transit agency now offers countywide regional connections, improving the services previously provided by ECO Transit. This includes the following routes: • Valley Route - Dotsero-Gypsum (EGE)-Eagle-Edwards-Avon-Beaver Creek-Vail • Highway 6 Route - Edwards-Beaver Creek-Avon-Eagle Vail-Vail • Leadville Route - Leadville-Red Cliff-Minturn-Vail • Minturn Route - Red Cliff -Minturn-Vail In Vail, some Core Transit regional bus stops and local bus stops are in different locations, making transfers less intuitive. Further, not every Core Transit route stops at all Core Transit stops, meaning some routes skip the stops as part of more express-like service. This can result in rider confusion for those attempting to transfer between regional and local routes in West Vail. Both Core Transit and Vail Transit are undergoing an operating plan process, so there is an opportunity to ensure that connections between local and regional services are more seamless for riders. Table 7: Core Transit and Vail Transit Bus Stop Pairings Core Transit Bus Stop Nearest Vail Transit Bus Stop Distance to Vail Transit Bus Stop Vail Transportation Center Vail Transportation Center Same stop South Frontage Road and Vail Road Hospital/Municipal Center Same stop, different name South Frontage Road and Lionshead Lionshead Transit Center Same stop, different name South Frontage Road and Cascade Village Cascade Village Same stop, different name Donovan Park Matterhorn 0.1 miles, around two corners to the southwest South Frontage Road and Chamonix Road 1. Underpass – West Vail 2. Ptarmigan 3. Spruce Creek 1. 0.2 miles to the west 2. 0.2 miles, around the corner to the east 3. 0.3 miles to the east 78 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 31 Bustang Bustang is an interregional bus service operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Two routes, the Bustang West Line and Pegasus, connect the Town of Vail to other regions of Colorado. West Line The Bustang West Line travels between Denver and Grand Junction using over the road coaches. The service makes intermediate stops in Parachute, Rifle, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Avon, Vail, Frisco, Idaho Springs, and Lakewood. As of August 2024, seven buses a day in each direction serve Vail, including four between Glenwood Springs and Denver and three that extend to Grand Junction. CDOT has plans to expand this service, ensure seamless connectivity with local routes, and construct a facility that can support these regional connections. Pegasus The Pegasus is a shuttle van that operates daily between Denver and Avon, making intermediate stops in Lakewood, Idaho Springs, Frisco, and Vail. Pegasus offers six roundtrips Monday through Thursday and eleven roundtrips Friday through Sunday. The shuttle’s advantages over Bustang include higher weekend frequency, the ability for passengers to reserve a seat in advance, the ability for vans to utilize the express lanes on I-70 near Idaho Springs, and faster service. It is also easier to hire drivers since there is no requirement that drivers have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Currently, however, there is limited space for luggage, and, unlike Bustang, all seats must be reserved. Private Shuttle Services Several private shuttle operators run within and through the Town of Vail. Although private shuttles are typically more costly than transit and require a reservation, benefits are the ease and speed of door-to-door service and the comfort of additional space for luggage. Local Shuttle Services Numerous hotels in Vail operate shuttle services for people to get from their hotel to key destinations in town using small buses, vans, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). The clientele of high-end hotels and resorts expect the service to be included in their stay. Many of the private hotel transportation services overlap with Vail Transit routes. Town staff have observed an increase in-town hotel shuttle services over the last decade, which may be a contributing factor to declining winter ridership. Regional Shuttle Services Several private operators provide regional shuttle services to Vail, particularly from Denver International Airport (DIA), Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and other destinations along I-70. Major operators include Epic Mountain Express and Peak I Express, which serve DIA and EGE, and Summit Express, which exclusively serves DIA. In the winter, the operators each provide hourly service between DIA and Vail. All three operators will provide door-to -door service for a nominal fee or drop-off at the VTC. 79 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 32 Travel Patterns Fehr & Peers conducted an analysis of travel patterns for the Vail Mobility and Transportation Master Plan (TMP) from summer 2021 through the winter of 2022. The analysis relied on StreetLight Data, a Big Data source of origin-destination data derived from mobile devices and existing traffic counts. As part of that analysis effort, the team developed an interactive web map for Town staff to easily visualize the origin-destination travel patterns. The findings of that analysis, summarized below, will inform the Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan. Travel to and from Vail According to StreetLight Data, most travelers to Vail originated from the nearby communities of Avon, Edwards, or Summit County (Figure 19 ). More specifically, most trips to Vail were destined for Vail Village and Lionshead, distantly followed by Safeway/Vail Commons. Similarly, most commuters coming to Vail commuted to Vail Village and Lionshead, followed distantly by Booth Falls/Bald Mountain Road, which likely represent school trips. Commuters leaving Vail most commonly travel west to Edwards, Avon, or Beaver Creek. Interestingly, Vail travelers who were headed west tended to leave later than those headed east. Regional travel to and from Vail can inform important transfer points between local and regional service. Figure 19: The Origins of Travelers to Vail, by Season, 2021-2022 Source: Fehr & Peers, StreetLight Data, 2022 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Pe r c e n t o f T r a v e l e r s Origin Location The Origins of Travelers to Vail Winter 2021/2022 Summer 2021 80 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 33 Travel within Vail Annual travel within Vail is primarily between Vail Village and Lionshead (Table 8). Trips between the two areas represented 13% of all winter trips and 11% of all summer trips in summer 2021 and winter 2021-22. About 55% of trips to Vail Village during the summer and winter of 2021 originated from within Vail Village or Lionshead neighborhoods. Transit service between destinations in these two areas will capture a large portion of trips in Vail. Table 8: Top Trip Pairings in Vail by Percent of Trips Trip Point A Trip Point B Summer 2021 Winter 2021/22 Lionshead Vail Village 11% 13% Vail Village Safeway / Vail Commons 8% 3% Lionshead Safeway / Vail Commons 4% 2% Vail Village East Vail 1% 3% Source: Fehr & Peers, StreetLight, 2022 Parking Origins and Utilization Vail parking garage spaces are primarily utilized by drivers who originate west of Vail, particularly from Avon and Edwards. This parking trend is consistent with commuting patterns, which indicate that most travelers originate from Avon and Edwards (Figure 19). These parking patterns indicate that transit service may prioritize travelers who originate west of Vail. The next highest parking space users are drivers from within Vail, mostly from East Vail and particularly Vail Village. Over 30 percent of Vail Village and Lionshead parking garage utilization are from trips that originated in Vail, whereas trips that originate in the Denver Metro area comprise less than 10 percent of the utilization. 81 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 34 Community Input Previous community engagement efforts, detailed below, will inform plan recommendations and build on existing community sentiment. When draft recommendations are developed, this planning effort will engage community members to gauge how well community needs are addressed. Below are the key takeaways of previous surveying efforts. Vail Community Survey (2024) Vail completes a biannual community survey to evaluate municipal service levels and identify community priorities. Survey findings indicate that most of the community views transit positively, and about half of the community takes transit on occasion. Transit was rated highly on frequency, dependability, cleanliness, and safety. The only aspect of the transit experience that community members rated poorly was the level of crowding. Over a third of respondents, 36%, indicated they take the bus frequently. Ridership changes seasonally – more respondents take the bus to work in the winter (35%) than the summer (22%). Furthermore, when asked about forward-thinking ideas to suggest to the Town Council, enhancing public transit was highly rated, which indicates an overall supportive sentiment for future investment. These results have implications for the Vail Transportation Center’s ability to support local, regional, and statewide transit service. Go Vail 2045 (2022-2023) During the Go Vail 2045 planning effort, the community identified transit as a top priority for residents and visitors. When asked about specific transit improvements, 53% of respondents indicated that a seamless express service between East Vail and West Vail would encourage them to take transit more often. Furthermore, 45% of respondents indicated that increasing the frequency of the West Vail Express would encourage them to take transit more often. In addition to these local improvements, there was particular interest in increasing regional connectivity, specifically with other towns in Eagle County. The Vail Short Term Transit Route Optimization Plan offers the opportunity to facilitate seamless transfers between the local and regional systems. 82 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 35 Summary This section provides a summary of the key findings from the existing conditions analysis of Vail Transit and a summary of initial travel market observations. Potential Travel Markets Primary transit travel markets (groups with common demographic characteristics) can inform the service alternatives, final service plan, and associated marketing strategies. Based on a high-level analysis of demographics, existing transit service, and existing travel patterns, the following potential transit travel markets have been identified. Commuters and Service Workers The primary job sector in Vail is Accommodation and Food Service. Service job workers often do not have access to a vehicle and depend on transit or a support network to get to work. Based on previous analysis of StreetLight data, the largest portion of commuters travel to Lionshead and Vail Village (2019-2021). Jobs are concentrated here in the commercial core south of I-70. The core is served by several Vail Transit routes: West Vail Red, West Vail Green, and Intown. Transit service between destinations in these two areas will capture a large portion of trips in Vail. Residents Most Vail residents live and work in the Town and the highest concentration of jobs in Vail is in the commercial core south of I-70. There is an opportunity to serve individuals who do not have access to a car or are not able to drive. Vail residents currently view transit favorably and support expanding service. Visitors Transit ridership peaks during the ski season in winter months. Transit supports a sharp increase in visitors. The East Vail and West Vail routes experience the highest ridership during these months. In the summer, the top trip pairings within Vail are between Lionshead and Vail Commons. In the winter, the top trip pairing is between Vail Village and Lionshead. 83 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 36 Key Findings Analysis of existing conditions of transit in Vail revealed the following key findings: • Vail Transit is a key regional player – Vail Transit, and more specifically the Vail Transportation Center, will play a key role in creating local and regional multimodal systems that include well-integrated transportation options. • Ridership is increasing to pre-pandemic levels – Annual and seasonal ridership trends are returning to pre-COVID levels. Based on Vail survey results, 36% of respondents take the bus frequently and 50% take the bus occasionally. • Transit catchment is high - 82% of residential units are a quarter mile or closer to a bus stop. • System efficiency is improving in the short term – In recent years, the system has gotten more efficient, however, over the long term the cost per rider has increased. From 2022 to 2023, operating costs increased by 7%, however, ridership increased by 22%, which resulted in a more efficient cost per rider in 2023 than in 2022. In 2023, the total ridership was about the same as in 2019, however the operating expenses were 35% more expensive. • Vail Village is a key local destination – Based on analysis completed in Go Vail, trips between Vail Village and Lionshead were the most common in the winter, and trips between Lionshead or Vail Village and Safeway/Vail Commons were the most common in the summer. • There is opportunity for local and regional coordination – While the Vail Transit Route Optimization plan is underway, Core Transit is developing a 10-Year Transit Development and Capital Plan. 84 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 37 Chapter 2: Impact Analysis Ridership Analysis This section analyzes ridership data from the Vail Transit system, focusing on key trends and insights to inform route alternatives. Figure 20 reveals significant variations in ridership across routes in July 2023 and February 2024. Notably, Intown, East Vail, and West Vail routes consistently demonstrate high ridership, suggesting a strong demand for transportation within and between these areas year-round. West Vail Express, Lionsridge Loop, and Ford Park only operate during the winter whereas the East Vail Hiker Express only operates during the summer. Figure 20: Percent of Total Ridership by Route 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70% Ford Park Lionsridge Loop West Vail Express Golf Course East Vail Hiker Express Sandstone West Vail Red West Vail Green East Vail Intown Jul-23 Feb-24 85 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 38 Figure 21 shows the average daily boardings by stop in February 2024. The highest concentration of boardings is located around Lionshead and Vail Village, and ridership is generally evenly distributed among the other stops in the system. This graphic illustrates boardings by stop, so stops that serve both directions include more ridership than stops that have separate boarding areas for each direction. Figure 21: Average Daily Boardings, February 2024 86 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 39 Figure 22 shows stops with the highest average daily ridership in July 2023 and February 2024. All stops experience significantly higher ridership in the winter compared to the summer. Vail Transportation Center and Lionshead Village (east- and west-bound) emerge as major hubs year-round, further highlighting their central role in the Vail transit network. Other high ridership stops include Covered Bridge (east and westbound) and Solaris (westbound). The Golden Peak stop has some of the highest winter ridership and lowest summer ridership. This is likely due to its proximity to ski lodges and schools and different frequencies between seasons. Figure 22: Stops with Highest Average Daily Ridership 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Lionshead Village - Westbound Racquet Club Vail Road - Eastbound Library Timber Ridge - Eastbound Vail Road - Westbound West Lionshead/Concert Hall Plaza The Hythe Covered Bridge- Eastbound Golden Peak Solaris - Westbound Covered Bridge - Westbound Lionshead Village - Eastbound Vail Transportation Center Feb-24 Jul-23 87 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 40 Figure 23 shows the average number of boardings by time of day for the month of February 2024. The highest activity period for Vail Transit is between 6AM and 7PM every day, distantly followed by the evening period 7PM to 10PM. Early and late night boardings are relatively similar at an average of under 300 per day. Figure 23: Average Daily Boardings by Time of Day without Intown, February 2024 Route Reliability Analysis Reliability refers to how consistently each bus on each route sticks to the scheduled run time. This analysis takes APC stop-level time data to analyze the minimum, maximum, average, and statistical variability in how long it takes for each route to complete a full roundtrip. This analysis provides data to assess if scheduled run time is appropriately allocated and also how reliable each route is for riders to expect. Methodology Vail Transit provided two months (July 2023 and February 2024) of stop-level time data for each run of each route. These months are representative of the peak seasons, which means that they receive the most ridership and are also most likely to be impacted by external factors 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 Early AM (2AM-6AM) Peak AM (6AM-10AM) Midday (10AM-3PM) Peak PM (3PM-7PM) Evening (7PM-10PM) Late Night (10PM-2AM) 88 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 41 like weather and traffic congestion. To best analyze “typical” trips on each route, data for any special event runs, 2 AM runs, and piggyback runs were filtered out. Furthermore, since all routes start and end at the Vail Transportation Center, to best understand overall travel times from start to finish of each route, all stops besides the Vail Transportation center were also filtered out. Each trip run was also given a unique trip ID, which was the combination of the original trip ID and the date. This field was used to develop a “Run Time” field which calculated the difference between the departure of a given unique trip ID from the Vail Transportation Center to the arrival of that same unique trip ID back to the Vail Transportation Center. Once the run times were calculated, any rows of data that were either empty because they were just the departure timestamp or had significantly too low or too high of run times compared to the scheduled time were removed. Statistical summaries by route were developed over the course of the full day and broken down into designated time periods throughout the day. Results Overall Run Time Statistics, July 2023 Table 9 shows the run time summary for July 2023 and Figure 24 shows the distribution of the run times by route. On average, all summer routes have enough time in the schedule to complete the route. Only the West Vail Green and West Vail Red routes are nearly close to the scheduled run time, which means that drivers are likely not getting much downtime between the trips. However other routes have a run time up to eight minutes (East Vail) faster than scheduled, indicated by the “slack time” in the table. Vail Transit intentionally schedules time into routes for driver breaks between runs. This is done by scheduling time between the second-to-last stop and the Vail Transportation Center, meaning that the buses depart each stop along the route on-time but they arrive to the final stop early. Another notable statistic is the standard deviation of the run time, where 68% of the run times fit within one standard deviation and 95% of the run times fit within two standard deviations. As an example, when a route has a standard deviation in its run time of 2 minutes, it means that 68% of the runs are within two minutes less or two minutes more than the average run time. It also means that 95% of the runs are within four minutes less or four minutes more than the average run time. Within the exception of some outliers, the most consistent route that has the smallest deviation in run times is the Sandstone route which typically takes 15 minutes to complete its 20-minute route. The route with the most variability in the summer is the East Vail route which has a 12-minute difference in 95% of its run times; 95% of the run times fall between 26 and 38 minutes. Although this still means that most runs are running within the scheduled time, some buses are taking a lot less time than scheduled compared to other buses. Similarly, the West Vail Green and West Vail Red routes also have large variability in the run times. With longer routes and times, this is expected as there are more opportunities for buses to fall behind schedule. This may also mean that Vail Transit is providing too much slack time between the second to last stop and the Vail Transportation Center on these routes. 