In late-April, Summit Stage – the free public transit system operated by Summit County – returned to 30-minute service, marking a restoration to pre-pandemic service levels.
“Our staff has been working diligently toward this goal for months and I’m thrilled it’s finally a reality,” said Summit County Commissioner Eric Mamula.
Most routes were reduced to 60-minute service in 2020 due to staffing challenges. The decision was made at that time to preserve service on all routes, even at a reduced level. Summit Stage officials reported in early 2024 that staffing levels had recovered to a level appropriate to restore reliable 30-minute service.
According to Mamula, who also serves on the Summit Stage Transit Advisory Board, more frequent service will make the Summit Stage a more practical and dependable option for the County’s workforce.
“We have been able to recruit highly qualified candidates thanks to increased wages for drivers, sign-on bonuses, and an attractive benefit package,” said Summit Stage Director Chris Lubbers.
The Summer 2024 schedule offers ten bus routes within Summit County and three commuter routes. The following routes will operate on 30-minute schedules throughout the day, with hourly service in the evening during lower demand.
- Boreas Pass Loop Route (hourly after 6:05 pm)
- Frisco-Breckenridge Route (hourly after 5:30 pm)
- Copper Mountain Route (hourly after 6:30 pm)
- Silverthorne Loop (hourly after 5:45 pm)
- Silverthorne to Frisco (hourly after 7:15 pm)
- Silverthorne-Dillon-Keystone Route (hourly after 6:15 pm, beginning at 7:45 pm)
- Wildernest Loop Route (hourly after 6:15 pm)
The SmartBus app, available on any web browser or as a smartphone app, allows real-time tracking of buses and may be accessed at summitcountyco.gov/1022/SmartBus-System. Bus schedules and additional information about the public transit service is available on the Summit Stage website: summitstage.com.
About Summit Stage: Summit Stage is Summit County’s free public transportation system, operated by Summit County Government. Summit Stage is funded through a voter-approved 0.75% countywide sales tax and provides nearly 2 million passenger trips each year. Summit Stage employment opportunities can be found at summitcountyco.gov/977/Job-Opportunities.