RFTA approves budget; will raise fares

Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
November 9, 2007

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The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority's $28.69 million budget for next year was approved Thursday by the organization's board of directors.

RFTA anticipates collecting $27.89 million in revenues, with 42 percent coming from sales taxes. It will carry over nearly $800,000 in funds from this year to balance its budget.

Among expenditures, RFTA will spend $20.39 million to operate its bus system between Rifle and Aspen. Service will be added between Glenwood Springs and Aspen as well as between Rifle and Glenwood Springs.

RFTA will raise fares for the first time in two years. The cost of discounted passes will jump 5 percent.

RFTA management examined the pay scale for its staff this year and decided that raises of between 5 and 7 percent were warranted across the board. Five positions were added, including five mechanics and one information technologies expert, according to the budget memo.

Expenditures also include $356,000 on trails. However, the agency plans to dip into reserves to complete the last segment of the Rio Grande Trail between Carbondale and the Thunder River Market area next year - two years ahead of schedule.

Another $5.2 million will go to capital expenditures, including the purchase of two additional hybrid buses, and $2.47 million will go to debt service.