89 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 42 Table 9: Run Time Summary Statistics by Route, July 2023 Route Schedule d Run Time Average Run Time Average Slack Time (Min) Average Slack Time (%) Minimum Run Time Maximu m Run Time Standard Deviation of Run Time 68% of Run Times 95% of Run Times East Vail 40 32 8 20% 25 57 2.8 29 to 35 min 26 to 38 min East Vail Hiker Express 30 25 5 17% 20 33 2.0 23 to 27 min 21 to 29 min Golf Course 20 17 3 15% 12 27 2.2 15 to 19 min 12 to 21 min Sandstone 20 15 5 25% 11 22 1.6 13 to 16 min 11 to 18 min West Vail Green 40 39 1 3% 26 52 2.4 37 to 42 min 34 to 44 min West Vail Red 40 39 1 3% 29 57 2.4 37 to 41 min 34 to 44 min Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers Figure 24: Distribution of Run Time by Route, July 2023 Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers West Vail Green West Vail Red Sandstone Golf Course East Vail East Vail Hiker Express Mi n u t e s 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 90 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 43 Run Time Statistics by Day Part, July 2023 When looking closer at the breakdown throughout the day, there is some slight variation in how each route performs which is relevant when considering adjusting schedules for different times of day. As previously stated, average run times stay consistent throughout the day, although the West Vail Green and Golf Course routes have a slight increase in run time in the evening than at other times of the day (Figure 25). Figure 25: Average Run Times by Time of Day by Route, July 2023 Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers 31 32 33 32 25 25 25 16 17 17 19 14 14 15 15 39 39 39 40 39 39 40 39 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Peak AM (6AM - 10AM)Midday (10AM - 3PM)Peak PM (3PM - 7PM)Evening (7PM - 10PM) Minutes East Vail Hiker Express Golf Course Sandstone West Vail Green West Vail Red 91 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 44 When comparing the run times to the scheduled times, referred here as “slack time”, Figure 26 shows that most routes have their highest slack time in the AM peak. In the summer, the East Vail route is interlined with the Sandstone route for one bus, and it is interlined with the Golf Course route for another bus. This means that with there being generally seven to nine minutes of slack time on East Vail, five to six minutes on Sandstone, and two to four minutes on Golf Course, these bus drivers often have layovers between all of their bus runs, and there may be opportunities for optimizing these layovers to be a bit tighter by reducing run times or changing the interlining of the routes. For the West Vail Green and the West Vail Red routes, however, the slack times are typically around one minute. These routes are not interlined with one another during the summer, meaning that one bus consistently runs one route without interruption. Without slack time nor interlining, Red and Green may be more susceptible to not being able to get back on schedule when delayed. This is shown by the larger number of outliers in Figure 26. Figure 26: Average Slack Time (Time between scheduled and average run times), July 2023 Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers 9 8 7 8 5 5 5 4 3 3 1 6 6 5 5 1 1 1 0110 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Peak AM (6AM - 10AM)Midday (10AM - 3PM)Peak PM (3PM - 7PM)Evening (7PM - 10PM) Mi n u t e s East Vail Hiker Express Golf Course Sandstone West Vail Green West Vail Red 92 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 45 In analyzing the standard deviation by route and by time of day, the Sandstone route has the smallest standard deviation (most consistent) and the East Vail route has the highest (least consistent) over the course of the day (Figure 27). Notably, although the bus operations do not change for the West Vail Green and the West Vail Red routes, the West Vail Green has a spike in variability during the PM peak and the West Vail Red slightly increases in variability during the evening. However, since most routes have a variability within a few minutes throughout the day (besides East Vail), this is not generally a concern in terms of changing the operations of the schedule. Figure 27: Standard Deviation of Run Times (Variability in Total Run Time), July 2023 Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers 3.4 2.7 2.9 1.8 2.3 1.8 2.02.0 2.4 1.8 2.0 1.6 1.2 1.6 1.8 2.5 2.3 2.7 1.8 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.4 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 Peak AM (6AM - 10AM)Midday (10AM - 3PM)Peak PM (3PM - 7PM)Evening (7PM - 10PM) Mi n u t e s East Vail Hiker Express Golf Course Sandstone West Vail Green West Vail Red 93 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 46 Overall Run Time Statistics, February 2024 Table 10 shows the run time summary for February 2024 and Figure 28 shows the distribution of the run times. There is less consistency than summer in the winter run time results. There are three routes (Lionsridge Loop, Sandstone, and West Vail Green) that have a standard deviation of more than three minutes which means that 95% of the run times fit within a larger time range. This means that drivers may have a harder time sticking to their scheduled times. Since Vail Transit typically schedules the layovers into the time between the second-to-last and the last stop on the routes, riders may not be as impacted by knowing if their bus will arrive early, on-time, or late. In other words, assuming the buses do not depart on-route stops early, buses only arrive to the Vail Transportation Center early which will not negatively impact riders. The Sandstone route has the largest variability with run times varying by four minutes and taking anywhere between 10 and 27 minutes on a 20-minute route. This route, however, still runs about the exact time it should on average, meaning the outliers and filtered data may be skewing the results. The Lionsridge Loop is the only route that on average runs three minutes longer than scheduled. This may indicate that the scheduled time may need to be increased to 25 minutes to ensure that the buses are more consistently “on-time”. Table 10: Run Time Summary Statistics by Route, February 2024 Route Scheduled Run Time Average Run Time Average Slack Time (Min) Average Slack Time (%) Minimum Run Time Maximum Run Time Standard Deviation of Run Time 68% of Run Times 95% of Run Times East Vail 45 35 10 22% 21 48 2.5 32 to 37 min 30 to 40 min Ford Park 10 5 5 50% 3 11 1.4 4 to 6 min 2 to 8 min Golf Course 20 18 2 10% 13 26 1.8 16 to 20 min 15 to 23 min Lionsridge Loop 20 23 -3 -15% 16 34 3.3 20 to 27 min 17 to 30 min Sandstone 20 19 1 5% 11 52 4.2 14 to 23 min 10 to 27 min West Vail Express 30 24 6 20% 20 37 1.8 22 to 26 min 21 to 28 min West Vail Green 45 41 4 9% 29 55 3.9 37 to 45 min 33 to 49 min West Vail Red 45 41 4 9% 35 49 2.7 38 to 44 min 36 to 46 min Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers 94 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 47 Figure 28: Distribution of Run Time by Route, February 2024 Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers West Vail Green West Vail Red West Vail Express Sandstone Lionsridge Loop Golf Course Ford Park East Vail Mi n u t e s 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 95 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 48 Run Time Statistics by Day Part, February 2024 As indicated in Figure 29, the run times are consistent throughout the day, even for the routes that operate at different scheduled times during the evening time period. Throughout most of the day, the West Vail Green and the West Vail Red routes are interlined with one another and run on 45-minute schedules. In the evening, these routes are not interlined and are scheduled at 40 minutes. The East Vail route runs with this same schedule configuration, but it goes from mostly not being interlined during the day to being interlined with the Sandstone route. Since it consistently runs at 35 minutes, the interlining does not impact the typical 10-minute layovers between the runs. Figure 29: Average Run Times by Time of Day by Route, February 2024 Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers. Note: East Vail, West Vail Red and Green are scheduled at 40 minutes in the evening Slack times, or the time between the scheduled and the average run times, have some variability throughout the day. The most obvious ones are of the East Vail, West Vail Green, and West Vail Red routes which reduce their scheduled time from 45 minutes throughout the day to 40 35 35 35 35 5 5 5 5 18 19 19 17 23 23 24 24 19 20 20 18 42 42 42 4141404240 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Peak AM (6AM - 10AM)Midday (10AM - 3PM)Peak PM (3PM - 7PM)Evening (7PM - 10PM) Mi n u t e s East Vail Ford Park Golf Course Lionsridge Loop Sandstone West Vail Express West Vail Green West Vail Red 96 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 49 minutes in the evenings. As discussed previously, the schedule seems appropriate for the West Vail Green and the West Vail Red routes, but it may make sense to reduce the East Vail route to be 40 minutes over the entire day since bus drivers have 10-minute layovers between all their runs (Figure 30). The Lionsridge route seems to consistently run longer than it is scheduled by a few minutes, which impacts riders who rely on on-time arrival to the Vail Transportation Center. The Lionsridge route is mostly interlined with the Golf Course route throughout the day and there are 10-minute scheduled layovers at the Vail Transportation Center. It may be worth extending the scheduled time for Lionsridge to 25 minutes, which would not impact the interlining with the Golf Course route; it would just reduce the layover time between each run. Figure 30: Average Slack Time (Time between scheduled and average run times), February 2024 Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers. Note: East Vail, West Vail Red and Green are scheduled at 40 minutes in the evening. 10 10 10 55555 2 1 1 3 -3 -3 -4 -4 1 0 0 2 6 7 5 3 3 3 -1 4 5 3 0 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Peak AM (6AM - 10AM)Midday (10AM - 3PM)Peak PM (3PM - 7PM)Evening (7PM - 10PM) Mi n u t e s East Vail Ford Park Golf Course Lionsridge Loop Sandstone West Vail Express West Vail Green West Vail Red 97 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 50 Finally, the variability in the routes (shown by standard deviation in Figure 31) shows larger variability in the winter than in the summer. For most routes, the variability is lowest during midday. The Sandstone route has the largest variability, especially during the peak PM time frame. This may be due to the outliers skewing the data. The average run time is right at the scheduled time and during the PM peak, most Sandstone runs have a scheduled 10 minute layover at the Vail Transportation Center. Figure 31: Standard Deviation of Run Times (Variability in Total Run Time), February 2024 Source: Vail Transit, Fehr & Peers. 2.7 2.1 2.2 2.8 1.1 1.5 1.3 1.51.5 1.6 1.9 1.4 3.7 2.9 3.1 3.8 3.6 3.2 4.8 3.5 4.0 3.0 2.9 3.4 2.8 2.0 2.9 2.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 Peak AM (6AM - 10AM)Midday (10AM - 3PM)Peak PM (3PM - 7PM)Evening (7PM - 10PM) Mi n u t e s East Vail Ford Park Golf Course Lionsridge Loop Sandstone West Vail Express West Vail Green West Vail Red 98 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 51 Housing Density Analysis The total housing unit density for the Town of Vail (as of the 2020 US Census) is shown in Figure 32. The densest housing areas are around Vail Village, Lionshead, Lions Ridge, and East Vail. Figure 32: Total Housing Unit Density Source: Colorado State Demography Office 99 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 52 Existing and Planned Employee Housing Several high-density housing developments are planned for Vail in the next five years to increase the availability of employee housing. Table 11 shows the six existing and future residences that will produce a total of 954 units and 1,557 beds. Table 11: Vail Workforce Rental Housing Name of Housing Year of Completion Number of Units Number of Beds (Existing) Timber Ridge 2003 (deed date) 96 194 Middle Creek Village 2004 142 254 Lions Ridge 2015 114 198 Solar Vail 2019 64 68 Residences at Main Vail 2023 72 130 Timber Ridge Village 2025 294 555 West Middle Creek 2027 268 352 TOTAL in 2027 954 1,557 Source: Town of Vail 100 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 53 As shown in Figure 33, the workforce housing developments reflected in Table 11 represent smaller, more dense housing units compared to Vail as whole. This is typical for accommodating seasonal workers who travel alone for work. Figure 33: Percent Number of Bedrooms in Housing Units Source: Vail Transit; US Census, S2504, 2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates Ridership Estimates for Bus Stops Near Employee Housing Developments One approach to forecasting future ridership that new employee housing developments generate is to look at the existing ridership to bed ratio and apply it to future development. This ratio calculates the relationship of how many riders use a bus stop nearest to employee housing for every bedroom in that housing complex. As shown in Table 12, for every bed at the Middle Creek Village and the Residences at Main Vail, 0.45 daily riders use the Middle Creek bus stop. For every bed at the Lions Ridge and the existing Timber Ridge complexes, 0.88 daily riders use the Timber Ridge bus stop. For every bed at Solar Vail, 3.1 daily riders use the Sandstone School bus stop. However, the Sandstone School bus stop is also located near the Red Sandstone Elementary School and the Red Sandstone Parking Garage, which is likely significantly impacting the number of riders at that bus stop. As a result, when comparing all riders at the three bus stops to all the employee housing bedrooms near the stops, the ratio is 0.86, but this may be impacted by the Sandstone School bus stop. It is recommended to forecast ridership for the new housing developments using the ratio at each individual bus stop rather than the total ratio, which will provide more local context to the bus stops. 0%10%20%30%40%50%60% 4 or more bedrooms 2 or 3 bedroom 1 bedroom Studio Workforce Housing All Vail Housing 101 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 54 Table 12: Existing Ridership to Bed Ratios Name of Housing Number of Units Number of Beds Nearest Bus Stop Current Daily Stop Ridership Ridership to Bed Ratio Middle Creek Village 142 254 Middle Creek 171 0.45 Residences at Main Vail 72 130 Middle Creek 171 Combined with above Lions Ridge 114 198 Timber Ridge 344 0.88 (Existing) Timber Ridge 96 194 Timber Ridge 344 Combined with above Solar Vail 64 68 Sandstone School 211 3.1 TOTAL 488 844 726 0.86 Source: Town of Vail, Fehr & Peers In Table 13, the ridership for the Timber Ridge bus stop is estimated to be 661 daily riders, which includes the existing riders from Lions Ridge and the estimated new riders from the future Timber Ridge Village. Vail Transit also plans to place a new bus stop to serve the West Middle Creek development. It is forecasted that 157 riders will use this bus stop based on the existing ridership to bed ratio at the existing Middle Creek bus stop. This would be in addition to the existing ridership at the existing Middle Creek bus stop. Combined, these two bus stops are estimated to increase ridership by 474 daily riders. Route scenarios during the next phase of the project will need to be able to accommodate this increase in transit demand. It is also important to note that comparing existing ridership to existing beds may not fully account for other factors that contribute to future ridership such as the share of workers without cars, higher level of transit service, and more people who may be more comfortable in embracing transit. Table 13: Forecasted Ridership at Timber Ridge and West Middle Creek Bus Stops Name of Housing Number of Units Number of Beds Nearest Bus Stop Current Daily Ridership to Bed Ratio New Daily Ridership Estimate Number of New Riders Timber Ridge Village 294 555 Timber Ridge 0.88 661 317 West Middle Creek 268 352 (New) West Middle Creek 0.45 157 157 TOTAL 562 907 818 474 Source: Town of Vail, Fehr & Peers 102 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 55 Employee Housing Transit Service New and Existing Housing Based on previous analyses, new and existing Vail employee housing will result in a total of 954 units including 1,557 beds by the year 2027. This likely undercounts the total number of beds occupied by Vail employees because it does not include those who do not live in employee housing developments. These employee housing developments represent smaller, more dense housing units than are typical for Vail to accommodate for seasonal workers who travel alone for work. This analysis addresses the existing bus frequency at stops that serve employee housing and provides some key considerations to inform alternatives development. Table 14 lists the three existing bus stops and one planned stop along the north frontage road, current daily ridership by stop, and proximate employee housing: Table 14: Bus Stop Ridership and Employee Housing Bus Stop Current Daily Ridership Proximate Employee Housing Middle Creek 171 Middle Creek Village, Residences at Main Vail West Middle Creek (new) 157 (projected) West Middle Creek (new) Timber Ridge 344 Lions Ridge and Timber Ridge Sandstone School 211 Solar Vail Transit Frequency at Key Stops The frequency of bus service per hour from several key stops in West Vail to two primary destinations—Vail Transportation Center (VTC) and West Vail Mall—is detailed in the section below. In certain cases, such as the Spruce Creek and Middle Creek stops, West Vail routes loop through neighborhoods and pass these stops twice during a single run. In these instances, the stop is counted only once toward service to the Vail Transportation Center, based on the assumption that passengers are more likely to board the bus on its second pass, when it is heading directly toward the destination. For example, riders at the Middle Creek stop typically board a Sandstone or Lionsridge Loop route bus on its return leg through the neighborhood, en route to the VTC. Additionally, stops that do not provide service to either West Vail Mall or the Vail Transportation Center are marked as “N/A.” 103 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 56 Winter Frequency by Stop Table 15 summarizes the count of buses and general frequency headed toward Vail Transportation Center (VTC) and West Vail Mall by stop during a typical winter peak hour. Figure 34 illustrates the hourly number of buses heading to the VTC during a typical hour of service in the winter. Middle Creek, Timber Ridge, West Vail Mall, Chamonix, and Lionshead Transit Center have the highest number of buses per hour. This generally means that these stops have a bus every 7.5 to 10 minutes, although there are times throughout the hour where the interval between buses is shorter or longer. Figure 35 illustrates the same period and stops, but for buses traveling toward the West Vail Mall. Timber Ridge, West Vail Mall, and Lionshead Transit Center have the highest number of hourly buses. As dense employee housing is north of I -70, more frequent service to West Vail Mall may be necessary, specifically at the Middle Creek, West Middle Creek, and Sandstone stops. Table 15: Count of Buses and Frequency per Hour toward Destinations During Winter Peak Hour, by Stop and Destination To VTC To West Vail Mall Origin Bus Stop Number of Buses General Frequency (Minutes) Number of Buses General Frequency (Minutes) VTC N/A N/A 8 7.5 Middle Creek 6 10 3 20 Vail Run 4 15 N/A N/A Timber Ridge 7 8.5 6 10 West Vail Mall 6 10 N/A N/A Upper Buffehr Creek 4 15 N/A N/A Chamonix 8 7.5 N/A N/A Intermountain 2 30 2 30 Spruce Creek 4 15 N/A N/A Matterhorn 2 30 2 30 W Lionshead Plaza 2 30 2 30 Lionshead Transit Center 6 10 4 15 104 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 57 Figure 34: Bus Frequency to Vail Transportation Center by Stop, Winter Peak Hour 105 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 58 Figure 35: Bus Frequency to West Vail Mall by Stop, Winter Peak Hour 106 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 59 Summer Frequency by Stop Table 16 summarizes the count of buses and general frequency of buses headed toward VTC and West Vail Mall by stop during a typical summer peak hour. The bus stops with the highest number of buses per peak hour toward VTC include Chamonix, Matterhorn, and West Lionshead Plaza with three buses per hour. The Middle Creek stop also has a similar frequency to VTC. The frequency that buses head toward West Vail mall is markedly lower than in the winter, however, mostly at 40 minute frequencies and only at VTC, Middle Creek, Timber Ridge, Upper Buffehr Creek, and Intermountain (of the key stops). If summer ridership increases, service in this direction may need to be increased. This is especially true with the upcoming development of employee housing, who may be year-round employees. Table 16: Count of Buses per Hour toward Destinations During Summer Peak Hour, by Stop and Destination To VTC To West Vail Mall Origin Bus Stop Number of Buses General Frequency (Minutes) Number of Buses General Frequency (Minutes) VTC N/A N/A 4 15 Middle Creek 2.5 24 1.5 40 Vail Run 1 60 N/A N/A Timber Ridge 1.5 40 1.5 40 West Vail Mall 1.5 40 N/A N/A Upper Buffehr Creek 1.5 40 1.5 40 Chamonix 3 20 N/A N/A Intermountain 1.5 40 1.5 40 Spruce Creek 1.5 40 N/A N/A Matterhorn 3 20 0 0 W Lionshead Plaza 3 20 0 0 Lionshead Transit Center 1.5 40 0 0 107 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 60 Summary of Frequency by Stop Table 17 displays the stops with the most and least number of buses per hours in both of the key directions. The stops that have the least service currently are likely to be the ones to be most impacted by any changes in service whether a service reduction or increase is considered. A similar effort of the proposed scenarios will inform the net change to service levels at these key stops. Table 17: Summary of Frequency by Stop Winter Peak Hours To VTC To West Vail Mall Stops with most buses per hour Middle Creek (6 buses) Timber Ridge (7) West Vail Mall (6) Chamonix (8) Lionshead Transit Center (6) VTC (8) Timber Ridge (6) Stops with least buses per hour Intermountain (2) Matterhorn (2) West Lionshead Plaza (2) Intermountain (2) Matternhorn (2) West Lionshead Plaza (2) Summer Peak Hours Stops with most buses per hour Chamonix (3) Matternhorn (3) West Lionshead Plaza (3) VTC (4) Stops with least buses per hour Vail Run (1) Timber Ridge (1.5) West Vail Mall (1.5) Upper Buffehr Creek (1.5) Intermountain (1.5) Spruce Creek (1.5) Lionshead Transit Center (1.5) Matterhorn (0) West Lionshead Plaza (0) Lionshead Transit Center (0) 108 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 61 Core Transit Coordination Background Core Transit is a regional service provider with five routes that serve the Vail Transportation Center (VTC). Core Transit is a recently formed Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) that took over operation of the former regional transit provider, ECO Transit. In 2022, seven jurisdictions in Eagle Valley voted to fund and establish the RTA to improve connection between communities and as of August 2024, Core Transit officially took over all ECO Transit operations. The current RTA member jurisdictions are Beaver Creek Metropolitan District, Town of Avon, Eagle County, Town of Eagle, Town of Minturn, Town of Red Cliff, and Town of Vail. Core Transit provides regional transit service between Vail and Dotsero on the I-70 and US 6 corridors and between Vail and Leadville on the CO 24 corridor. Table 18 summarizes the five fixed-route services (four in the summer) that serve Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, Eagle, Gypsum, Dotsero, Minturn, Redcliff, and Leadville: Table 18: Core Transit Route Descriptions Route Name Service Description Highway 6 All day local service between Vail, Eagle-Vail, Avon, and Edwards via US 6, with some peak direction express trips on I-70 Valley All day express service between Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle, and Gypsum with limited peak direction service to Dotsero Minturn Peak period service between Vail and Minturn, with limited midday service and limited service to Red Cliff Leadville Peak direction commuter service to Leadville via US 24 Vail/Beaver Creek Express Winter-only, all day I-70 express service for skiers between Beaver Creek Resort, Avon, and Vail In May of 2024 Core Transit (then ECO Transit) converted to fare-free service to all member jurisdictions following a fare-free pilot on the Vail- Beaver Creek Express over the winter. Fares are still collected from passengers traveling to or from the two jurisdictions that are not a part of the RTA (Gypsum and Leadville) but within Core Transit’s service area. 109 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 62 Concurrent Planning Efforts Core Transit is currently developing a 10-Year Transit Development and Capital Plan to provide a long-term plan for the expansion and development of the newly formed RTA. The Town of Vail is simultaneously developing a short-term Route Optimization Plan to improve transit service over the next five years. As part of these efforts, on August 30 Vail and Core Transit staff met to discuss the shared challenges and opportunities, summarized in Table 19 . Table 19: Shared Challenges and Opportunities for Vail and Core Transit Challenges Opportunities • The Core Transit fare free system may inadvertently attract local Vail Transit passengers who would like to save money • Vail Transportation Center (VTC) is at capacity during most of the year and over capacity during the winter months • Vail and Core Transit have a different cadence for seasonal schedules (Vail has a shoulder season and Core does not) • Competition for a limited market of bus operators and a general inability to share shifts across systems • Core Transit system is not on the Transit or Moovit phone applications for passengers to plan trips and transfers • Provide local express service at frequencies that allow passengers to avoid timed transfers • Rethink how the Core Transit Highway 6 route operates to discourage local passengers • Present united seasonal schedule changes and funnel passengers to specific stops • Serve highest demand transit stops and new or planned developments • Coordinate the push of one trip planning application for passengers to plan trips across Vail and Core Transit systems This report focuses on the shared route-level challenges and opportunities that can be feasibly addressed by Vail Transit within the next five years. The following sections present how Vail and Core Transit can coordinate to improve transfers, serve high demand stops, and target respective key travel markets at shared stops. 