Our History

In 2021, Eagle County, the towns of Avon, Eagle, Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff, and Vail, and the Beaver Creek Metro District united with business and nonprofit partners to advance this initiative. This collaborative effort culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the fall of 2021. The MOU outlined a clear path forward, including developing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), setting service goals, and determining the financial structure for the new RTA.

Committees Driving the Effort
To ensure comprehensive planning, three committees were established:

• The Formation Committee, composed of elected officials, focused on drafting the IGA, ballot language, and funding proposals.
• The Technical Committee, which included transit directors, government staff, business leaders, and nonprofit representatives, worked on transportation planning, service goals, and cost estimates.
• The Stakeholder Committee, featuring diverse community members, provided valuable feedback to reflect regional needs.

Between September 2021 and August 2022, these committees worked to finalize the IGA, the governing document of the EVTA. The IGA detailed key aspects such as board composition, service goals, and decision-making processes. Following public meetings and approval by local governing boards, the IGA was adopted in August 2022, paving the way for the ballot question.

In August 2022, the Formation Committee voted unanimously to place a ballot question before voters in all eight jurisdictions. This measure proposed:

1. A 0.5% sales tax to fund EVTA services.
2. Formal approval of the IGA, binding member communities to establish the RTA and govern its operations.

The ballot also emphasized key service goals, including:

• Expanding transit services and express routes throughout the Eagle Valley.
• Improving connectivity between Gypsum, Eagle, and other communities.
• Enhancing access to Eagle County Airport and supporting air service.
• Establishing a fare-free transit zone between Edwards and Vail, including Avon, Beaver Creek, Minturn, and Eagle-Vail.
• Reducing environmental impacts from transportation.

In November 2022, voters in seven jurisdictions—including Eagle County and the towns of Avon, Eagle, Minturn, Red Cliff, and Vail—approved the ballot measure, while Gypsum voters rejected it. The successful vote led to the official formation of the EVTA, the implementation of the IGA, and the start of the half-penny sales tax collection to fund regional transit improvements.

Our vision is simple yet impactful: We strive to provide an accessible, safe, and rewarding ride for everyone. By focusing on creating meaningful connections, Core Transit is more than just a transit service; we are an integral part of the community, making daily life more accessible and convenient for all riders. Our goal is to make Core Transit the most trusted way to travel across the Eagle Valley, with innovative, reliable, and efficient services that elevate our region’s transportation options.

The Town of Gypsum, which did not approve the EVTA ballot question, continues to contribute to the original 0.5% mass transit sales tax. As Gypsum represents a significant portion of our regional workforce, Core Transit is committed to ongoing discussions on how best to serve this area. Looking forward, we hope to welcome Gypsum as a member of Core Transit, building an even more cohesive and comprehensive transportation network.