Dan Blankenship, Alan Fletcher and Michael Monroney speak about how some Aspen non-profits and government organizations engage with and enhance the Roaring Fork Valley. Each panelist speaks for four minutes followed by a Q&A session.

1. Dan Blankenship
CEO, Roaring Fork
Transportation Authority
COLORADO BRIEFS
Alan Fletcher
President and CEO, Aspen
Music Festival and School
Michael Monroney
History Coach & Community
Trainer, Aspen Historical
Society

2. Head
Shot
Here
Dan Blankenship, CEO
Roaring Fork Transportation Authority
COLORADO BRIEFS

3. Background
• Over 29 years – CEO/General Manager of Roaring Fork
Transportation Authority (RFTA) and predecessor Roaring
Fork Transit Agency
• Play bass guitar in church band
• Participate in a jail-house ministry with inmates that have
substance abuse/addiction issues
• Teaching 15-year-old son how to drive

4. Community Equity
• RFTA is largest rural transit system in the U.S.
• RFTA is 2nd largest transit system in Colorado
• RFTA is first rural transit agency to implement a Bus Rapid Transit System
• Financial sustainability – 3 successful sales tax and one property tax election
• Economic Benefits of RFTA Transit ($67 - $88 Million – 2018 SWEEP)
– Commuter Service – Hwy 82 and I-70
– ASC Skier Shuttles, Aspen/Glenwood Springs Circulators, Maroon Bells, Major Community
Events (X-games, Jazz Aspen/Snowmass)
– Over 5 million rides per year
• Rio Grande Trail
• Transit Infrastructure Partnerships: Grade Separated Pedestrian Crossings, Rubey Park,
Destination 2040 Project List

5. Vision
• In addition to quality transit, Mobility as a Service (MAAS)
– Bike, e-Bike, and Mobility Device Sharing – first and last mile technologies
– Ridesharing app
– Call and Demand (Uber/Lyft)
– Mobile Fare Payment Systems
• Battery Electric Bus Pilot Project - Solar Power
• Completion of Lower Colorado Valley Trail – from Glenwood Springs to New
Castle

6. Alan Fletcher
President and CEO,
Aspen Music Festival and School
COLORADO BRIEFS

8. Education and Community Outreach
• Beginning Strings
• Group instruction in violin, viola, and cello for elementary-aged students
• 134 students in the Roaring Fork Valley (RFV) are participating this year
• 56% of students are receiving an instrument scholarship from the AMFS
• Lead Guitar
• Classical guitar program, offered in-school and after-school in middle schools
• 81 students in the RFV are participating in the after-school program this year
• Maroon Bel Canto Choirs
• Two choir programs for grades 3-8
• 151 students in the RFV are participating this year
• 13 schools in the RFV are participating in these programs.
• 23% of students are receiving full, half-, or quarter-tuition scholarships
• Fun Fact: We expect our Beginning Strings students to consume 3,215 snacks during class this school year!

9. Education and Community Outreach

10. Michael Monroney
History Coach & Community Trainer,
Aspen Historical Society
COLORADO BRIEFS