110 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 63 Travel Markets Vail and Core Transit share several key travel markets – commuters, residents, and visitors. This analysis seeks to understand how Vail and Core Transit may coordinate to serve these markets during both peak and off-peak months. Commuters Figure 36 shows that after Vail, the next most common employment location for Vail residents is Avon (939) following distantly by Edwards (215). While Vail commuters may be served locally by Vail Transit, Avon and Edwards commuters are served by Core Transit’s Highway 6 or Valley routes. According to LEHD data, approximately 62 percent of Vail residents live in Vail but work outside. Figure 36: Number of Vail residents by employment location. Source: LEHD, 2021. The primary job sector in Vail is accommodation and food service, so most commute trips to Vail are service worker trips. According to 2021 LEHD data, most of those regional commuter trips to Vail are from Edwards (726) and Avon (411). Based on this analysis, the key regional connections for Vail commuters are to and from Avon and Edwards via the Highway 6 and Valley routes. 61 133 151 177 215 939 2136 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Minturn Keystone Breckenridge Eagle Edwards Avon Vail 111 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 64 Visitors Vail and Core Transit systems experience an increase in ridership during the winter ski tourism season. The Vail transportation system has historically centered around the movement of skiers that are traveling to Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek during the winter months. While the Valley and Highway 6 Core Transit routes serve visitors traveling to Vail Mountain from points down valley, the Vail / Beaver Creek Express route serves visitors wanting to travel between Vail and Beaver Creek. Figure 37 shows the annual number of Core Transit riders per service hour from 2019 to 2023. The Vail/Beaver Creek Express had the largest relative recent increase in winter service hours and riders, which points to the need for Vail Transit to connect well with the Vail/Beaver Creek Express transfer points as part of the Vail system optimization. Figure 37: Core Transit riders per service hour by route, 2019-2024. Data Source: Core Transit. 0 5 10 15 20 25 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Highway 6 Valley Leadville Beaver Creek Express Minturn 112 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 65 Transfer Points Core Transit has five routes (four in the summer) that serve the Town of Vail via five eastbound stops. Figure 38 shows the Core Transit system within Vail and the immediate surrounding communities Avon, Beaver Creek, and Minturn. Figure 39 also displays the existing Vail Transit system, and the Core Transit bus stops within Vail are indicated with the red dots. Figure 38: Core Transit System Figure 39: Existing Vail Transit Routes and Bus Stops 113 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 66 Table 20 shows the five transfer points between Core Transit and Vail. The Highway 6, Valley, and Leadville routes serve all five stops, whereas the Vail/Beaver Creek Express route serves three and Minturn only serves VTC. The Vail Transportation Center (VTC), which is served by all five Core Transit routes and all Vail Transit routes, facilitates the highest level of coordination between Vail Transit and Core Transit. Figure 40 shows the sum of average daily boardings by stop in Vail at each of the five transfer points. Following VTC, the Lionshead stop has the highest number of boardings. The Cascade Village and Chamonix stops have the lowest number of boardings, but this stop is not served by the Vail/Beaver Creek Express. The following section discuss updates to Core Transit service at the Cascade and Chamonix stops. Table 20: Core Transit Transfer Points in Vail, Winter 2024 Vail Stop Name Highway 6 Valley Vail/Beaver Creek Express Leadville Minturn Vail Transportation Center X X X X X South Frontage Rd and Vail Rd X X X X South Frontage Rd and Lionshead X X X X South Frontage Rd and Cascade Village X X X South Frontage Rd and Chamonix X X X 114 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 67 Figure 40: Core Transit Sum of Average Daily Boardings by Stop, Winter 2024 Route Adjustments Core Transit currently serves Vail eastbound on South Frontage Road, south of I-70. Figure 41 illustrates 2021 job concentration on South Frontage Road, centered around Vail Village, indicated by the largest green dots on the map. This commercial node includes Vail Resort, hotels, restaurants and retail as well as the hospital, library, and town hall. Vail Transit also serves South Frontage Road with West Vail Red, West Vail Green, West Vail Express, and Intown routes. There is also a significant job node at West Vail Mall, which is forecasted to grow with upcoming development. 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 South Frontage Rd & Chamonix South Frontage Rd & Cascade Village South Frontage Rd & Vail Rd South Frontage Rd & Lionshead Vail Transportation Center 115 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 68 Figure 41: Job Concentration, LEHD, 2021 Core Transit may change route patterns to account for the new and existing commercial and residential developments on North Frontage Road. The concurrent planning efforts by Vail and Core Transit offer the opportunity to return to this idea, which has previously been under consideration. Table 21 compares the pros and cons of routes that serve North versus South Frontage Road. 116 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 69 Table 21: North versus South Frontage Road Service Trade-offs Pros Cons North Frontage Road • Provides a direct connection to job concentration at West Vail Mall for employees living outside of the Town of Vail • West Vail residents living north of I-70 may take a Core Transit route west without having to go out of direction to transfer at VTC • May require an adjustment to Core Transit driver rest stops in Vail • Vail residents may occasionally use Core Transit to travel from East Vail to West Vail at VTC, impacting Core Transit capacity South Frontage Road • Provides the direct service to Lionshead and Vail Transportation Center • No change maintains a sense of consistency and trust with Vail residents that use the existing Core Transit transfer points • Requires Core Transit passengers to transfer to a local Vail route to reach most employee housing and West Vail Mall area • Serves stops with relatively low housing density (Chamonix and Cascade Village)and limited pedestrian connectivity to surrounding land uses The Valley and/or Highway 6 Core Transit bus routes are best candidates to move to North Frontage Road because they serve the highest number of Vail stops and connect major employment centers for Vail residents – Avon and Edwards. Currently, the Valley and Highway 6 routes enter West Vail on I-70, transfer to South Frontage Road via the underpass, and depart from VTC via I-70. Prospective new Core Transit transfer locations, all of which include existing density and plans for further development, include West Middle Creek, Timber Ridge, and West Vail Mall. Below are potential route changes that will be further analyzed during alternatives development: 1. North Frontage Road – Transfer I-70 to N. Frontage Road at the West Vail underpass, depart from VTC at Vail Road via I-70. 2. North then South Frontage Road – Transfer I-70 to N. Frontage Road at the West Vail underpass, turn around at VTC via S. Frontage Road, and depart S. Frontage Road via I-70 at the fire station. 3. South then North Frontage Road – Transfer I-70 to S. Frontage Road at the West Vail underpass, turn around at VTC via N. Frontage Road, and depart N. Frontage Road via I-70 at the fire station. Seasonal Coordination Seasonal Ridership Vail and Core Transit adjust transit service schedules to accommodate seasonal fluctuations in ridership. Figure 42 shows monthly ridership from both systems during 2023 and 2024. Vail Transit ridership increased four-fold from November to December. By comparison, Core Transit is more consistent month-to -month, though ridership doubled in the winter months. 117 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 70 Figure 42: Monthly Ridership on Vail and Core Transit, 2023-2024 Seasonal Service Changes Vail and Core Transit adjust service seasonally to accommodate for fluctuations in ridership associated with the mountain towns they serve. Both systems reduce the number of routes in operation from winter to summer. Core Transit reduces from five to four routes with suspended service on the Vail/Beaver Creek Express. Vail Transit reduces from eight to six routes with suspended service on the West Vail Express and Lionsridge Loop. Table 22 shows the periods of time during which Vail and Core Transit will operate seasonal schedules in 2024 and 2025. From November 15 to December 8, Vail Transit transitions to an early winter schedule, while Core Transit remains on a summer schedule for another two weeks. Future seasonal schedule alignment may simplify schedules and transfers for passengers across systems. Both schedules are subject to change according to the concurrent planning efforts currently in progress. Table 22: Seasonal Schedule Periods, Vail and Core Transit Systems, 2024 Vail Transit Core Transit Early Winter Schedule November 15 – December 8 - Winter Schedule December 9 – April 13 December 1 – April 13 Summer Schedule April 14 – November 14 April 14 – November 30 0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000 Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Vail Transit Core Transit 118 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 71 Winter 2024 Service Updates As a newly formed RTA, Core Transit has made several service changes including increased frequency and the transition to fare free. This winter, Core Transit will increase service on Highway 6, Valley, and Vail/Beaver Creek Express routes. Table 23 summarizes the changes most relevant to Vail Transit operations: Table 23: Core Transit Winter 2024 Service Changes Highway 6 Route Valley Route Frequency - Typical frequency increases from 30 to 20 minutes - Higher frequency between Vail and Edwards - More express routes between Vail and Eagle - Additional express route from Vail to Dotsero Late Night Service - Last bus departs VTC at 1:05am (about two hours later) - Stops - No longer serves the Donovan stop - Added stop at Walmart in Avon - Some routes will serve the Chamonix and Cascade Village stops These service increases support Core Transit’s growing ridership. Between 2019 and 2023, Core Transit ridership increased by about 20 percent. Schedule alignment and coordination with Core Transit through this planning effort will optimize the collective regional investment in transit. 119 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 72 Summer Paid Parking Impact on Transit Needs The Town of Vail maintains the following parking facilities: Vail Village, Lionshead, Red Sandstone, Ford Park, and Soccer/Athletic Fields (shown in Table 24). These parking facilities are paid during both the winter and summer seasons, although the rates have different structures. Table 24: Town of Vail Parking Facilities Parking Facility Location Number of Parking Spaces Vail Village 501 N Frontage Road 1,230 Lionshead 395 E Lionshead Circle 1,020 Red Sandstone 559 N Frontage Road 159 Ford Park* 700 S Frontage Road 194 Soccer/Athletic Fields* 646 Vail Valley Drive 54 *Ford Park and Soccer/Athletic Fields parking lots are occasionally closed during summer events To meet the various goals set by the Go Vail 2045 plan, the town recently introduced hourly parking fees at its parking facilities during the summer season ; these fees include $2 per hour with a $10 daily maximum. Beyond providing funding repairs and maintenance of the town’s parking structures, these fees also encourage the use of transit. This creates an expanded transit market (people who the transit system serves). To best estimate how paid parking in the summer may impact the parking demand and potential transit market, this analysis looked at three factors: existing travel pattern data, existing parking occupancy data, and research on impacts to parking demand. Existing Travel Pattern Data Through the analysis of travel patterns conducted for the Vail Mobility and Transportation Master Plan, the key origins to the Vail Village parking structure from within the Town of Vail include East Vail, Safeway/Vail Commons (West Vail Mall), and the Sandstone/Potato Patch neighborhoods during the summer. 120 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 73 Existing Parking Occupancy Data During manual observations of the Lionshead parking structure, Vail Village parking structure, and the Ford Park lot on March 18th, 2023, and March 25th, 2023 (historically two of the busiest days in the winter season), the Town of Vail recorded an average vehicle occupancy of 2.3 occupants per vehicle. Although similar summer data is not available, this study assumes a lower average vehicle occupancy of 1.5 occupants per vehicle during the summer season. The rationale for this lower occupancy is that summer trips likely consist mostly of in-town trips versus longer tourism-driven trips and less of commuters who are more likely to carpool. Research on Impacts to Parking Demand Per research by Lehner and Peer on price elasticity of parking, it is expected that there will be a reduction in parking demand of 30%1. This assumes that alternate modes and alternate parking options are available, which is true of Vail. Potential New Transit Market for Summer Trips to Vail Transportation Center As a result of the proposed paid parking at the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures, this analysis assumes a reduction in daily vehicular trips of 30% which would shift to an increase in people making trips in different ways, such as using transit. Furthermore, since it is assumed that each vehicular trip contains an average vehicle occupancy of 1.5 occupants, the anticipated increase in the potential summer transit market is equivalent to the reduction in vehicular trips multiplied by the factor of average vehicle occupants. Figure 43 displays these potential increases in the summer transit travel market from each of the travel pattern analysis neighborhoods. It is important to note that this would likely be the maximum transit market due to paid parking, and that people may make other mode choices instead of transit as substitutes to private vehicles, such as biking, walking, carpooling, and ridesharing. 1 Lehner, S., & Peer, S. (2019). The price elasticity of parking: A meta-analysis. Elsevier, 121(177). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2019.01.014 121 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 74 Figure 43: Potential New Transit Market in Summer Trips to VTC due to Paid Parking Since the travel pattern data shows that the highest number of existing daily trips to the VTC is from East Vail, Safeway/Vail Commons (West Vail Mall), and the Sandstone/Potato Patch neighborhoods, these locations are anticipated to also have the largest number of trips taken on different modes (such as transit) during the summer with the introduction of paid parking. (Note: this data only displays the origins to the VTC and does not account for increased transit use because of paid parking at the Lionshead parking structure, increased summer frequency of transit routes, nor new housing developments). Furthermore, the travel pattern data shows slightly different destinations for trips originating at the VTC due to people’s trip purposes not always being singular when they travel to versus from their origin. In other words, the transit system may serve a commuter from their home to their place of employment in the morning but then their afternoon destination may be a grocery store before heading back home. 122 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 75 Implications for Transit Service With over 300 new trips that the transportation system is expected to shift to other modes in the summer, it is important that the Vail Transit system responds appropriately to meet this increased demand. This generally means recognizing that service along the Frontage Roads in both directions from the VTC is a critical service year-round and three -quarters of the travel pattern analysis neighborhoods are expected to generate more than 10 new non-vehicle trips just because of the implementation of paid parking. Furthermore, if the outlying parking facilities remain free and act more like park-and-ride locations in the summer, especially for those who may coming from outside of Vail, it is important that the quality-of-service levels is maintained or improved to provide seamless transfers and travel times to Vail Village and Lionshead. Impact Analysis Summary Employee Housing Transit Service • New and existing Vail employee housing will result in a total of 954 units and 1,557 beds by the year 2027. • Frequency to VTC may be adequate during the winter season, whereas frequency to West Vail Mall may need to be increased, particularly during summer periods. • Transit Service at the new West Middle Creek bus stop will only be possible in the westbound direction making it important to provide alternate route connections to and from VTC. Core Transit Coordination • The newly formed RTA offers Vail Transit the opportunity to optimize regional investment and ridership momentum. • Vail and Core Transit have a timely opportunity to coordinate planning efforts to improve transfers, serve high demand stops, and target respective key travel markets. • Vail commuters and visitors most heavily rely on the Highway 6, Valley, and Vail/Beaver Creek Express routes. • Key transfer points between Vail and Core Transit are Vail Transportation Center, South Frontage Road and Vail Road, and South Frontage Road and Lionshead. • The benefits of a shift of the Valley and/or Highway 6 from South to North Frontage Roads include 1) a direct connection to job concentration at West Vail Mall for employees, and 2) passengers north of I-70 may travel west without first going east to transfer at VTC. • Future seasonal schedule alignment will simplify transfer for passengers across systems and optimize regional transit investments for Vail passengers. 123 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 76 Summer Paid Parking Impact • Based on an anticipated 30% reduction in vehicular trips, which would shift to other modes, Vail Transit may expect a potential transit market of up to 300 additional daily transit users. The highest number of daily trips to the VTC are from East Vail, Safeway/Vail Commons (West Vail Mall), and the Sandstone/Potato Patch neighborhoods, therefore, these areas are anticipated to produce the highest number of non-vehicular trips during the summer. 