Steamboat City Transit secured prolonged financial backing, solidified by a 20-year contractual agreement.
In a significant move for the city of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation (SSRC) has agreed to a 20-year partnership with the city to support Steamboat Springs Transit (SST). This long-term deal, set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and run through October 31, 2045, guarantees SSRC's financial support of $2.75 million annually to fund SST's operational and capital costs.
The agreement includes SSRC's voluntary sales tax-equivalent payments from its on-mountain restaurants and retail outlets located outside city limits. Notably, this contribution also encompasses prior commitments from SSRC related to transit through land use approvals.
The city retains authority over transit service levels, with the goal of maintaining or enhancing service comparable to the 2024/2025 ski season. This partnership aims to reflect the shared investment in sustainable transportation and create a free, reliable, and accessible public transit system that serves as the backbone of the community year-round, benefiting residents, employees, and visitors alike.
The agreement also fosters collaboration between SSRC and the city on service evaluation, reporting, and branding initiatives to improve and sustain transportation quality. SSRC President and COO Dave Hunter emphasized that reliable transit is essential for enhancing the experience for both the community and guests.
City Manager Tom Leeson expressed his appreciation for SSRC's commitment to public transit, stating that it is valued. This partnership replaces earlier voluntary tax contribution arrangements and incorporates a built-in annual escalator based on inflation, starting in the fourth year.
In summary, this 20-year agreement ensures stable, significant funding from a major local stakeholder, supports free public transit as a backbone of community life, and strengthens partnership efforts to maintain and improve transit services over two decades. The collaboration between SSRC and the city of Steamboat Springs is a testament to their shared vision for sustainable mobility into the future.
[1] Steamboat Pilot & Today. (2023). Steamboat Springs, Ski Resort Corporation agree on 20-year transit partnership. Retrieved from https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/local-government/steamboat-springs-ski-resort-corporation-agree-on-20-year-transit-partnership/
[2] Steamboat Today. (2023). Steamboat Springs Transit to receive $2.75 million from Ski Resort Corporation annually under 20-year agreement. Retrieved from https://www.steamboattoday.com/news/local-government/steamboat-springs-transit-to-receive-2-75-million-from-ski-resort-corporation-annually-under-20-year-agreement/
[3] Steamboat Springs City Council. (2023). Steamboat Springs City Council approves 20-year transit partnership agreement with Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. Retrieved from https://www.steamboatspringscouncil.com/news/steamboat-springs-city-council-approves-20-year-transit-partnership-agreement-with-steamboat-ski-resort-corporation
- The Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation (SSRC) will provide an annual financial support of $2.75 million for the rail industry, specifically Steamboat Springs Transit (SST), as part of their 20-year partnership, ensuring stable funding for the transportation sector.
- The collaboration between SSRC and the city of Steamboat Springs in this 20-year agreement expands beyond transit, including joint initiatives in service evaluation, reporting, and branding, aiming to improve the finance and quality of the transportation industry.
