25-015 Maroon Bells Reservation System

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), in collaboration with Pitkin County and the US Forest Service, is seeking proposals for a comprehensive online reservation system and related services for the Maroon Bells shuttle bus service near Aspen, Colorado. The Request for Proposals (RFP) targets a contractor to develop and manage a reservation management system covering shuttle, parking, and e-bike access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area from May 15 to October 31 annually. The proposed contract will run from approximately January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, with potential renewals through December 31, 2030. A mandatory pre-proposal and on-site meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2025, with proposal submissions due by 2:00 PM on June 30, 2025, through BidNet Direct. The system must handle reservations for approximately 212,780 annual visitors across multiple transportation modes, including shuttle (111,026 visitors), passenger vehicles (83,708), bicycles (17,345), and motorcycles (701). Key deliverables include developing a website with online booking capabilities, providing customer service support, implementing reservation tracking, staffing multiple locations, generating reports, and coordinating with partner agencies.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondents are explicitly mentioned in the documentation, the RFP indicates plans to implement new fees in 2026, including a $10 no-show fee, a $5 e-bike fee, and a free library parking pass. Current service charges range from $10 to $20 for shuttle tickets, with additional service fees. The procurement seeks a per-reservation fee structure that comprehensively covers operational costs. The proposed system will need to integrate with existing transportation infrastructure and potentially replace or enhance current reservation technologies. Though a specific budget range is not disclosed, the complexity of managing reservations for over 212,000 annual visitors suggests a significant contract value. The successful vendor will be responsible for creating a robust, user-friendly reservation system that can handle the high volume of visitors to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area while meeting the operational needs of RFTA and its partner agencies.