124 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 77 Chapter 3: Scenario Development Short-Term Route Opportunities Ridership Potential Figure 44 illustrates population density in the Town of Vail (ACS, 2018-2022). Note that block group level data lacks the specificity to account for stop-level population and housing density but rather provides an overview of high-level population trends. The highest pockets of population density are in West and East Vail though overall, West Vail has higher density than East Vail. Bus stop frequency in areas with potential for high ridership informed the structure of scenarios. Figure 44: Vail Population Density Source: American Community Survey, 2018-2022 125 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 78 Route Concepts This section describes the various concepts explored for changing existing routes or adding new routes to optimize the transit system and to meet the town’s goals. These concepts are later applied in the scenario development process. Middle Creek Circulator Largely motivated by the construction of the new housing at West Middle Creek, which will add approximately 270 additional housing units with approximately 350 beds, this new route would provide service that can directly connect the housing units with Lionshead and the Vail Transportation Center (Figure 45). Per the development’s and town’s designs of West Middle Creek, the bus stop serving this housing development will be westbound-only. With the existing transit routes, residents would need to travel out of direction on the Sandstone, Lionsridge Loop, or West Vail Red routes to reach Lionshead or the Vail Transportation Center. With the Middle Creek Circulator, however, residents will have much quicker and more direct access to these key destinations. Additionally, with a new stop at Vail Run, there will still be a direct connection to those neighborhoods. 126 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 79 Figure 45: Middle Creek Circulator 127 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 80 South Frontage Road Express This route concept was designed to understand what it would look like to provide express service along South Frontage Road, directly between Vail Transportation Center and Intermountain (Figure 46). This route would work in conjunction with the existing West Vail Express, which runs along the North Frontage Road between Timber Ridge and Chamonix, providing more direct and consistent connections, rather than the rider having to be strategic about riding the West Vail Red or West Vail Green routes to reach the southwestern Vail neighborhoods. 128 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 81 Figure 46: South Frontage Road Express 129 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 82 West Vail Red and West Vail Green Currently the West Vail Red and West Vail Green routes represent the core of the West Vail transit system, providing local service to all West Vail stops (the green route travels clockwise and the red route travels counterclockwise). In looking at the typical run times of these routes, minor route modifications allow for decreased run times, more direct connections for riders, and increased frequency, assuming the collaboration of these routes with other West Vail routes. These modifications are shown in Figure 47 and include: • Bypassing the Spruce Creek stop and only serving the Ptarmigan and Matterhorn stops. This reduces the additional time it takes for the West Vail Red route to make the loop through that area twice. Existing ridership at the Spruce Creek stop makes up for less than 1% of the outlying route ridership, and riders would need to walk approximately five minutes either to Ptarmigan or Matterhorn to catch the buses. • Bypassing the Chamonix and West Vail Fire Station stops. This reduces the additional time it takes for both routes to serve these stops. This route change would be paired with a service increase on the West Vail Express route which would be an all-day, year-round service. • Bypassing the stops along Chamonix Lane (behind West Vail Mall). This reduces the additional time it takes for the West Vail Red route to make the loop through that area twice. This route change would be paired with the Lionsridge Loop route change described next, which would take over serving these stops. 130 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 83 Figure 47: West Vail Red and Green 131 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 84 Lionsridge Loop Modifications to the Lionsridge Loop would extend the route to serve the stops along Chamonix Lane (behind West Vail Mall ) and provide additional connections to key destinations along North Frontage Road (Figure 48). This route would also serve the new stop at Vail Run, providing additional access. 132 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 85 Figure 48: Lionsridge Loop 133 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 86 Scenario Development In developing scenarios, the project team worked with town staff to balance different needs. Scenario 1 focuses on enhancing local services and Scenario 2 focuses on enhancing express services. Throughout the process, the project team also explored a Scenario 1A that balances local and express services while maintaining existing routing. Scenario 1A was ultimately not pursued, so it is not illustrated in this plan. Scenario 1: Enhance Local Service Scenario 1 provides faster local service and more connections to Vail Transportation Center (VTC) and West Vail Mall. Figure 49 illustrates routes that require pattern changes alongside those that remain unchanged. The West Vail Red and Green routes are altered to eliminate the current loops taken at West Vail Mall and provide more express service. Lionsridge Loop is extended west to the loop on Chamonix Lane to serve West Vail Mall before returning to North Frontage Road. The new route, Middle Creek Circulator, connects the most densely populated employee housing to the VTC. Figure 49: Scenario 1 134 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 87 Figure 50 illustrates new and changed routes patterns in West Vail under Scenario 1. Three route pattern changes (West Vail Red/Green and Lionsridge Loop) and one new route pattern (Middle Creek Circulator) are included. The impacts of Scenario 1 on peak frequency, run time, and the number of buses required at peak times are reflected in Table 25. Notably, the incorporation of the winter piggyback services into operations allows for no increase in vehicle needs. The additional summer vehicle needs can be sourced from the available fleet. Figure 50: Scenario 1 New and Changed Routes - West Vail 135 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 88 Table 25: Scenario 1 Summary of Changes and Operations Route Name Route Pattern Changes Peak Frequency (from existing) Run Time (from existing) Buses Required (from existing) West Vail Red & Green • Remains on N Frontage Rd at West Vail Mall • Removes Chamonix stop on N Frontage Rd 20 mins year-round (down from 30 mins) 40 mins (down from 45 mins) Winter: 4 (+1) Summer: 4 (+2) Middle Creek Circulator (new) • VTC to N Frontage Rd via Vail Rd • N to S Frontage Rd via the W Frontage Rd underpass • S Frontage Rd to VTC 20 mins year-round (new) 20 mins (new) Winter: 1 (+1) Summer: 1 (+1) West Vail Express • No changes 15 mins year-round (up from 10-20 mins, winter-only) 30 mins (no changes) Winter: 2 (+0) Summer: 2 (+2) Sandstone • No changes 20 mins winter, 30 mins summer (down from 60 mins in summer) 20 mins (no changes) Winter: 1 (+0) Summer: 0.6 (+0) Lionsridge Loop (new routing, year-round) • Extended from Lionsridge Loop to Chamonix Ln • Loops down to N Frontage Rd via Chamonix Rd roundabout 30 mins year-round (down from 60 mins, winter only) 30 mins (up from 20 mins) Winter: 1 (+0.6) Summer: 1 (+1) In Town Shuttle • No changes Varies (no changes) Varies (no changes) Winter: 6 (+0) Summer: 4 (+0) East Vail • No changes 10 mins winter (down from 15 mins), 20 mins summer (down from 30 mins) 40 mins (down from 45 mins) Winter: 4 (+1) Summer: 2 (+0.6) Golf Course • No changes 30 min winter, 60 min summer (no changes) 20 mins (no changes) Winter: 0.6 (+0) Summer: 0.3 (+0) 136 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 89 Ford Park (winter only) • Eliminate route fully, replace with added service on East Vail None (eliminate) None (eliminate) Winter: 0 (-1) Summer: 0 (+0) Winter Piggybacks • Eliminate winter piggybacks by incorporating into service None (eliminate) None (eliminate) Winter: 0 (-4) Summer: 0 (0) Total Winter: 19.6 (- 0.8) Summer: 14.9 (+6.0) Scenario 2: Enhance Express Service Scenario 2 provides more express routes to West Vail Mall and Vail Transportation Center. Figure 51 illustrates routes that require pattern changes alongside those that remain unchanged. Figure 51: Scenario 2 137 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 90 Figure 52 illustrates the three route pattern changes (West Vail Red and Green and Lionsridge Loop) and two new route patterns (Middle Creek Circulator and South Frontage Road Express) in West Vail. The impacts of Scenario 2 on peak frequency, run time, and the number of buses required at peak times are reflected in Table 26. Like Scenario 1, there are no additional vehicle needs during the winter and the needs in the summer are covered by existing resources. Figure 52: Scenario 2 Route Changes in West Vail 138 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 91 Table 26: Scenario 2 Summary of Changes and Operations Route Name Route Pattern Changes Peak Frequency (changes from existing) Run Time (changes from existing) Number of Buses Required (changes from existing) West Vail Red & Green • Remains on N Frontage Rd at West Vail Mall • Removes Chamonix stop on N Frontage Rd 40 mins year- round (up from 30 mins during winter) 40 mins (down from 45 mins) Winter: 2 (-1) Summer: 2 (+0) Middle Creek Circulator (new) • VTC to N Frontage Rd via Vail Rd • N to S Frontage Rd via the W Frontage Rd underpass • S Frontage Rd to VTC 10 min winter, 20 min summer (new) 20 mins (new) Winter: 1 (+1) Summer: 1 (+1) West Vail Express • No changes 10 mins (down from 10-20 mins) 30 mins (no changes) Winter: 3 (+1) Summer: 2 (+2) Sandstone • No changes 20 mins winter, 60 mins summer (no changes) 20 mins (no changes) Winter: 1 (+0) Summer: 0.3 (+0) Lionsridge Loop (new routing, year-round) • Extended from Lions Ridge Loop to Chamonix Ln • Loops down to N Frontage Rd via Chamonix Rd roundabout 30 mins year- round (down from 60 mins, winter only) 30 mins (up from 20 mins) Winter: 1 (+0.6) Summer: 1 (+1) South Frontage Road Express (new) • VTC to Intermountain/Meadow Creek and back to VTC via South Frontage Road only • Stays on Gore Creek without serving Spruce Creek bus stop in either direction 20 mins year- round (new) 40 mins (new) Winter: 2 (+2) Summer: 2 (+2) In Town Shuttle • No changes Varies (no changes) Varies (no changes) Winter: 6 (+0) Summer: 4 (+0) 139 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 92 East Vail • No changes 10 mins winter (down from 15 mins), 20 mins summer (down from 30 mins) 40 mins (down from 45 mins) Winter: 4 (+1) Summer: 2 (+0.6) Golf Course • No changes 30 min winter, 60 min summer (no changes) 20 mins (no changes) Winter: 0.6 (+0) Summer: 0.3 (+0) Ford Park (winter only) * Eliminate route fully, replace with added service on East Vail None (eliminate) None (eliminate) Winter: 0 (-1) Summer: 0 (+0) Winter Piggybacks Eliminate winter piggybacks by incorporating into service None (eliminate) None (eliminate) Winter: 0 (- 4) Summer: 0 (0) Total Winter: 20.6 (-0.4) Summer: 14.6 (+5.6) Impact to Transit Frequency by Stop When making the changes as described in both of the scenarios, it is important to quantify the impacts that these changes have on riders. This section describes on both scenarios impact transit frequency at each key stop. Winter Frequency by Stop Table 27 identifies the number of West Vail buses that stop at each key stop when headed to the Vail Transportation Center or to the West Vail Mall. The table depicts the number of buses per hour in the existing system and under both scenarios. Table 28 identifies the same concept for buses in East Vail. The tables are also color coded; the bus stops where more frequency is expected through the scenarios are highlighted in green, while the bus stops where less frequency is expected through the scenarios are highlighted in blue. In most cases, both scenarios offer 140 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 93 higher frequency at the stop level to better serve the existing and expected demand. In all cases where there will be less buses servicing the bus stop, there are either stops nearby that receive better service or these stops are served by the Intown route. Table 27: Count of West Vail Buses Toward Destinations During Winter Peak Hour, by Stop, Destination, and Scenario Existing Number of Buses per Hour Scenario 1 Number of Buses per Hour Scenario 2 Number of Buses per Hour Origin Bus Stop To VTC To West Vail Mall To VTC To West Vail Mall To VTC To West Vail Mall VTC N/A 8 N/A 12 N/A 11 Middle Creek 6 3 11 5 12.5 3.5 Vail Run 4 N/A 8 5 11 3.5 Timber Ridge 6 6 7 9 7.5 9.5 West Vail Mall 6 N/A 12 N/A 11 N/A Upper Buffehr Creek 2 N/A 2 N/A 2 N/A Chamonix 8 N/A 4 N/A 6 N/A Intermountain 2 2 3 3 4.5 1.5 Spruce Creek 2 N/A 3 N/A 1.5 N/A Matterhorn 2 2 3 3 4.5 1.5 W Lionshead Plaza 2 2 6 3 10.5 1.5 Lionshead Transit Center 6 4 10 4 16.5 6 Legend: Improved Frequency from Existing Neutral Frequency from Existing Decreased Frequency from Existing 141 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 94 Table 28: Count of East Vail Buses Toward Destinations During Winter Peak Hour, by Stop, Destination, and Scenario Existing Number of Buses per Hour Scenario 1 Number of Buses per Hour Scenario 2 Number of Buses per Hour Origin Bus Stop To VTC To Main Gore/Bighorn To VTC To Main Gore/Bighorn To VTC To Main Gore/Bighorn VTC N/A 6 N/A 6 N/A 6 Ford Park 8 4 6 6 6 6 Ptarmigan East 2 N/A 2 N/A 2 0 Clubhouse 2 N/A 2 N/A 2 0 Booth Falls 4 4 6 6 6 6 Main Gore/Bighorn 4 N/A 6 N/A 6 N/A Legend: Improved Frequency from Existing Neutral Frequency from Existing Decreased Frequency from Existing 142 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 95 Summer Frequency by Stop For the summer, as shown in Table 29 for West Vail routes and Table 30 for East Vail routes, many stops will receive higher frequency of buses. In fact, all stops will receive more bus service to West Vail Mall. In East Vail, due to the elimination of the Hiker Express, there will be one less bus per hour. However, the East Vail route is still improving to having three buses per hour instead of two. Table 29: Count of West Vail Buses Toward Destinations During Summer Peak Hour, by Stop, Destination, and Scenario Existing Number of Buses per Hour Scenario 1 Number of Buses per Hour Scenario 2 Number of Buses per Hour Origin Bus Stop To VTC To West Vail Mall To VTC To West Vail Mall To VTC To West Vail Mall VTC N/A 3 N/A 8 N/A 5 Middle Creek 2.5 1.5 9 5 7.5 3.5 Vail Run 1 0 6 5 6 3.5 Timber Ridge 1.5 1.5 3 5 1.5 3.5 West Vail Mall 1.5 N/A 8 N/A 5 N/A Upper Buffehr Creek 1.5 N/A 2 N/A 2 N/A Chamonix 1.5 N/A 3 N/A 3 N/A Intermountain 1.5 1.5 3 3 1.5 1.5 Spruce Creek 1.5 N/A 1.5 N/A 1.5 N/A Matterhorn 1.5 1.5 3 3 1.5 1.5 W Lionshead Plaza 1.5 1.5 6 3 4.5 1.5 Lionshead Transit Center 1.5 0 6 0 4.5 0 Legend: Improved Frequency from Existing Neutral Frequency from Existing Decreased Frequency from Existing 143 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 96 Table 30: Count of East Vail Buses Toward Destinations During Summer Peak Hour, by Stop, Destination, and Scenario Existing Number of Buses per Hour Scenario 1 Number of Buses per Hour Scenario 2 Number of Buses per Hour Origin Bus Stop To VTC To Main Gore/Bighorn To VTC To Main Gore/Bighorn To VTC To Main Gore/Bighorn VTC N/A 4 N/A 3 N/A 3 Ford Park N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Ptarmigan East 1 N/A 1 N/A 1 N/A Clubhouse 1 N/A 1 N/A 1 N/A Booth Falls 4 4 3 3 3 3 Main Gore/Bighorn 4 N/A 3 N/A 3 N/A Legend: Improved Frequency from Existing Neutral Frequency from Existing Decreased Frequency from Existing 144 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 97 Scenario Trade Offs When comparing the two scenarios from a routing, resulting service, and resources perspective, Table 31 describes the trade-offs between choosing one scenario over another. These scenarios were iterated and brought to key stakeholders to refine towards a preferred scenario, as described in the following section. Table 31: Scenario Trade-Offs Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Pros • Provides most fast/frequent/reliable service on West Vail Green, West Vail Red, and Lionsridge Loop routes • Most service connecting North Frontage Deed-Restricted Housing and West Vail Mall • Could continue to service Spruce Creek if necessary • Highest frequency on routes connecting neighborhoods to the Vail Transportation Center • Most legible scenario to guests Cons • Requires more route pattern changes • Has the most service hour increase, which results in a larger resource need • Has the most unique routes which also adds complexity to the system and potential congestion at the Vail Transportation Center • Routes provide fewer north- south connections in West Vail 145 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 98 Chapter 4: Preferred Scenario Through iteration with staff and town council, as well as with public input summarized in Appendix A, the Town of Vail will move forward with a preferred scenario. The preferred scenario is as described in Scenario 1, which focuses on enhancing local transit services. Figure 53 illustrates new and changed routes patterns in West Vail under the preferred scenario. The route pattern changes include West Vail Red, West Vail Green, and Lionsridge Loop and the creation of the new Middle Creek Circulator. Additionally, Lionsridge Loop would be operated year-round at 30- minute frequency and the West Vail Express would be operated year-round. The map does not show East Vail, but the route would provide higher frequency. This preferred scenario represents an overall increase of over 17,300 yearly operating hours, which is nearly a 25% increase in service. Beyond the iterations with staff and town council, this preferred scenario also balances the various needs of the transit system in improving route reliability, serving the areas with existing and anticipated growth of housing density, providing connections to regional services, and accommodating the increased demand from paid summer parking. 146 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 99 Figure 53: Preferred Scenario (Scenario 1): Enhance Local Service 147 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 100 As seen in Table 32 , the re are route changes and associated costs displayed by year and season, and the anticipated event that would prompt the route change. The system’s costs are comprised of operational and administrative costs. The Town of Vail also keeps track of capital costs separately, but those are more on an inconsistent basis when vehicles or other equipment need to be updated or replaced. Between 2025 and 2027, the anticipated events include increased regional service and the introduction of summer paid parking. These events would prompt the need to increase frequency on the West Vail Red and West Vail Red and implement West Vail Express as a year -round and all- day service. Additionally, with the route change on the West Vail Red and West Vail Green routes not serving behind West Vail Mall, the Lionsridge Loop would be extended to cover that area and run at a 30-minute frequency year-round. These increases in service would also prompt the elimination of the winter piggybacks and the existing Early Winter service (which would transition to being an Early Summer service). As the table shows in dark blue, the changes to West Vail Red, West Vail Green, Lionsridge Loop, West Vail Express, winter piggybacks and Early Winter service are all interrelated and would need to be implemented together as Package 1. Additionally, these anticipated 2025 to 2027 events would increase the need for increased frequency on the East Vail route, which also means the elimination of the East Vail Express (Hiker Express). These East Vail changes are shown in the table in light blue as part of Package 2. Between 2027 and 2030, the anticipated events include the new West Vail housing, West Lionshead Base Village housing and activities, and the Vail Transportation Center renovation. These events would prompt the creation of the Middle Creek Circulator route, but it would likely not have to change many of the operations of the other routes beyond the scheduling. The addition of this route and the other routes not named previously are included as Package 3 and shown in the table in light pink as routes that can be added without direct relationships to other routes. The increase in service on the Sandstone route during the summer season can also be done independent of other routes and independent of the anticipated events. As a result of the above changes and by the time of full implementation in the 2028 to 2030 timeframe, this will result in a total system cost of $5.2 Million in the summer season and $4.4 Million in the winter season. This represents a total yearly increase of approximately $2.0 Million compared to the current annual system cost, most of which comes from the service increases in the summer season. 