Whetstone Transit Facility Construction

Whetstone Project Overview

The Whetstone Transit Facility Project represents a critical long‑term investment in the operational stability, efficiency, and sustainability of Mountain Express. As our service levels and fleet continue to evolve, transitioning from a leased facility to a purpose‑built campus allows us to better align our infrastructure with long‑term operational goals and support reliable public transit in the Gunnison Valley. Designed in coordination with the Gunnison Valley RTA—whose adjacent facility has already been completed—the project strengthens regional transit collaboration and helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently to support shared transit goals across the valley.

The new Whetstone Transit Facility, located in the Whetstone Industrial Park, will serve as a purpose‑built campus for operations, vehicle storage, maintenance coordination, and administration. This project ensures Mountain Express can continue delivering dependable transit service while responsibly planning for future growth and emerging vehicle technologies.

 

Grant Funding and Financial Stewardship

This project is made possible through a significant federal grant award under the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Bus Facilities Program. The grant funding, combined with required local match contributions, allows Mountain Express to invest in essential infrastructure while minimizing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

As with all federally funded projects, the Whetstone Transit Facility will follow applicable federal procurement standards, environmental review requirements, grant administration procedures, and reporting obligations. Transparency and fiscal accountability remain top priorities throughout each phase of development.

Project Goals

The Whetstone Transit Facility is designed to:

  • Provide indoor bus storage to protect fleet assets, reduce weather-related wear, and improve winter reliability
  • Improve operational efficiency and site circulation
  • Expand administrative and employee support spaces to meet current and future workforce needs
  • Incorporate energy-efficient and sustainable design elements, including infrastructure for electric bus charging and renewable energy integration
  • Allow flexibility for future fleet expansion and evolving transit technologies

By protecting public assets and improving operational resilience, this facility directly supports consistent, reliable service for the communities of Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte, and the surrounding valley.

Community Benefits

The Whetstone Transit Facility Project represents more than a new building — it is an investment in long-term community infrastructure.

By transitioning to a purpose-built transit campus, Mountain Express is strengthening the foundation that supports residents, workforce commuters, students, seniors, and visitors throughout the Gunnison Valley. Reliable transit plays a critical role in regional mobility, workforce access, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship.

Key community benefits include:

  • Enhanced Service Reliability – Indoor fleet storage and improved operational coordination support consistent year-round service in mountain weather conditions.
  • Protection of Public Assets – Safeguarding transit vehicles through indoor storage helps extend fleet life and maximize taxpayer investment.
  • Environmental Responsibility – Infrastructure designed to support electric buses, renewable energy integration, and high-efficiency building systems aligns with regional climate and sustainability goals.
  • Workforce Support – Improved employee facilities strengthen recruitment and retention of transit operators and staff who serve the community daily.
  • Long-Term Planning Stability – Owning and operating a purpose-built facility enhances operational resilience and positions Mountain Express for future growth and technological advancement.

As a publicly funded agency, Mountain Express remains committed to responsible stewardship of grant funding and local contributions while delivering lasting value to the communities of Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte, and the surrounding valley.

Sustainability
Mountain Express is committed to building a new bus facility that supports the Crested Butte Climate Action Plan and Mountain Towns 2030 goals through thoughtful, high‑impact sustainable design. The building is oriented south to maximize passive solar heating, daylighting, and snowmelt efficiency, with clerestory windows and a proposed 154 kW solar array that could generate roughly 240,000 kWh per year to offset electrical use and possible future electric bus charging. A high‑performance building envelope—including enhanced insulation, energy‑efficient windows, and a reflective TPO roof—reduces heating and cooling demands, while smart lighting, skylights, and occupancy sensors further lower energy use. Efficient mechanical systems, energy recovery ventilators, advanced controls, and the exploration of geothermal heating help minimize operational costs and environmental impact. Water use is reduced through a wash‑bay water recycling system, and ventilation systems are designed for both safety and efficiency. The facility will also include space for potential future electric bus charging stations, supporting the possibility of a long‑term transition to a cleaner, more sustainable fleet.

 

 

Phases and Status
2026
  • Contracting with FTA/CDOT
  • Conduct RFP (Request for Proposal) Process for Architecture and Design
2027
  • Architecture and Design
2028
  • Construction
2029
  • Tentative move-in date spring of 2029

Project timelines, scope, and anticipated milestones are preliminary and subject to change based on federal review and approvals, environmental clearance, grant obligation, procurement outcomes, funding availability, and construction conditions.