Transdev to manage three transit agency services

Transdev was awarded new operating contracts for three different services in the western part of the U.S. 

Transdev begins operations on Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) ACCESS Paratransit 

Transdev started operating Santa Clara VTA ACCESS Paratransit service and managing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Eligibility Certification process on July 1. As a shared-ride service that mirrors the service area and hours of Santa Clara VTA’s broader transit network, Transdev notes ACCESS Paratransit provides approximately 2,000 trips per day using a fleet of cutaways, minivans, sedans and taxis, with accessible vehicles available. The ADA Eligibility Certification process ensures that those who need the service are able to access it through a fair and effective assessment process. 

“We are honored to be entrusted by [Santa Clara] VTA to deliver such a vital service to the Santa Clara community,” said Transdev U.S. CEO Laura Hendricks. “Our expertise in ADA paratransit eligibility, travel training and mobility management allows us to support customers with the care and reliability they deserve.” 

Transdev partners with Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) to operate fixed route and paratransit services 

Transdev is also partnering with MST to operate and maintain a portion of MST’s fixed route and all paratransit services across Monterey County, Calif., with a five-year base contract. 

Transdev notes MST’s system spans a 163-square-mile service area and operates a fleet of 131 vehicles, providing essential access to jobs, education, healthcare and more. Transdev will implement a suite of advanced technology and software tools to assist in optimizing scheduling, dispatching and routing, boosting efficiency and improving service for MST’s paratransit riders. Transdev will also partner with a subcontractor for longer-distance trips, freeing up MST vehicles for shorter, higher-frequency routes with greater ridership. 

“This contract marks a new chapter for transit in Monterey County,” said Transdev Senior Vice President Carmen Alba. “We are proud to partner with MST and bring our operational excellence, advanced technology and community-focused approach to support the agency’s mission and serve the region’s growing transportation needs.”  

MST CEO Carl Sedoryk added, “We are excited to partner with Transdev to enhance the delivery of essential transit services in Monterey County. Their experience, technology solutions and focus on customer service align with our mission to provide safe, dependable and accessible transportation for our community. We look forward to working together to improve mobility options for all residents.” 

Transdev renews contract with town of Winter Park to operate its system 

Transdev has renewed its contract with the town of Winter Park, Colo., to operate The Lift, the area’s free public transportation system. The new agreement includes a three-year term, with two optional one-year extensions.  

According to Transdev, the town has approximately 1,200 full-time residents, but during ski season, that number blossoms to more than 15,000 people per day. The transit system features 11 fixed routes, with services ramping up significantly during peak tourism weeks in December, January and March. Transdev notes that to meet demand, drivers scale from 13 to 44 on weekends, often bringing in additional operators from Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) while continuing to recruit locally throughout the year. 

“The Lift not only connects people to recreation and business, but it reduces traffic, supports the environment and improves quality of life across Fraser Valley,” said Transdev U.S. Senior President of Northwest Region Ron Bushman. “We’re honored to continue helping this community thrive and evolve.”  

The Lift offers both fixed route and paratransit services, connecting residents, employees and visitors across Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Tabernash, unincorporated areas of Grand County and Winter Park Resort. The paratransit service specifically serves the town limits of Winter Park, Fraser and unincorporated areas of Grand County.  

The system currently operates with 24 fixed-route buses and three paratransit vehicles. The town of Winter Park is adding two Gillig electric buses, and Transdev is actively supporting the transition, including infrastructure upgrades such as a charging station and operator training tailored for mountain terrain and cold-weather operations.  

According to Transdev, in 2024, The Lift hit a major milestone by providing more than 500,000 rides, exceeding the town’s original ridership goals. The service won the Resort Agency of the Year award from the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies. 

“Transdev’s operational expertise has supported our shared vision for a more connected service area,” said Winter Park Transit Manager Charles McCarthy. “Together, we’ve begun to meet, and in some cases, exceed expectations. The Lift has grown to serve over almost half a million riders in the first quarter of 2025, and we’re excited to keep building a more sustainable and connected future with Transdev for the town of Winter Park.” 

The town is currently developing a five-year transit plan, which includes the exploration of microtransit options to improve connectivity and flexibility in the years ahead. 

“Our work in Winter Park is a shining example of how responsive, community-focused transit can evolve to meet seasonal, geographic and demographic challenges,” Bushman said. “We’re proud of the service growth, the introduction of electric vehicles and the real impact we’re making together.”