148 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 101 Table 32: Route Changes and Associated Costs in Response to Anticipated Town Events/Changes Anticipated Event Increased Regional Service (Improvements by Bustang and Core Transit ) Summer Paid Parking (at TOV parking facilities) New Housing and Activity Nodes (Middle Creek, Timber Ridge, West Lionshead) Vail Transportation Center Renovation to increase capacity Year 2025-2026 2026-2027 2027-2028 2028-2029 2029-2030 Season Summer* Winter Summer* Winter Summer* Winter Summer* Winter Summer* Winter Existing Operational Costs Subtotal** $3.32M $4.24M $3.32M $4.24M $3.32M $4.24M $3.32M $4.24M $3.32M $4.24M Improvement Packages Route Service Change Additional Operational Cost from Existing (2024-2025) Package 1: WVG + WVR + LRL + WVE and related changes West Vail Red and Green Year-Round Routing Change and Increase Frequency - +$195K +$575K +$195K +$575K +$195K +$575K +$195K +$575K +$195K Lionsridge Loop Year-Round Routing Change and Increase Frequency +$50K +$70K +$275K +$70K +$275K +$70K +$275K +$70K +$275K +$70K West Vail Express Year-Round All-Day Service +$300K +$125K +$550K +$125K +$550K +$125K +$550K +$125K +$550K +$125K Winter Piggybacks Eliminate winter piggybacks by incorporating into service - -$235K - -$235K - -$235K - -$235K - -$235K Early Winter Service Eliminate Early Winter Service (Summer schedule transitions to winter schedule) - -$445K - -$445K - -$445K - -$445K - -$445K 149 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 102 Package 2: East Vail and related changes East Vail Year-Round Increase Frequency - +$150K +$205K +$150K +$205K +$150K +$205K +$150K +$205K +$150K East Vail Express (Hiker Express) Eliminate East Vail Express (Hiker Express) in summer +$100K - -$225K - -$225K - -$225K - -$225K - Package 3: Routes that can be added without direct relationship to other routes. Sandstone Increased Frequency During Summer +$50K - +$115K - +$115K - +$115K - +$115K - Middle Creek Circulator New Year-Round Route - - - - - - +$390K +$270K +$390K +$270K Golf Course No Change - - - - - - - - - - Intown No Change - - - - - - - - - - Net Additional Seasonal Operational Cost Subtotal +$500K -$140K +$1.50M -$140K +$1.50M -$140K +$1.89M +$130K +$1.89M +$130K TOTAL SEASONAL COST TOTAL SEASONAL COSTS $3.8M $4.1M $4.8M $4.1M $4.8M $4.1M $5.2M $4.4M $5.2M $4.4M *Summer includes new "early summer" season **Existing Cost includes "early winter" season. Costs may change with operational change. 150 Vail Transit Route Optimization Plan | 103 Appendix A: Transit Route Survey Responses 151 Transit Route Sur vey SURVEY RESPONSE REPORT 31 May 2025 - 29 June 2025 PROJECT NAME: Transit Route Optimization Plan 152 SURVEY QUESTIONS Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 1 of 35 153 Q1 What is your primary association with the Town of Vail? (select one) 161 (43.4%) 161 (43.4%) 28 (7.5%) 28 (7.5%) 23 (6.2%) 23 (6.2%)1 (0.3%) 1 (0.3%) 118 (31.8%) 118 (31.8%) 40 (10.8%) 40 (10.8%) I live and work in Vail I live in Vail but work elsewhere I live elsewhere but work in Vail I own a business in Vail I own a second home in Vail I visit Vail for recreation or shopping but live and work elsewhere Question options Optional question (371 response(s), 2 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 2 of 35 154 Q2 How often do you ride Vail Transit outlying routes (not the Intown)? (select one) 59 (16.5%) 59 (16.5%) 80 (22.3%) 80 (22.3%) 78 (21.8%) 78 (21.8%) 70 (19.6%) 70 (19.6%) 21 (5.9%) 21 (5.9%) 35 (9.8%) 35 (9.8%) 15 (4.2%) 15 (4.2%) Every day At least four times a week At least once a week A few times a month At least once a month Less than once a month Never Question options Optional question (358 response(s), 15 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 3 of 35 155 Q3 Which outlying routes do you ride most often? (Select all that apply): West Vail Red West Vail Green West Vail Express Lionsridge Loop Sandstone Golf Course East Vail Question options 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 193 182 73 44 58 21 99 Optional question (358 response(s), 15 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 4 of 35 156 Q4 Which of the following transit improvements are most important to you? 234 (68.4%) 234 (68.4%) 73 (21.3%) 73 (21.3%) 35 (10.2%) 35 (10.2%) Increasing service frequency on existing routes Providing new express route options to West Vail Providing new connections between community housing, Lionshead/Vail Village and West Vail Mall Question options Optional question (342 response(s), 31 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 5 of 35 157 Q5 The East Vail route operates at 15-minute frequencies during core hours during winter and 30-minute frequencies during summer. If the East Vail bus came every 10 minutes in the winter and 20 minutes in the summer, how would this impact your usage? 93 (27.8%) 93 (27.8%) 51 (15.2%) 51 (15.2%) 3 (0.9%) 3 (0.9%) 181 (54.0%) 181 (54.0%) 7 (2.1%) 7 (2.1%) I would take the East Vail bus more than I currently do I would take the East Vail bus the same as I currently do I would take East Vail bus less than I currently do I do not currently and will not use the East Vail bus regardless of service changes Other (please specify) Question options Optional question (335 response(s), 38 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 6 of 35 158 Q6 The West Vail Red and West Vail Green routes operate every 30 minutes during core hours in winter and every 40 minutes in the summer. If these routes operated every 20 minutes in winter and 20 minutes in summer, how would this impact your usage? 186 (54.2%) 186 (54.2%) 61 (17.8%) 61 (17.8%) 3 (0.9%) 3 (0.9%) 89 (25.9%) 89 (25.9%) 4 (1.2%) 4 (1.2%) I would take the West Vail buses more than I currently do I would take the West Vail buses the same as I currently do I would take the West Vail buses less than I currently do I do not currently and will not use the West Vail buses regardless of service changes Other (please specify) Question options Optional question (343 response(s), 30 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 7 of 35 159 Q7 Matterhorn neighborhood potential change: The West Vail Red would go eastbound through the Matterhorn neighborhood (opposite of current direction). This saves travel time for West Vail Red passengers, but Spruce Creek stop passengers would have to... 97 (28.0%) 97 (28.0%) 159 (45.8%) 159 (45.8%) 91 (26.2%) 91 (26.2%) I support this change I am neutral about this change I do not support this change Question options Optional question (347 response(s), 26 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 8 of 35 160 Q8 Chamonix potential change: The West Vail Red and West Vail Green would bypass both the Chamonix and West Vail Fire Station stops travelling directly between the West Vail Mall and Intermountain. The Chamonix and West Vail Fire Station stops would c... 104 (30.4%) 104 (30.4%) 196 (57.3%) 196 (57.3%) 42 (12.3%) 42 (12.3%) I support this change I am neutral about this change I do not support this change Question options Optional question (342 response(s), 31 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 9 of 35 161 Q9 West Vail Mall potential change: The West Vail Red and West Vail Green would stay on the North Frontage Road and not serve the Chamonix Lane stops (Pine Ridge, Vail Commons, Upper Buffehr Creek) during the day. These stops instead would be served b... 117 (34.0%) 117 (34.0%) 168 (48.8%) 168 (48.8%) 59 (17.2%) 59 (17.2%) I support this change I am neutral about this change I do not support this change Question options Optional question (344 response(s), 29 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 10 of 35 162 Q10 Lionsridge Loop potential change: In conjunction with the West Vail Red and West Vail Green modifications changes to the Lionsridge Loop route are also being considered. The route would be extended to the West Vail Mall to serve the Chamonix Lane s... 128 (37.2%) 128 (37.2%) 184 (53.5%) 184 (53.5%) 32 (9.3%) 32 (9.3%) I support this change I am neutral about this change I do not support this change Question options Optional question (344 response(s), 29 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 11 of 35 163 Q11 A new route is being considered to connect community housing developments and lower Sandstone Area on the North Frontage Road to the Vail Transportation Center and Lionshead at 20-minute frequencies throughout the day. Do you support this change? 161 (47.9%) 161 (47.9%) 155 (46.1%) 155 (46.1%) 20 (6.0%) 20 (6.0%) I support this change I am neutral about this change I do not support this change Question options Optional question (336 response(s), 37 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 12 of 35 164 Q12 How important is local neighborhood travel between West Vail North (West Vail Mall, Timber Ridge) and West Vail South (Intermountain, Matterhorn) for you? 61 (18.2%) 61 (18.2%) 84 (25.0%) 84 (25.0%) 104 (31.0%) 104 (31.0%) 87 (25.9%) 87 (25.9%) Very important Slightly important Not important Not applicable Question options Optional question (336 response(s), 37 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 13 of 35 165 Q13 Vail Transit has increased frequency on its routes during the morning and afternoon peak periods this summer to offset for summer managed/paid parking. How much do you support this change? 277 (82.9%) 277 (82.9%) 49 (14.7%) 49 (14.7%) 8 (2.4%) 8 (2.4%) I support this change I am neutral about this change I do not support this change Question options Optional question (334 response(s), 39 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 14 of 35 166 Anonymous 6/10/2025 02:44 PM East Vail service after 530 pm in the summer means more driving trips for us. Anonymous 6/10/2025 02:44 PM I think Vail is doing a great job with the free buses. And I understand the need to pay for some parking in the summer to fund repairs/improvements for the parking garage. I appreciate all you do. Anonymous 6/10/2025 02:44 PM I would like an early golf course bus in the summer (6:45 AM). Without this bus, I'm unable to utilize the bus service in the summer. Anonymous 6/10/2025 02:44 PM I am grateful for the East Vail Bus availability. I live in Mountain Meadow and the bus stop is close. It has allowed my wife and I to go from owning 2 cars to one car. Anonymous 6/10/2025 02:50 PM East Vail frequency should increase. I don't know if I completely understood all of the route suggestions based on arrows. Thank you for your consideration to improve! One q- any additional stops being added? Seems like the bus could go up past Vail View: up Sandstone Rd to the natural boulder roundabout turnaround? Anonymous 6/10/2025 02:55 PM Can you change the timing of the landing of lions ridge loop If you have to be at work :30 on the hour this is counterproductive Anonymous 6/10/2025 03:02 PM Keep the hiker express to East Vail, because then we have service at my bus stop every 15 minutes. Anonymous 6/10/2025 03:02 PM The Spruce Creek stop is very important to us and a ton of our neighbors. Anonymous 6/10/2025 03:05 PM If you charge for parking you should provide more options to get to town - more bus options. My bus, Sandstone, only runs once an hour. Not an option when trying to get to work or events/concerts Anonymous I am a frequent traveler on the west vail red and green routes. It Q14 If you have comments about the summer 2025 bus schedule, please provide comments below. Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 15 of 35 167 6/10/2025 03:07 PM would make a huge difference to have the winter schedule run all year and include the chamonix loop all year Anonymous 6/10/2025 03:17 PM I would prefer extended hours and frequency for Lionsridge Loop bus. Anonymous 6/10/2025 03:22 PM The number one issue for me is connections from East Vail that coordinate with west Vail and core transit routes both directions. I would like to bus to businesses is west Vail, Avon and downvalley. Anonymous 6/10/2025 03:24 PM This is all very confusing. I live in west vail chamonix townhomes. I’m all for increasing frequency. I much preferred the express when it ran. Anonymous 6/10/2025 03:29 PM The pine ridge schedule is most important to me. The summer frequency is 40 min and impossible to remember. I prefer a consistent 30 min frequency with the trip no longer than 12-13 mins. Anonymous 6/10/2025 03:38 PM Please rename red and green to something more self explanatory Anonymous 6/10/2025 03:50 PM With a possible increase of over 400 new residents in the Timber Ridge development I believe it would require two bus stops, the recently opened East stop and a new one further west after construction is completed. Increased west vail express service is a must. It includes the most popular stations, VTC, hospital, LH and west Vail mall. Anonymous 6/10/2025 04:47 PM I ride the valley east and west buses Anonymous 6/10/2025 05:04 PM None Anonymous 6/10/2025 05:28 PM The Spruce Creek bus stop is vital. It is a long walk to the Ptarmigan stop. This effects property values and desirability of the property. The stop is always uses and many local living people live at the stop. Please do not take away the Spruce Creek Stop!! Anonymous 6/10/2025 05:42 PM Our house is on upper Buffehr Creek Rd. IT IS EXCEPTIONALLY FRUSTRATING THAT WE HAVE NO BUS SERVICE, AT ALL. I don't Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 16 of 35 168 understand why you can't make this work. Anonymous 6/10/2025 05:56 PM 40 minute intervals are more difficult to decipher, and to Interpret on which odd or even hour the interval falls. And keeping on this schedule until mid December doesn’t match the opening of the ski season. Once the odd/even hour number is figured out it makes sense… as long as visitors are on the right time zone! The Winter schedule is much more comprehendible. Anonymous 6/10/2025 05:56 PM Would love to see more frequent summer bus service to/from East Vail. We end up driving to the Village because the service isn’t as frequent as it is in the winter Anonymous 6/10/2025 05:59 PM Leave the golf course bus as is please. Anonymous 6/10/2025 06:00 PM Thank you. This is such a wonderful free government service. All the drivers are so friendly, patient, and full of information. They never get tired of answering questions. Family and friends are so impressed with the service and accessibility of the buses. Anonymous 6/10/2025 06:52 PM I’m on Lionsridge. The service is too infrequent to be useful. Anonymous 6/10/2025 07:01 PM The APP can be improved especially for new users. Allow the App to locate you on the map. You select your destination, then the App directs you to the nearest bus stop (like Google maps does when you're walking) and tells you which route (color/name) gets you to the stop closest to your desired destination as expediently as possible. No more guessing about stops and directions of bus travel. Keep the real time bus location display. Thx! Anonymous 6/10/2025 07:11 PM Add Buffher Creek route Anonymous 6/10/2025 07:12 PM I bought a local parking pass so I wouldn't have to wait for the bus in the summer. The wait for the bus is too long. Anonymous 6/10/2025 07:28 PM Please keep the neighborhood stops frequent, like Pine Ridge Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 17 of 35 169 Anonymous 6/10/2025 08:43 PM Something needs to be done to cool off the VTC in the summer. It can be quite warm in the building. Can an exhaust fan be put in the top to vent the warm air? Anonymous 6/10/2025 09:31 PM The hardest part is lining up the east vail bus to get to a location near west Lionshead. I usually end up walking the in town loop before I see a bus in the mornings and the West Vail and east Vail bus don’t work well together. Anonymous 6/10/2025 09:32 PM So far so good on increased frequency, etc. I wish the first bus was earlier than 6:40 a.m. Anonymous 6/11/2025 01:43 AM I rarely use East Vail bus in summer due to its poor frequency. I use it a bunch in the winter when its every 15 minutes I like the 10 in winter and 20 in summer frequency. Anonymous 6/11/2025 06:02 AM Increase evening frequency after 5:45 pm for East Vail every half hour up to 11 pm for Ford Amp concerts and diners/shoppers/workers in Vail Village Anonymous 6/11/2025 06:17 AM I support some type of consistent service to the end of Buffehr Creek Road at the cul de sac. No service for any locals! Anonymous 6/11/2025 07:43 AM If you plan to charge for parking year round - you need more routes and more frequent buses. Every route should be running on 15 minute intervals, if you really want buses to be the preferred mode of transportation. You also need more frequent and better routes to and from other regions in eagle county for the majority of people who work in vail but live in avon/edwards/eagle. Right now it feels as though you raised costs without any efforts into offsetting that effect on your locals. town of vail should be supporting its locals not just looking for how they can bleed dry the tourist... Anonymous 6/11/2025 08:01 AM I would like to propose an additional stop on the east vail route at the corner of main gore place, main gore drive north and gore circle. The potential for customers using the bus more at that corner is huge with private homes, gore creek meadows condos and bel resorts Anonymous 6/11/2025 08:59 AM Please put a bus stop in Lionshead on the Sandstone bus route for the summer and winter. I would ride more than I do if there was a stop Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 18 of 35 170 in Lionshead and it would also allow parents of small children at Childrens Garden of Learning to ride the bus with their children to and from school. All bus routes should have at least one stop in Lionshead for this reason. I would ride the bus EVERY day if this stop was added as I live in Sandstone and work in Lionshead and my child is in daycare in Sandstone. I also see many people getting off the bus at Sandstone School to walk to Lionshead. Please make this change. Anonymous 6/11/2025 09:06 AM Golf Course bus shoud run more often in summer. Anonymous 6/11/2025 09:17 AM The survey descriptions are poorly written, are missing data and are confusing: #6 “during core hours” .. will the proposed change keep the core hours? #7 spruce creek is not shown on either the existing or proposed maps. #8 & #9 “saves … time … during the day” is this proposal only during the day? What about at night? Please give a final route proposals for WV red/green and lions ridge with times at each stop. There should be a way to not have every bus stopping at every WV north frontage road stop. Many times, there are 3 busses at each stop. Anonymous 6/11/2025 09:27 AM We would like more service later than 6 on lionsridge loop. Even though parking is free we prefer not to drive especially for environment and safety Anonymous 6/11/2025 10:07 AM AS a worker, I urge you to increase all day frequency (10 min) to E Vail/Ford. I'd encourage the Ford Express to make its' waiting position the Ford Lot as almost no one travels east in the early (0700-0830) hours. Anonymous 6/11/2025 10:22 AM Eliminating any existing bus stops altogether, would be a mistake and we are vehemently opposed to that. Anonymous 6/11/2025 10:38 AM It would be IMMENSELY helpful if we could take our dog with us on the bus. There are so many times each week we want to take the bus to hike a trail and we cannot because we cannot bring our dog. Can we please consider this change? Also, it would be incredibly helpful to have a bus stop further up Chamonix to service those of us on Cortina and Davos. The kids take this bus home everyday during school and many times a week during the summer. Anonymous There have been multiple times where I have tried taking the east vail Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 19 of 35 171 6/11/2025 10:56 AM bus and it has been late and even missed times. This weekend at the go pro games in a known busy weekend, the bus only came once an hour. The frequency and the set times are constantly changing. There is no continuity and it is very frustrating as someone who works in the village and needs to get to work on time. If the new and improved bus routes and times are here to offset paying for parking I think that these things need to be changed. Anonymous 6/11/2025 10:59 AM If Vail Transit has increased frequency on its routes during morning/afternoon peak periods this summer to offset summer managed/paid parking, this is the first I am hearing of it. If it is in fact true, I do not support this change as I feel a good transit system's bedrock foundation for use should be consistency and punctuality. If I have to look up via phone/app/website as to when a bus is going to be coming rather than knowing that it will be at set times, I will be more hesitant to use Vail Transit. Also, as to extinguishing Spruce Creek stop; this is a "request stop" and removing it entirely from the schedule seems overly reaching and inefficient/ineffectual in what it is trying to accomplish. Anonymous 6/11/2025 11:37 AM Sandstone schedule does not run for the dinner hours in the evening. We always have to drive or take a taxi when returning 7:40-9:40 pm. Please provide service at least hourly. Anonymous 6/11/2025 11:57 AM Restore free summer parking to Vail residents. For that matter, Vail residents should have free parking year round. Anonymous 6/11/2025 12:00 PM please figure out how to better optimize the buses stopping at the North Frontage road stops between Sandstone and Transportation center. I do not believe that all buses need to stop at every stop in both directions. Many times there are 3 buses at each stop at the same time. Anonymous 6/11/2025 01:52 PM I would and do appreciate that the Lionsridge loop to Vail Transportation bus run during the summer - not just the winter. My family uses this weekly or more during the winter and will utilize in the summer if available. Stopping it during the "off-season" is difficult for us. Anonymous 6/11/2025 02:05 PM Please add bus service UP Buffehr Creek Road. There are currently no options and there are pedestrians trying to run down to the stop just above the frontage road everyday. The turnaround at the top of Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 20 of 35 172 Buffehr Creek Road would be a great option for a terminus to the route. Anonymous 6/11/2025 02:07 PM We have needed bus service up Buffehr Creek Road for years. I've picked up countless vacationers dragging suitcases down the road in both summer AND WINTER. As a full time resident my neighbors and I are sorely in need of service on our road. thank you! Anonymous 6/11/2025 02:35 PM It would be nice to have a 8:40pm VTC departure for Sandstone. Anonymous 6/11/2025 03:22 PM Make the west vail express all day all year. But note that It is also useful for me and my young children to have bus options connecting sandstone school with both west vail north (Chamonix) and west vail south (Matterhorn/donovan). Even in summer. Keep the north/south loops in some form for the summer even if reduced. Also, the introduction of summer parking fees in the village and Lionshead structures has contributed to Donovan parking lot filling early with commuters. But the west vail frontage road parking is less full. It can be hard to get short term parking for recreational use of Donovan park. Increase bus service to frontage roads (express buses) and Donovan/matterhorn and/or implement