The Wind River Transportation Authority (WRTA) is pleased to announce that its SafeRide program achieved a historic milestone during the 2025 Lander Brewfest, recording the highest single-weekend ridership in the program’s history. Over the course of nineteen operational hours, WRTA successfully transported 306 individuals, representing a 46 percent increase over the previous year’s Brewfest total.
Despite a significant surge in demand during peak evening hours, the WRTA team maintained exemplary service. All passenger requests were fulfilled promptly, and the program operated without delays or cancellations.
SafeRide continues to grow in both utilization and scope. As the program advances through its implementation phase, WRTA is closely monitoring key performance benchmarks to guide sustainable expansion. A target of one hundred passengers per operating day has been identified as the threshold for system efficiency. Reaching this benchmark consistently will inform future decisions regarding the potential extension of operating hours and service enhancements.
WRTA extends its sincere appreciation to the dispatchers, drivers, and support staff whose commitment ensured the success of this record-setting weekend. Their focus on public safety, adaptability under pressure, and continued professionalism made this achievement possible. WRTA also thanks the City of Lander, Brewfest organizers, and the broader community for their ongoing support and collaboration.
“The performance of our team this weekend was exemplary,” said Tim Nichols, Director of WRTA. “This milestone not only underscores the growing value of SafeRide in our community but also highlights the dedicated individuals behind its success. I am deeply grateful to our drivers, dispatchers, and support staff, whose professionalism made this possible, and equally appreciative of the community members who continue to trust and support this service. It’s through their collective commitment that SafeRide continues to grow and make a meaningful impact across Fremont County.”
The SafeRide program is supported through a combination of local partnerships and federal formula rural public transit funding. WRTA remains committed to the program’s thoughtful, data-informed expansion to meet the evolving transportation needs of Fremont County.
