In 2020, the student government at Front Range Community College in Larimer was in the midst of discussions regarding setting up a system similar to the one CSU has regarding bus fares.
The discussion quickly became redundant as Transfort, the Fort Collins public bus system, went fare-free in the spring of 2020.
The decision came in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The goal was to limit contact by eliminating the exchange of money and bus slips, said Melanie Royalty, the customer support supervisor at Transfort.
It was also meant to “be a service to the public during a difficult time,” she said.
The shift led to some unexpected results. Officials found that they were able to fund their services entirely through federal funding.
“This prompted a period of evaluation within Transfort,” said Royalty.
There is an ongoing study regarding the “benefits and barriers of a fare-free system”, said Anna Russo, the public engagement specialist for Transfort.
The results of the study will be shared with the City Council and eventually be made available to the public as well, though there is no clear timeline for that.
Regardless of the results of the findings, said Royalty, the time it would take to reinstate fares into the current system is such that Transfort would not see the profits from that shift in 2024.
The process would involve updating technology and implementing training and would take up to six months.
The response from the public has been largely positive, said Royalty, “Passengers and people who have never tried transit are thankful and eager”.
For the time being, riders can continue to enjoy fare-free transit.
For any first time riders, interested in taking advantage of free transportation, Transfort offers travel training to help passengers feel comfortable and confident navigating the public transit system.
To access the travel training programs riders can call support at 970-221-6620 or send an email toTransfortInfo@fcgov.com.