paid parking to match other lots. Publicize and advertise the parking situation for workers and tourists. Make it expensive and less convenient for people to drive solo. Or make it cheaper for car poolers in the structures. It all affects the bus schedule. Add SHIFT rental bikes at the Chamonix bus stop. When traffic snarls I-70 and the roundabouts, Chamonix might not get a bus for a while. At least people could bike. Anonymous 6/11/2025 04:05 PM The West Vail Red and Green should continue to service the West Vail Fire Station and Chamonix year round as long as there is parking on that stretch. Eliminating this service would require the West Vail Express service to expanded to all day 15 minute service AND also extend service to 8-9pm. This is why: The WVFS-Chamonix bus service effectively eliminates pedestrian travel through the West Vail North roundabout. Express ends at 6pm. Sending pedestrians through the North spoke gauntlet in between the uncontrolled 4-way stop created by the two gas stations during rush hour, darkness, and/or Dowd-jams is not a good idea. There is no amount of rapid flashing beacon that can protect human life from the savagrey of WVN drivers getting gas or heading home at rush hour. Even uniformed police in squad cars flashing the reds and blues have a hard time getting reliable attention and compliance from drivers there in the thick of it. Transiting people through it is the only way until one of those gas stations redevelops and we can change the traffic flow Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 21 of 35 173 and cross walk location. Anonymous 6/11/2025 05:16 PM Fry Anonymous 6/11/2025 06:41 PM Allow bikes on the bus after the bike rack fills Anonymous 6/12/2025 09:26 AM Do not eliminate the Spruce Creek stop Anonymous 6/12/2025 09:28 AM Do not use in summer Anonymous 6/12/2025 09:33 AM It is essential that the Spruce Creek Red Line stop be maintained along with maintaining the Spruce Creek Green Line stop. I, my family, and my guests frequently use the Spruce Creek Red Line stop in both Winter and Summer. Our purchase of our home at Spruce Creek was significantly dependent on the proximity of the bus stop. Because of the age of our young grandchildren, use of either Matterhorn or Ptarmigan as an alternative is not acceptable. We are thankful that Vail maintains both Red and Green Line stops at Spruce Creek and greatly appreciate your maintaining these stops. In face, we would like to see TOV add an enclosed shelter to the Spruce Creek bus stop to provide further protection and safety for bus users. Thank you, David Kanter, Spruce Creek Resident (cell 561-523-6300) Anonymous 6/12/2025 09:43 AM Maintaining/increasing West Vail routes that transit near and past the shopping area near the West Vail Exit from I-70 is important to everyone using public transit in Vail. Please consider changing policies to welcome dogs on the transit system (on all routes), as it would make it a lot easier to use public transit for accessing areas like trail heads (example Booth Creek Trail head area) and Vail Village, Lionshead, etc. Welcoming dogs would increase my ridership more than any other change. As you're making changes to routes, PLEASE consider the impacts on rider safety especially for women having to walk alone for longer distances in the dark (especially during darker winter months). Anonymous 6/12/2025 09:44 AM Keep the Spruce Creek stop intact. Anonymous Please do not take away the Spruce Creek bus stop! Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 22 of 35 174 6/12/2025 09:46 AM Anonymous 6/12/2025 10:48 AM Please don’t eliminate the Spruce Creek stop!! Anonymous 6/12/2025 12:26 PM Extend Service routes up Buffehr Creek Road until 1386 Buffehr Creek home Anonymous 6/12/2025 01:25 PM Would like to add bus service to the top of Buffehr Creek Rd Anonymous 6/12/2025 04:35 PM Spruce Creek Bus stop should be preserved at all costs. I think better signage or a covered stop should seriously be considered as the Bus often misses this stop despite people waiting for it. Anonymous 6/12/2025 04:40 PM I think you should align bus departure times so that they can get to child care/school on time for pick up. Right now you have to leave work super early or be late to pick up with the times. I love the addition of keeping the express bus. Anonymous 6/12/2025 09:48 PM I support expanding bus service within the valley with new routes and increased frequency, but not at the expense of no longer supporting existing stops. Specifically, the Spruce Creek stop provides service to long time Vail residents on one of the busiest stretches of frontage road in the valley. These residents pay state and local taxes with pay in part for the bus service. Eliminating this stop will drive many users to drive into Vail and add to the overcrowded use of the parking area, something the bus service is designed to reduce. Anonymous 6/13/2025 09:38 AM We own a condo in Spruce Creek and this would be a HUGE hit to us. Our small kids love riding the bus to ski and play in town, but walking them in gear to Matterhorn or Ptarmigan isn't realistic for us. Most of this plan is fine, but skipping Spruce Creek all together with the Red and Green really hurts that area, especially those with young families. Anonymous 6/13/2025 12:10 PM Upper Buffehr Creek Road needs bus service Anonymous 6/13/2025 05:17 PM It would be great if the west vail buses ran more often! It's nice that the express bus runs in the summer, but between 10 and 2 there is Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 23 of 35 175 only 1 green bus every 40 minutes, that is ridiculous and not nearly often enough. With that timing it makes more sense to just drive in. Anonymous 6/13/2025 07:05 PM Improve bike racks...main reason I come to Vail in summer is for biking but have to drive because the racks rarely work Anonymous 6/13/2025 08:04 PM West Vail Express all day!!! Anonymous 6/13/2025 08:11 PM If proposing a new route in West Vail, why not include Donovan Park? Our Matterhorn bus stop is jammed during busy times with people parking there. That would reduce the volume. And would offer people in the Matterhorn neighborhood additional options. Every 30 minutes is not enough unfortunately. Anonymous 6/13/2025 08:57 PM I support making a shorter bus ride to inner mountain. I drive in instead of taking the bus due to the length of time I would be on a bus And waiting for a bus. Anonymous 6/13/2025 10:51 PM There is no need for paid parking . It’s taking away from the locals who support the town day in and day out. Find some other way to find funding. Anonymous 6/13/2025 10:52 PM For east vail i think between 6am-7am there needs to be more busses Anonymous 6/14/2025 09:26 AM You guys are awesome and I know that you are always using every resource given to you but more busses running the same line during peak hours is so mandatory Anonymous 6/14/2025 11:16 AM West Vail Express service all day long, not just peak Anonymous 6/15/2025 07:16 AM We need more say in placement of Shift bike locations. Feel like we have no say in them. Anonymous 6/15/2025 10:59 AM The bus doesn’t run early enough in the summer or winter for me to get to work on time every day, it would be nice if there was an earlier option. Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 24 of 35 176 Anonymous 6/15/2025 11:02 AM The first morning West Vail busses to not coordinate at all with the first morning Bustang service. With the advent of paid summer parking I no longer go to the Village or Lionshead for lunch. I actually don’t go to the Village or Lionshead for any purchases any more. Anonymous 6/15/2025 02:06 PM Please allow dogs. The additional bus services added this summer are great. Please continue them indefinitely. Anonymous 6/15/2025 07:28 PM After 9 o’clock, having more red buses Anonymous 6/15/2025 09:46 PM I enjoy the greater frequency of TOV transit in the Sandstone area this summer. However, with the Shift bikes at the Simba Run stop and my proclivity for walking, I use either the Sandstone, or Lions Ridge Loop bus less than two (2) times per month. As I have few to no permanent residents in my vicinity and I am unclear of their usage of the addition of the Lions Ridge Loop bus this summer, or the increased frequency of Sandstone. I'll communicate it whenever possible. Anonymous 6/16/2025 08:04 AM I would love to see better options for folks traveling from the north frontage road west to Edwards or Eagle Anonymous 6/16/2025 10:14 AM It is a disappointment for those of us who live on Chamonix Lane that the West Vail Red does not provide service during the summer months. Anonymous 6/16/2025 11:10 AM In-town bus makes no sense. The times are always wrong. You'll be waiting after work on the north side of the route and you watch 3 in town buses go by back to back to back and the south side of the route. Buses are supposed to be staggered. It's the most non sensible transit system I've ever seen. No one cares about the green/red, express etc. . People don't want to be forced to take the bus. Not to mention you're making the poorest individuals in this valley pay for all your pet projects. Most seasons I drive to a not close parking spot and then take the bus in. No one wants to get on a bus an hour and a half before their shift and then sit on the bus for an hour and a half after their shift. I bet the folks on the council don't walk more then 20 yards from their parking spots. They are so out of touch whether it's parking, cost of living, or sheep in East Vail. Again, nobody is gonna force any locals in this town to take the bus if they Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 25 of 35 177 don't want to so, why don't you make the rich pay some more and solve your problems that way. Instead of charging locals to park in a structure that been free since it's inception. Way to help out your workforce Like just hire more drivers, buy more buses. We all know Vail has the money. We all know the tourist have the money to help pay for it. We don't care if that bus is empty 3 months out the year. Y'all are so inefficient at trying to be efficient. Anonymous 6/16/2025 12:22 PM A lot of work starts on the half hour or hour and ends on the half hour or hour. It would be nice for the buses to arrive and leave on the quarter hour so that people don’t have to leave early or wait or arrive late to work if they don’t want to be extra early. Anonymous 6/16/2025 06:57 PM East vail bus should definitely come at least every half an hour after 6pm. After work, sometimes I don't make it and I have to wait for an hour for the next bus to come. It's really frustrating. While other bus lines are more frequent, I would prefer East vail to be every half an hour all day instead of every 15 minutes before 6 pm. The current bus schedule is disappointing. Anonymous 6/16/2025 08:42 PM DO NOT GET RID OF THE SPRUCE CREEK STOP! Anonymous 6/17/2025 08:02 AM Many employees in town finish work between 8-10pm and the limited Sandstone schedule is inconvenient at night Anonymous 6/17/2025 11:00 AM Great just do not get rid of the Spruce Creek Stop! Anonymous 6/17/2025 01:33 PM Thanks for the great service. The bus system is fantastic and reliable Anonymous 6/18/2025 09:02 AM I live in West Vail and I need to bd at work at the Golf Course by 10:00am and the bus schedule gets me there either super early or late. And I get off work at 7:30 and I hate getting home at 9-10 at night because of the Golf Course bus schedule. Anonymous 6/18/2025 09:07 AM Sandstone need to run the .15 time slot continually throughout the day and not break it up into certain times during the day. Anonymous There is no easy way to get from West Vail north side to the hospital. Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 26 of 35 178 6/18/2025 10:48 PM Takes too long and unable to arrive for when shift work starts at 7 or 8am. Also no Core Transit stop in West Vail when heading West on frontage road to easily catch bus to Avon. Anonymous 6/19/2025 08:38 PM I just want more service to/from the outlying parking areas such as matterhorn or west vail mall. It's becoming increasingly difficult for county locals utilize Vail without long waits/commutes by bus or constant fees during any season. This is the last semi-convenient option we have left. Anonymous 6/20/2025 08:25 AM Increase frequency later during Bravo!vail. Anonymous 6/20/2025 10:30 AM The summer Lions Ridge Loop has been great this summer but unfortunately has been closed this month due to Timber Ridge construction. I would like to see it continue in the summer. Anonymous 6/20/2025 10:35 AM Wonderful having the Lionsridge loop bus this summer but unfortunately is not running mow due to Timber Ridge construction. I think with all the employ housing contruction the Lionsridge Loop stop will help relieve congestion. Anonymous 6/20/2025 12:18 PM The bus stop near the Spruce Creek Townhomes is vital to our area for picking up and having good ridership in that area absolutely do not support taking out this bus stop. Sincerely Jack Dunn Anonymous 6/21/2025 08:42 AM I wish the green and red would do continuous circle in the winter like they do in summer. Instead of switching red to green. Just stay red Anonymous 6/21/2025 08:43 AM Please get some small buses like Beaver Creek uses and start some new surface street routes to serve Potato Patch, Buffehr Creek, West Vail South areas. We need transportation too. Anonymous 6/21/2025 09:39 AM The summer bus schedule has been very painful. Spend about 4 hours a week waiting for a bus. Anonymous 6/21/2025 10:40 AM Get the bums out of living in transportation center PLEASE Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 27 of 35 179 Anonymous 6/21/2025 03:23 PM Please do NOT end bus service to Spruce Creek. I rely on the bus all winter and frequently in the summer. My children ride it independently and frequently. The walk to ptarmigan from Spruce Creek is too far and often ice covered. It’s a danger to me as well as younger children. My neighbors are elderly and do use the spruce creek bus frequently. They won’t do that walk and their lives are going to be significantly limited if you do this. I know that my guests, my children won’t be walking to and from ptarmigan; they will drive and park. Isn’t this the opposite of what you want? I also sometimes rent my place and it is rentable because of the bus stop. This would significantly impact my ability to pay my bills. My taxes were recently doubled: Please do not end service to Spruce Creek bus stop too. I use it all the time. It was the PRIMARY reason I purchased this home. Anonymous 6/21/2025 04:26 PM I think the routes in west vail are very important as I am older and sometimes have small grandchildren with me. Thank you. Anonymous 6/21/2025 06:03 PM I am an owner at Spruce Creek Townhomes. Are family is strongly opposed to ending service at the Spruce Creek bus stop. We paid a significant fee when purchasing our home that went to transit services. A primary reason for purchasing our townhome was the proximity to a bus stop. All of our family and guests (we do not rent our townhouse) use the bus stop in the winter and summer season. We dont see how Vail Transit profits from removing this bus stop. I would be happy to pursue this further. Matt Heimerich 719-980-5173 Anonymous 6/21/2025 06:08 PM Parking should have been charged more in the winter vs charging at all in the summer. The bus system is fine but having to pay at all in the summer is inconvenient and affecting business for the already struggling summer season. Anonymous 6/21/2025 06:56 PM I use the spruce creek bus stop and I want you to keep it, I would use the bus less if I had to walk to ptarmigan. Anonymous 6/22/2025 07:43 AM What about splitting east vail into two routes? Often, at Bald Mountain, we get passed by full busses making our wait longer. Anonymous 6/22/2025 09:02 AM We would love an extra bus on concert nights from the Amp to East Vail. We often leave the concert early to avoid having to wait an hour to get home. Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 28 of 35 180 Anonymous 6/22/2025 10:16 AM Please help the locals. Do NOT charge for parking it affects all of us, and local economy in vail village and usage of the village in general. Anonymous 6/22/2025 02:52 PM I used to live and work in West Vail, and then moved to East Vail so I have used almost all the busses that are available. I find that I am less able to make use of the buses from East Vail during the times I need for work (7am and 5pm) as the frequency/schedule is much much worse. I worry about missing the connecting buses to WV from the transport center, if I do then I’m spending an hour or longer commuting an 8 mile distance. The east vail express vs just the regular service are relatively similar so I don’t understand why there isn’t just a more frequent east vail bus instead of the hiker bus at specific times, it seems as if it caters for tourists and not locals. Also the fact that the east vail bus cuts to once an hour after 6 is really un- usable for locals, and adds so much time to the day of so many people working in bars, restaurants and hospitality. I generally support having more frequent busses and better layovers at the transport center, to connect east/west vail without having to do a long frontage road loop. The express busses are good as you can jump from one to another at the transport center but the east vail express isn’t all day. I feel like the red/green and the east vail bus could line up too and importantly wait for like 2 minutes for everyone to get off the busses and change if needed before pulling out. Seeing your connecting bus leave as your bus is pulling in sucks cause you know you just added 20-60 minutes to your day. A lot of these proposals are for west vail which is already really really well serviced. I get that there’s more usage but East Vail is categorically less livable as a result of the busses being less available. I’m DREADING winter when my partner starts earlier because I will have to rely on the busses and I feel I will be frequently late and waiting around and wasting my time so I hope that they are more frequent and have better layovers at the transport center Anonymous 6/22/2025 06:04 PM disappointed that free parking is going awsy Anonymous 6/23/2025 08:13 AM Please keep the Spruce creek stop active, the west vail red is convenient for Owners in the area, especially during winter inclement weather, saves walk time from Ptarmigan and Matterhorn, not having to park in the structures, and eliminates additional traffic in town. Is it possible to build a shelter at the Spruce Creek stop? Thanks for the consideration. Anonymous 6/23/2025 08:22 AM Dog should be allowed Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 29 of 35 181 Anonymous 6/23/2025 08:53 AM I most frequently use the Vail Commons stop on Chamonix Lane. A 40-minute West Vail schedule is insufficient. The proposed change to a 30 minute schedule (summer) helps. If this stop ends up on the Lion Ridge Route AND it goes every 30 minutes or more, year-round, that is something I could use to get to town. Lions Ridge as currently configured seems to have too few stops. It makes sense to expand that route to include Chamonix Lane stops. Anonymous 6/23/2025 08:56 AM Waiting 30 minutes for a bus is quite cumbersome. 15 - 20 minute intervals would be great. Anonymous 6/23/2025 09:34 AM We’d ride the bus more if the was an elder shuttle in east Vail dropping and picking up from the Bighorn express bus turnaround. Walking up and down the hills in ski boots definitely has us using our car much more often than the bus. Anonymous 6/23/2025 09:50 AM None Anonymous 6/23/2025 10:05 AM With the current rock mitigation closure on Lionsridge loop. I have heard neighbors suggest closing lionsridge loop to through traffic. With the exception of buses and emergency vehicles. Make it a park setting Anonymous 6/23/2025 12:00 PM Nice to have the express bus back. Anonymous 6/23/2025 12:16 PM Golf Course route should run every 30 minutes in summer. Lots of people use the golf course for various reasons. Anonymous 6/23/2025 06:28 PM My name is Peter Bistar, and I am the owner of Visit Vail, a vacation rental business serving the Vail Valley. Our company manages several properties along South Frontage Road, and many of our repeat guests—some of whom have stayed with us for years—rely heavily on the Spruce Creek bus stop for convenient transportation. The Spruce Creek stop plays a vital role in both winter and summer seasons, but it is especially critical during the winter. Guests and homeowners depend on this access point to reach the ski slopes and return home safely after a long day on the mountain. Its proximity provides not only convenience but also a sense of safety and accessibility that is highly valued by our community. Eliminating this Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 30 of 35 182 stop would significantly affect our business, reduce property owners’ rental income, and negatively impact the guest experience. We believe this change would create unnecessary challenges for both residents and visitors, and we respectfully urge the town to reconsider any plans to remove the Spruce Creek bus stop. Thank you for your attention and for your continued commitment to keeping Vail welcoming and accessible. Sincerely, Peter Bistar Owner, Visit Vail Vacation Rentals Anonymous 6/23/2025 06:53 PM Needs to be more frequent. We've waited way too long and way too often. Anonymous 6/23/2025 07:34 PM I am supportive of increased frequency and use of the free local transit system. However, I am strongly against eliminating existing stops for local residents. Anonymous 6/24/2025 08:07 AM I am soooo happy to have the WV Express in the summer! Now you just need to add it past 5 pm in the Winter. At least until 6:30 for people that work past 5 coming from Core buses. Anonymous 6/24/2025 11:10 AM We need the increased frequency to East vail all day. Stopping in mid day decreases use Anonymous 6/24/2025 11:51 AM Like having the WV Express available! Anonymous 6/24/2025 01:32 PM I know what your objections aren’t putting a bus run up potato patch. I think you need to think outside of the box and maybe get a different kind of bus and serve that area. Let’s save the world, all the SUVs up here are gas, guzzlers, and their up and down this hill all day long. Anonymous 6/24/2025 03:20 PM SPRUCE CREEK Stop is a successful and valuable asset in both seasons since homeowners , friends, extended family memes and paying guests are not subject to traffic on either bridge to Matterhorn or Ptarmigan. Both bridges serve populated Highlands Area n extended Cascade at far east end. Traffic is constant and both bridges are narrow and offer no elevated sidewalks. Believe even in sumner additional times would increase ridership given pay parking in Town. Anonymous The red bus passes the spruce creek bus stop it is not out of the way. Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 31 of 35 183 6/24/2025 05:07 PM It passes right by us. Why would you not want it to stop there? Alot of people use this bus all year round summer and winter so we don't have to park in the structure. Anonymous 6/24/2025 08:07 PM I like having the Lionsridge Loop bus as an option in the summer. I wish the route ran later or there were better night-time options; It often stops running before my shift is done. Anonymous 6/25/2025 08:35 AM I love our transit system and the drivers/supervisors are SUPER! Anonymous 6/25/2025 10:52 AM I use the Spruce Creek bus stop, as do my children and guests. I am asking you to NOT stop service to Spruce Creek. For us, people would end up driving to the mountain, town and ride the bus less if you get rid of spruce creek. I also occasionally rent my property and this would significantly decrease my ability to rent this home. I pay a lot in taxes. Please keep the existing bus stop - Spruce Creek. Anonymous 6/25/2025 11:26 AM The evening times for West Vail Red and Sandstone are too infrequent, inconvenient for workers in restaurants/bars who get out of work later. i.e. 11pm & 11:40pm. Anonymous 6/25/2025 02:13 PM This is about East Vail bus line. There is absolutely no need for 4 buses per hour including the express line during day (lot of them run totally empty). I would rather appreciate a consistent bus service thorough the day, including 2 buses per hour running till 2am. It is very inconvenient to be done at work at midnight and have to wait one hour for another bus. Anonymous 6/26/2025 12:36 AM Every time I am in Vail, my family and I ride the west buses. They are our primary mode of transportation. We use the Spruce creek bus stop. We would take the bus far less if we had to walk to ptarmigan; we would probably start driving or stay in a different location if service ends. Do not end service to Spruce creek bus stop. It’s very important to us. Anonymous 6/26/2025 07:48 AM Thanks! Anonymous 6/26/2025 09:17 AM Thank you! I just moved to west vail on garmisch drive so I am still figuring out what routes are best for me. There are many locals living Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 32 of 35 184 around me and we all need options for work traveling into town. Anonymous 6/26/2025 11:23 AM I have young children. My concern is safety here. Anonymous 6/26/2025 03:32 PM Please increase the busses on Sandstone in the night and earlier mornings Anonymous 6/27/2025 11:39 AM Please continue the West Vail Green Winter schedule through the summer. The late night West Vail Green buses only running at midnight and 2:00am is inconvenient. Anonymous 6/27/2025 01:24 PM Please provide service to the West end of Sandstone. There is no bus service for the residents who are located at the Western end of Sandstone. PLEASE ESTABLISH park and ride for RESIDENTS ONLY (perhaps winter only service) for those of us who are marooned too far to walk to a bus stop. It could be by application and a placard that hangs from the rear view mirror. I live at 1370 Sandstone. If I want to go to town or ski, I must fight the scrum and pay for a place in the parking lot because we are orphaned from the designed bus routes. Anonymous 6/27/2025 02:00 PM I have no complaints and consider Vail transit an extremely convenient, clean, safe, useful form of transit. Anonymous 6/27/2025 06:54 PM West vail express ending at 7pm? Anonymous 6/28/2025 08:47 AM Please move the post office bus stop to the road, instead of at the bottom of the stairs. Please allow good dogs aboard Anonymous 6/28/2025 09:10 AM It sucks. East Vail. I don’t understand why having 4 buses per hour for some time during the day (always empty) and after 6pm only 1!!!! Nobody wants to wait 1 hour for the bus Also you ever realized that work usually starts and finishes at the whole hour? So if people leave work at 7, they are not gonna catch the bus at 7 from the village. And the same going to village. If bus comes 5 minutes after 7, then we would be late for work, so we have to take an earlier bus and wait for 20 minutes in the town before work. Give us more buses to east vail in the night, there is a lot of us working the nights! Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 33 of 35 185 Anonymous 6/28/2025 10:18 AM love the frequency increase proposals - thanks for everything you do Anonymous 6/28/2025 01:40 PM I think it’s really wonderful you provide a free valley bus service for your local residents and for visitors, it’s much appreciated - thank you. My one piece of negative feedback is your online bus schedules are not always the clearest to read. When there is an increased schedule at the busier hours it’s often shown along side the regular hours which can be confusing or easy to misread. Leading you to believe there is a bus when in-fact there is not. It would be very helpful if just like at the physical bus stops it shows each actual time the bus will appear at said stop. Rather than just ‘40’ by the bus stops name and the hours at the top in completely separate columns. Anonymous 6/28/2025 04:36 PM I’m not in favor of paid structure parking. This change does not make me take the bus more often, it makes me visit town less and means I spend fewer dollars on businesses in town. Thanks for helping me save money. Anonymous 6/29/2025 06:39 AM A sandstone bus earlyer then now would be great. Anonymous 6/29/2025 12:22 PM More frequent bus options for the Sandstone route, especially considering the new parking fees at Vail transit center. Anonymous 6/29/2025 01:49 PM During peak hours, frequencies the same as winter would be appreciated. Especially during events Anonymous 6/29/2025 03:17 PM We need to be able to hike with our dog and it is very difficult with your no dogs policy. Please allow dogs on all outlying routes Anonymous 6/29/2025 07:06 PM Stagger the ones to .Middle creek a little. Like leaving transportation center 5 minutes a part and not all the same time Optional question (159 response(s), 214 skipped) Question type: Essay Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 34 of 35 186 Q15 If these enhanced frequencies as well as other service improvements were extended to run all day (approximately 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.) during the summer, would this impact your ridership? 205 (59.8%) 205 (59.8%) 101 (29.4%) 101 (29.4%) 2 (0.6%) 2 (0.6%) 35 (10.2%) 35 (10.2%) I would ride more than I currently do I would ride the same as I currently do I would ride less than I currently do Not applicable Question options Optional question (343 response(s), 30 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Transit Route Survey : Survey Report for 31 May 2025 to 29 June 2025 Page 35 of 35 187 AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.5 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 TIME:20 min. SUBMITTED BY:Mark Novak, Fire Department ITEM TYPE:Presentation/Discussion AGENDA SECTION:Presentation/Discussion (2:30pm) SUBJECT:Evacuation Plan Update (3:50pm) SUGGESTED ACTION:Information only. PRESENTER(S):Chief Ryan Kenney, Vail Police Department and Paul Cada, Wildland Battalion Chief VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: Evacuation Plan Update.pdf 188 August 14th, 2025 To: Vail Town Council Through: Russ Forrest Town Manager Ryan Kenney Chief of Police From: Christopher Botkins Operations Commander Subject: Evacuation Plan Update The Town of Vail’s evacuation plan has undergone its first comprehensive update since 2014. This revision modernizes procedures, aligns with current best practices, and incorporates lessons learned from recent emergency management experiences. Under the updated plan, the Vail Police Department’s emphasis will be on traffic control rather than door-to-door evacuation, allowing for more efficient movement of residents and visitors. Evacuation check-in locations have been relocated outside of Vail, with the Silverthorne Recreation Center and the Eagle County Fairgrounds designated as the primary sites to improve safety and reduce congestion. Designated and signed Emergency Evacuation Bus Stops have been established throughout town to support individuals without personal transportation. The Genasys mass notification system has been fully integrated into evacuation zone designations, enabling targeted and timely public alerts. The plan also introduces the concept of Temporary Fire Refuge Areas (TFRAs), which provide predetermined safe gathering points when evacuation is not immediately possible. Several of these TFRAs have already been pre-designated and incorporated into public information materials. Additionally, work is underway to create slip- ramps for alternate access to I-70, further improving evacuation efficiency during emergencies. These updates will be posted on the Town’s website and positions the Town to respond more effectively to wildfire, hazardous material incidents, and other large-scale emergencies, prioritizing safety while reducing congestion and confusion. The Vail Police Department appreciates the Council’s continued support in advancing public safety planning and ensuring the community is prepared for all hazards. 189 POTENTIAL SLIP RAMPS REQUIRE CDOT/FHWA APPROVAL Legend RAMP 1 mi N ➤➤ N Image © 2025 Airbus Image © 2025 Airbus Image © 2025 Airbus 190 POTENTIAL SLIP RAMPS REQUIRE CDOT/FHWA APPROVAL Legend RAMP 1 mi N ➤➤ N Image © 2025 Airbus Image © 2025 Airbus Image © 2025 Airbus 191 POTENTIAL SLIP RAMPS REQUIRE CDOT/FHWA APPROVAL Legend RAMP 1 mi N ➤➤ N Image © 2025 Airbus Image © 2025 Airbus Image © 2025 Airbus 192 AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.1 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 SUBMITTED BY:Greg Roy, Community Development ITEM TYPE:DRB/PEC Update AGENDA SECTION:DRB/PEC (4:10pm) SUBJECT:DRB/PEC Update (5 min.) SUGGESTED ACTION: VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: DRB Results 8-6-25.pdf 193 Design Review Board Minutes Wednesday, August 6, 2025 2:00 PM Vail Town Council Chambers Present: Roland J Kjesbo Anthony J Grandt Kit Austin Mary Egan Absent: Herbert B Roth 1. Virtual Meeting Link Register to attend Design Review Board Meetings. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining this webinar. 2. Call to Order 3. Main Agenda 3.1 DRB25-0260 - Lot 10 Park Final review of an exterior alteration. Address/ Legal Description: 281 West Meadow Drive/Lot 3, West Day Subdivision Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller Applicant Name: Town of Vail, represented by Mauriello Planning Groups DRB25-0260 Plans.pdf Mary Egan made a motion to Approve with Conditions and the findings it meets 14-10-2. Conditions: 1. This approval is conditional upon Town Council approval 2. The applicant shall address any outstanding staff comments prior to building permit submittal 3. The applicant shall provide all necessary utility verification forms prior to building permit submittal 4. At the time of permit commencement, the existing accessible parking spaces on Lot 10 shall be replaced at a new location at the library or vicinity ; Roland J Kjesbo seconded the motion Passed (4 - 0). 3.2 DRB25-0251 - Concert Hall Plaza Conceptual review for recommendation to PEC for deviations to the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan. (demo/rebuild) Address/ Legal Description: 616 West Lionshead Circle / Lot 1, Vail Lionshead Filing 4 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Concert Hall Plaza Condo, represented by Mauriello Planning Group CHP Staff Presentation 080625.pdf Concert Hall Plaza Applicant Narrative.pdf DRB25-0251_PlanSet.pdf DRB25-0251_Renderings.pdf DRB25-0251_Elevations.pdf Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2025 1 194 Anthony J Grandt made a motion to Recommend for approval the proposed design deviations as presented today; Mary Egan seconded the motion Passed (3 - 0). 4. Staff Approvals 4.1 DRB24-0009.002 - Robins Residence Final review of a change to approved plans Address/ Legal Description: 154 Beaver Dam Road/Lot 27, Block 7, Vail Village Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Kenneth & Judy Robins, represented by Berglund Architects 4.2 DRB24-0120.001 - Johnson Residence Final review of a change to approved plans (exterior) Address/ Legal Description: 2401 Upper Traverse Way 14/Parcel B/Vail Das Schone Filing 1 Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller Applicant Name: Thomas & Carol Johnson, represented by Chamonix Vail HOA 4.3 DRB24-0162.001 - Squash Blossom Final review of a change to approved plans (planters/awning) Address/ Legal Description: 198 Gore Creek Drive 166/Lot 1, Lodge Subdivision Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller Applicant Name: John & Patrice Cogswell, represented by Squash Blossom Vail 4.4 DRB24-0215 - 303 Gore Creek Final review of an exterior alteration (landscape/glass railing) Address/ Legal Description: 303 Gore Creek Drive 8/Lot 8, Block 5, Vail Village Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: 303 Gore Creek 8 LLC, represented by Ceres+ Landscape Architecture 4.5 DRB24-0245 - Gore Creek Corners LLC A final review of an exterior alteration (windows) Address/ Legal Description: 174 Gore Creek Drive 368 / Lot A, Block 5C, Vail Village Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Gore Creek Corners LLC, represented by Kline Designs & Construction 4.6 DRB24-0409 - Ogden Residence Final review of an exterior alteration (garage door) Address/ Legal Description: 2119 Chamonix Lane B/Lot 12, Vail Heights Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Ogden Trust, represented by George Ogden 4.7 DRB24-0425.001 - Glenn Residence Final review of a change to approved plans Address/ Legal Description: 5116 Main Gore Drive North/Lot 3, Block B, Vail Ridge Subdivision Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Jim & Sharron Glenn, represented by Jeff Manley 4.8 DRB25-0060.001 - Door Color Update Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2025 2 195 Final Review of a change to Approved Plans (Exterior) Address/ Legal Description: 508 E Lionshead Circle 213/Lot 2, Block 1, Vail Lionshead Filing 1 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Erica & Ryan Bocchino, represented by Alpine Building & Development Inc. 4.9 DRB25-0119 - Squash Blossom Final review of a sign application Address/ Legal Description: 198 Gore Creek Drive 166/Lot 1, Lodge Subdivision Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller Applicant Name: John & Patrice Cogswell, represented by Squash Blossom 4.10 DRB25-0147 - Hyrwitz/Pylman Residence Final review of an exterior alteration (windows/doors) Address/ Legal Description: 1150 Casolar Del Norte Drive A/Lot 10, Casolar Vail Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Peter Hurwitz & Donna Pylman, represented by Davis Design Group 4.11 DRB25-0172 - SCFF- Vail LLC Final review of an exterior alteration (patio) Address/ Legal Description: 1472 Buffehr Creek Road 10/Parcel A, Lion's Ridge Subdivision Filing 2 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: SCFF-Vail LLC, represented by Pierce Austin Architects 4.12 DRB25-0177 - Ayers Residence Final review of an exterior alteration (windows) Address/ Legal Description: 5038 Ute Lane A/Lot 30, Vail Meadows Filing 1 Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller Applicant Name: Patricia Ayers, represented by Backcountry Builders and Construction 4.13 DRB25-0179 - Forestside Investments LLC Final review of an exterior alteration (pool/skylights) Address/ Legal Description: 107 Rockledge Road/Lot 7, Block 7, Vail Village Filing 1 / Raether Minor Subdivision - Replat Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Forestside Investment LLC, represented by KH Webb Architects 4.14 DRB25-0182 - Argos Vail Final review of an addition Address/ Legal Description: 400 Vail Valley Drive 6/Tract B, Vail VIllage Filing 1 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Argos Vail LLC, represented by Piera Construction Services LLC 4.15 DRB25-0189 - 703 TOC LLC Final review of an exterior alteration Address/ Legal Description: 1734 Golf Lane S69/Area A, Sunburst at Vail Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2025 3 196 Applicant Name: Elias Abadi 4.16 DRB25-0192 - Biszantz Residence Final review of an exterior alteration Address/ Legal Description: 1350 Sandstone Drive 1/Lot G3, Lion's Ridge Subdivision Filing 2 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Samantha Biszantz, represented by Leffler Construction 4.17 DRB25-0203-Holland Laine Residence 2025 Final review of an exterior (solar energy) Address/ Legal Description: 1487 Buffehr Creek Road/Lot A, Lion's Ridge Fil 2 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Mary Laine & Joel Holland, represented by Active Energies Solar 4.18 DRB25-0205- Potato Patch Condos 2025 Final Review of an exterior Address/ Legal Description: 770 Potato Patch Drive/Lot 6, Block 2, Vail Potato Patch Filing 1 Planner: Heather Knight Applicant Name: Mountain Valley Property Management 4. 19 DRB25-0219 - Laura A. Huser Revocable Trust Residence A final review of an exterior alteration (paint) Address/ Legal Description: 133 Willow Bridge Road 620/Lot 6, Block 6, Vail Village Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Laura A. Huser Revocable Trust - etal, represented by Premier Painting 4.20 DRB25-0221 - Ross & Daniels Residence Final review of an exterior alteration (windows) Address/ Legal Description: 4041 Bighorn Road 10E/ Pitkin Creek Park Phase III Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: David Ross & Ann Daniels, represented by Lifetime Windows and Siding 4.21 DRB25-0224 - 68 East Meadow Drive Final review of a tree removal Address/ Legal Description: 68 East Meadow Drive/ Block 5D, Vail Village Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Village Inn Common Area, represented by Old Growth Tree Service 4.22 DRB25-0226 - Mary Duvall Residence A final review of an exterior alteration (AC) Address/ Legal Description: 555 East Lionshead Circle 405/ Lot 3, Block 1, Vail Lionshead Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Mary Duvall 4.23 DRB25-0229 - Franco Residence 2025 Final review of an exterior alteration (reroof) Address/ Legal Description: 483 Gore Creek Drive/Lot 8, Vail Village Filing 4 Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2025 4 197 Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller Applicant Name: Enrique Franco, represented by Excellence Roofing & Landscaping 4.24 DRB25 -0230 - Distelhorst Residence C 2025 Final Approval for an exterior review. \\ Address/ Legal Description: 4592 Streamside Circle East/Lot 2, Distelhorst Subdivision Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Frederick Distelhorst represented by Renewal by Andersen 4.25 DRB25 -0231 - Distelhorst Residence B 2025 Final review of an exterior alteration Address/ Legal Description: 4592 Streamside Circle East #B/Lot 2, Distelhorst Subdivision Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Frederick Distelhorst, represented by Renewal by Andersen 4. 26 DRB25-0235 - Richard Bren Lee & Abigail Chiles Residence A final review of an exterior alteration (deck & windows) Address/ Legal Description: 1618 Buffehr Creek Road C15/ Parcel A, Lion's Ridge Subdivision Filing 2 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Richard Bren Lee & Abigail Chiles, represented by Crockford Builders 4. 27 DRB25-0236 - Martin Cupka & Miroslava Hozzova Residence A final review of an exterior alteration (windows) Address/ Legal Description: 2475 Garmisch Drive 4/ Lot 5 & 6, Block H, Vail Das Schone Filing 2 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Martin Cupka & Miroslava Hozzova, Represented by Crockford Builders 4.28 DRB25-0242 - Vail Panorama Estates LLC A final review of an exterior alteration (doors) Address/ Legal Description: 165 Forest Road / Lot 5, Block 7, Vail Village Filing 1 Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller Applicant Name: Vail Panorama Estates LLC, represented by Berglund Architects 4.29 DRB25-0244 - Weiner-Trapness Residence A final review of an exterior alteration (roof) Address/ Legal Description: 756 Potato Patch Drive / Lot 4, Block 2, Vail Potato Patch Filing 1 Planner: Jamie Leaman-Miller Applicant Name: Carolyn Weiner-Trapness, represented by Horizon Roofing, Inc. 4. 30 DRB25-0247 - Foster & Woodward Residence A final review of an exterior alteration (window and door) Address/ Legal Description: 1081 Vail View Drive B201 / Lot B2, Block B, Lion's Ridge Subdivision Filing 1 Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Kimberly Foster & Shawn Woodward, represented by Lifetime Windows and Siding 4.31 DRB25-0275 - Pollack Residence Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2025 5 198 Final review of exterior alteration (roof) Address/ Legal Description: 4173 Spruce Way A & B/Lot 11, Block 9, Bighorn Subdivision 3rd Addition Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Susan & Albert Pollack, represented by Handyman Enterprises 4.32 DRB25-0279 - Jagtap Residence Final review of an exterior alteration (windows) Address/ Legal Description: 4460 Timbe Falls Court/Timber Falls Condominiums Planner: Greg Roy Applicant Name: Jiva & Purnima Jagtap, represented by Pella Windows & Doors LLC 5. Staff Denials 6. Adjournment Anthony J Grandt made a motion to Adjourn ; Mary Egan seconded the motion Passed (0 - 0). Design Review Board Meeting Minutes of August 6, 2025 6 199 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.1 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager ITEM TYPE:Information Update AGENDA SECTION:Information Update (4:15pm) SUBJECT:July 7, 2025 AIPP Meeting Minutes SUGGESTED ACTION: VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: July 7, 2025 Minutes.pdf 200 Art in Public Places Board Meeting Minutes Monday, July 7, 2025 AIPP Board members present: Lindsea Stowe, Susanne Graff, Tracy Gordon, Ramsey Cotter (via zoom), Kathy Langenwalter Others present: Molly Eppard - AIPP Coordinator; John King, Public Works Facilities Manager 1. Call to Order 2. No citizen Participation 3. Main Agenda 3.1 Approval of AIPP Board minutes from June 2 and June 17. June 2, 2025 Minutes.pdf June 17, 2025 Minutes.pdf • Tracy motions to approve minutes, Kathy seconds and all in favor. 3.2 Dobson Ice Arena public art management discussion, Cortney Stell Black Cube Nomadic Museum. 2025-0203 Art Meeting Update.pdf Black_Cube_Dobson • Introductions of Board, TOV staff, and Black Cube team including Erica Cheung. • Cortney Stell walks through the proposal from Black Cube for the Dobson Ice Arena. • John addresses a site visit with the Board and consulting team. • The Board discusses who may be good community and VRD members to sit on the stakeholder committee. • The Board will aim to meet Black Cube and Populous on July 29 for a site visit of Dobson. 3.3 Summer AIPP program updates including opening of the Vail Art Studio and sculpture installations. • Ribbon cutting & opening celebration of the Art Studio on Sun., Aug. 3@ 4–6 p.m. • The installation of Thomas Houseago in Ford Park and Matt Wedel in Lionshead Welcome Center is still on the calendar for July 24. • Vail Art Studio Challenge is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13 @ 4-7 p.m. o Winning artists will be announced at the Ribbon Cutting on August 3. o AIPP Board will review the applications the week of July 28. o Board discusses who may be appropriate guest jurors for the Art Challenge. 4. Coordinator Updates. • Board appreciation at the Hot Summer Nights concert July 8. • Next meeting Aug. 4. • Landscaping around Broel and Kahlhamer sculptures almost complete. • HYBYCOZO social media posts did very well. 5. Adjournment. 201 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.2 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager ITEM TYPE:Information Update AGENDA SECTION:Information Update (4:15pm) SUBJECT:Vail Transportation Center Update SUGGESTED ACTION: VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: 250819 VTC update.docx 202 TO: Vail Town Council FROM: Town Manager’s Office DATE: August 19, 2025 SUBJECT: VTC update I. SUMMARY The 2025 Capital Projects Budget included $200,000 for minor upgrades to the Vail Transit Center (VTC). The purpose of this memo is to update Council on planned improvements. II. DISCUSSION To date, town staff has done a thorough dusting of the upper areas inside the VTC, including the interior “roof”. The gondola will be cleaned at a later date when staff can set up scaffolding. La Cantina has agreed to keep the gate up in the secondary bar area, which has improved the look and feel of the restaurant level. In the upper level bus waiting area, metal decorative screens have been ordered to conceal the sprinkler and other pipes that tend to gather dust. Below is a rendering of what those will look like. 203 Town of Vail Page 2 On the exterior, staff power-washed the red brick to try and remove old stains, gum residue, etc. and there were paint touch-ups done at entrances and outside the Ski and Snowboarding Museum. Future plans for the exterior include replacing the attached benches on both the east and west sides of the VTC with the town’s traditional decorative benches. The exterior built-in bulletin board on the west side will be replaced with a new, metal, weather-proof board. The same type of new bulletin boards will be purchased for inside the VTC for the VCBA and CORE information, and a small new one on the exterior for La Cantina on the east side of the lower level. Also on the exterior, directly across from the VTC north-facing entrance, staff is planning to install “stick-on” art graphics onto the concrete barriers. It is easily installed and easy to replace if damaged; the printing can be done in-house. Compared to the cost and difficulty to repair painted art, staff feels the stick-on method is worth a try. Molly Eppard, with AIPP, has a number of potential artists in mind that could create the graphic art design. Below is a sample that is being tested outside in the elements on a concrete barrier at Public Works: 204 Town of Vail Page 3 Café concept: With a goal of creating more vibrancy in the VTC and providing quick serve casual snack items and coffee, staff is looking for Council feedback on this concept. The easiest location to bring water and sewer from the lower level would be the arcade and vending area. In addition, the storage area on the exterior east side of the arcade could be the “kitchen”/service area, due to a gated window to the arcade area already in place (where the interactive TV is located now). Staff recommends that the future vendor be required to have an offsite kitchen facility because it would be cost-prohibitive to build out a full kitchen with venting, etc. Tables and chairs could replace the arcade equipment, however staff recommends retaining some vending machines. Office space: Currently the VCBA uses office space for minimal rent in the VTC. Staff has recently been working with CORE to provide a space for them to conduct staff meetings and other office work. Originally it was planned to have them use the storage space on the east side of the VTC, the same space that might be better utilized for the café concept. Staff proposes VCBA and CORE share the VCBA office space, which could be accommodated with office dividers, rather than incur extra expense of building walls. If Council is supportive, staff recommends drafting revised leases for both organizations. III. ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL Does Council support the idea of a café in the arcarde area? Does Council support the shared office space arrangement? Any other feedback on the planned improvements? 205 AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.1 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager ITEM TYPE:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports AGENDA SECTION:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports (4:15pm) SUBJECT:Matters from Mayor, Council Members and Committees (15 min.) SUGGESTED ACTION: VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: 206 AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.2 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager ITEM TYPE:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports AGENDA SECTION:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports (4:15pm) SUBJECT:Town Manager Report (5 min.) SUGGESTED ACTION: VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: TM Report.pdf 207 Town Managers’ Update August 19, 2025 1. Letter of Support for Alternative 4: Holy Cross Electrical Line from Eagle Vail to Minturn Holy Cross Energy is proposing to build a new 115kV Transmission line from Avon to Gilman. This line will provide critical electrical redundancy to the Eagle River Valley and Vail. Where and how this transmission line is located and whether it is above or below ground has been a significant issue of debate in Minturn. Since this line uses Federal lands an Environmental Assessment has been prepared and the USFS is soliciting feedback on the Environmental Assessment. Environmental Assessments are required to evaluate alternatives, and this EA has four alternatives. The preferred alternative is “4.” This appears to be the alternative that minimizes the visual impact and other impacts of a new electrical transmission line. Staff has prepared a draft letter that the Town could send to the USFS to support alternative 4. This is the alternative that is preferred by the Town of Minturn and is also the preferred alternative in the Environmental Assessment. Would Council like to send the letter below to the USFS regarding this proposed action? 2. Big Three Town of Vail Capital Projects (Timber Ridge, South Face, Dobson) Town staff would like to share a brief update on the three large capital projects the Town of Vail is either building or supporting. Staff will provide these updates every other month or as needed. Again, the three projects include: Timber Ridge, South Face/West Middle Creek, and the Dobson Event Center. Southface – Prepared by Corum: Southface Vail (a.k.a. West Middle Creek) is currently maintaining the contract schedule. Notable recent completions and activities include completion of the waterline loop in the frontage road, reinstallation of the bike path and two-lane traffic on the frontage road. Soil nail walls have begun and will continue for the foreseeable future while we work to build the "bench." The project team is working on schedule sequencing in an attempt to accelerate the wall completion and mass export. Upcoming activities include the off-site storm sewer work in Lionshead, adjacent the Tree Top Condominiums, which will take place in October. Buyout Status: Shaw has written and sent out 34 of 56 contracts in order of priority which met the contractual buyout target; current issued contracts equates to 83.6M of 105.9M or 79%. Shaw has fully executed 15 of 56 contracts; current executed contract equates to 57.2 M of 105.9M or 54.0%. Shaw is forecasting that based on current negotiations additional subcontracts will be executed by the time of this meeting, total 65.8 M of 105.9M or 62%. Subcontract execution continues to be the main priority of the Shaw Project Management team. Shaw is currently projecting a savings of $406,470 in buyout savings to be applied to contingency. Shaw is currently forecasting the use of $610,209 of $1,200,00 in material escalation or 51%. Currently Corum is working on material escalation remediation efforts including early procurement. The project is experiencing "normal" cost and budgetary pressures at this early point in the project, specifically related to waterline work and the implications to the Right-of-Way. Safe to say, there 208 Page 2 were a few more large boulders than anticipated. Corum is working with the Town on strategies to potentially recover the additional costs for the waterline work in addition to procuring off-site storage in Dowd Junction to facilitate staging and early procurement. Additionally, thanks to the efforts of Carlie, the project is now fully tax-exempt which will provide additional unbudgeted savings. Timber Ridge-Prepared by Triumph: Schedule update: Building A: continue to complete the roofing system, Shingles to be installed week of 8/25. Interior finish work is on going. Still tracking toward a CO for mid December 2025. Building F: set is in progress, but EOD Friday, 55 of the 74 mods will be set in place. Plan is to be completed by Tuesday the 19th. Still tracking toward a CO for early February 2026.Building B will be the next building to be set, start date is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th. This is a 70-mod building, estimated completion is Friday September 5th. Overall project still on track for completion October 2026. Budget: Budget tracking as originally forecasted. Potential cost / schedule impact for parking on Lions Ridge Loop, Xcel gas line was shown to be on north side of this road but locates have it installed on south side. Working on coordination between parking / 4” steel gas line. The new structural design for this retaining will AND associated construction shoring is carrying roughly a 1.3m additional cost. This can be absorbed through contingency at this time. Sales: We continue to market the homes to both businesses and individuals. As of today, we have reservations of $139,604,386, this does take into account both Habitat (20 homes) and TOV. 4 PSA’s are out for execution. This table does not represent any TOV units, as those will be the available units as building A / F and then B receive their Certificate of Occupancy. The current list of TOV units to purchase represents 47 homes, the list hasn’t deducted the $3 million subsidizing the second group of Habitat units. Once you factor this into the table above, approximately 80 homes remain to be sold. Dobson-Prepared by Cumings Group: Dobson is well under way and currently trending on schedule. Major demolition and subsurface structural work is nearing completion. Reinforcement of the major roof structural elements is progressing on schedule and the temporary roof has been installed which will remain in place until next summer when the permanent roof will be installed. The main electrical transformer vault has been replaced, and the transformer has been reset and the primary new water service tie-in is complete as well. Major current tasks include reinforcing the existing below grade structural walls and waterproofing of the northeast below grade expansion is nearing completion. Hyder McHugh has fallen behind on the northwest masonry installation, but they are making efforts to resolve this quickly. Work on foundations for the north bathrooms and south expansion is also scheduled to start shortly. 209 Page 3 $27,245,000 in subcontracts have been awarded and $4,915,000 remains to be awarded. Hyder did not complete buyout per their original commitment, but they did commit to owning the buyout risk moving forward. This has reduced the potential burden of escalation risk on the Owners contingency therefore, the TOV has accepted the Administrative Alternate for $287,000 and is currently in the process of adding snowmelt to the mechanical yard slabs. Hyder McHugh has taken an aggressive stance on change requests and TOV is responding firmly and managing this risk closely. Quality control on installations is ‘above average’ but the management of submittals and RFI’s has been challenging. 3. Skier Drop off A memo is provided below from the Police Department on follow up discussions regarding skier drop during the 2024/2025 winter season and thoughts for the 2025/2026 season. 4. Site Visit to Snowmass Village At the last Council meeting the Council supported doing a site visit to Snowmass Village to tour the new “Base Village” on September 12tth. . 5. Other 210 Page 4 August 19 2025 Brian Glaspell, Forest Supervisor White River National Forest c/o Leanne Veldhuis, District Ranger Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District White River National Forest P.O. Box 190 Minturn, CO 81645 leanne.veldhuis@usda.gov RE: Town of Vail Comments on Environmental Assessment for Avon-to-Gilman 115-kV Transmission Line Project NEPA Project #57224 Dear Forest Supervisor Glaspell, On behalf of the Town of Vail, thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Holy Cross Energy Avon-to-Gilman 115-kV Transmission Line and to join the Town of Minturn in supporting alternative 4. This is a critical infrastructure project that will provide electrical redundancy for the Vail Valley and alternative 4 appears to minimize the impacts for this project. Alternative 4 represents a thoughtful and responsive approach that balances regional energy reliability goals with the protection of the valley’s unique mountain town character, scenic viewsheds, and environmental values. We share Minturn’s reasons for our support for Alternative 4 that include: • Alternative 4 preserves critical viewsheds near the Game Creek Trailhead, Minturn Bike Park, River View Cemetery, and adjacent residential areas. This directly addresses community concerns raised during prior comment periods. • Alternative 4 minimizes above-ground infrastructure, reducing impacts to historic and recreational areas/ • The underground avoids potential conflicts with land use, transportation corridors, and municipal infrastructure that would have arisen under Alternatives 2 and 3. • Undergrounding the line through fire-prone areas near the town reduces risk of ignition and enhances long-term public safety in this wildland-urban interface zone. Thank you again for the opportunity to comment on this Draft Environmental Assessment. The Town supports the issuance of a Special Use Authorization for this critical infrastructure project as described in Alternative 4 and urges its selection in the final decision. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Travis Coggin Mayor, Town of Vail tcoggin@vail.gov 211 August 14th, 2025 To: Vail Town Council Through: Russ Forrest Town Manager Ryan Kenney Chief of Police From: Christopher Botkins Operations Commander Subject: Skier Drop Off Access The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Town Council with a comprehensive update on the status of passenger transportation operations within Vail, recent coordination with community stakeholders, and the evaluation of potential alternative approaches. Since August 2024, passenger transportation in Vail has operated under the current system, which designates the Vail Transportation Center as the primary skier drop-off location for all passenger types. Private vehicles continue to be permitted to utilize the Hanson Ranch Road drop-off; however, commercial vehicles remain prohibited from this location and are directed instead to Checkpoint Charlie, the TRC or Golden Peak. This operational framework was designed to improve visitor flow, manage congestion, and minimize negative impacts on the community. The changes implemented have resulted in a notable improvement in traffic conditions along Hanson Ranch Road, with congestion being significantly reduced compared to prior years. In preparation for and throughout both the winter and summer seasons, staff from the police department engaged in outreach to local hotels, hospitality representatives, and transportation companies. These efforts sought to maintain open communication channels and solicit feedback regarding the current system. While some stakeholders expressed reservations about the changes, most acknowledged that the plan is functional and expressed a willingness to operate within its parameters, even if it does not fully align with their preferences. This outreach continued throughout the summer. Hotels were contacted to provide feedback on how the winter season went. Most of the hotels would prefer continued access to Hanson Ranch Road and move private traffic to the TRC. Once we explained the impacts this plan would have, the hotel staff was more receptive of the current system. 212 Town of Vail Page 2 As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, the police department, in coordination with public works and the town manager’s office, evaluated several alternative approaches to passenger transportation. Considerations included relocating pickup and drop-off points and altering existing routing patterns. After thorough review, these alternatives were determined to be either operationally infeasible—due to limited access points and anticipated vehicle volumes—or financially impractical given current budget constraints. At this time, the current operational model will remain in place throughout the ski season. Staff will continue to monitor system performance, evaluate traffic and congestion data, and collect feedback from stakeholders. Should a viable and cost-effective alternative be identified, it will be brought forward for the Council’s review and consideration. 213 AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.3 Item Cover Page DATE:August 19, 2025 SUBMITTED BY:Stephanie Bibbens, Town Manager ITEM TYPE:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports AGENDA SECTION:Matters from Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Committee Reports (4:15pm) SUBJECT:Council Matters and Status Update SUGGESTED ACTION: VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: 250819 Matters.docx Future Topics.docx 214 COUNCIL MATTERS Status Report Report for August 19, 2025 Town Council congratulated staff and thanked the Logans for their generosity in supporting the new Vail Art Studio! Town Council thanked Vail Police Department for a successful National Night Out! Town Council directed staff to increase E-bike enforcement, focusing on the busiest areas of the villages. Social Media Listening Sprout Listening Link: https://share.sproutsocial.com/view/b663fecf-f399-462e-a3fe- cff399f62ee0 Topics of note during this time period included positive experiences around events in Vail as well as fire restrictions and the topping off of Timber Ridge Village. Looking through the listening report also uncovered this conversation on Reddit about the poor Vail Village experience around th e aggressive sales tactics of certain businesses: https://www.reddit.com/r/vail/comments/1mej5xs/beauty_location_name_in_vail_village _on_wall/ In the News______________________________________________________ July 31 Tourism Outlook https://www.vaildaily.com/news/colorado-tourists-travel-experts-shaky-start-local-economies/ Changing Course in Vail - letter https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/letter-changing-course-in-vail/ Aug. 3 215 Eagle County Housing Investment Opportunities https://www.vaildaily.com/news/eagle-county-housing-authority-considers-options-for-5-5- million-available-after-west-eagle-project-folds/ Aug. 4 West Lionshead https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-west-lionshead-plan-new-gondola-hotel-12000-square-foot- event-space/ Aug. 5 Truck and E-Bike Collision https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-police-investigating-e-bike-pickup-truck-hit-and-run-collision/ Aug. 6 STR Excise Tax https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vail-to-send-new-short-term-rental-tax-to-the-ballot-in- november/ Neighborhood Picnic https://www.realvail.com/town-of-vails-second-neighborhood-picnic-of-the-summer-is-set-for- aug-12/a23173/ Aug. 8 Gore Creek Promenade https://www.vaildaily.com/news/vails-2-million-overhaul-gore-creek-promenade/ Condotels and STR Tax - letter https://www.vaildaily.com/opinion/letter-condotels-short-term-rental-tax/ Aug. 12 Vail Art Studio https://www.vaildaily.com/news/new-vail-art-studio-workspace-for-national-artists/ https://www.realvail.com/inaugural-vail-art-studio-challenge/a23193/ Upcoming Dates September 9 Vail Social! 216 Future Topics, September 2025 TOPIC DEPARTMENT Joint Meeting with Design Review Board Community Development Bus Barn Discussion Public Works & Vail Fire Department Village/Lionshead Street Furniture Replacement Public Works Ford Park Entry Gate Improvements Public Works I70 Coalition Update Public Works US Forest Service Update Town Manager’s Office 217