Regional Transportation District#Light rail

{{Short description|Public transport agency in Denver, Colorado}}

{{For|the RTD that operated in Los Angeles|Southern California Rapid Transit District}}

{{Infobox public transit

| box_width = 27em

| name = Regional Transportation District

| image = Regional Transportation District logo.svg

| imagesize = 150px

| locale = Denver metro area, Colorado

| transit_type = {{Plainlist|

}}

| lines = {{Plainlist|

  • 127 (Bus)
  • 4 (Commuter rail)
  • 6 (Light rail)
  • 2 (Retired Light rail)

}}

| stations = {{Plainlist|

  • 57 (Light rail)
  • 22 (Commuter rail)

}}

| daily_ridership = {{Unbulleted list

| {{American transit ridership|CO Denver CR daily}} (commuter rail, {{American transit ridership|dailydate}})

| {{American transit ridership|CO Denver LR daily}} (light rail, {{American transit ridership|dailydate}})

| {{American transit ridership|CO Denver MB daily}} (bus, {{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}

}}

| annual_ridership = {{Unbulleted list

| {{American transit ridership|CO Denver CR annual}} (commuter rail, {{American transit ridership|annualdate}})

| {{American transit ridership|CO Denver LR annual}} (light rail, {{American transit ridership|annualdate}})

| {{American transit ridership|CO Denver MB annual}} (bus, {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}

}}

| chief_executive = Debra Johnson{{cite web|title=General Manager|url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/news-stop/news/rtd-welcomes-new-ceo-and-general-manager-debra-johnson}}

| headquarters = 1660 Blake Street
Denver, Colorado

| website = {{URL|rtd-denver.com}}

| began_operation = {{Plainlist|

  • 1969 (Bus) (Agency started July 1, 1969)
  • 1994 (Light rail)
  • 2016 (Commuter rail)

}}

| marks = RTDC, RTDZ

| vehicles = {{Plainlist|

  • 1,026 (Bus)
  • 267 (Rail)

}}

| system_length = {{Plainlist|

  • {{convert|113.1|mi|km|abbr=on}} (Rail)
  • {{convert|60.1|mi|km|abbr=on}} (Light rail)
  • {{convert|53|mi|km|abbr=on}} (Commuter rail)

}}

}}

The Regional Transportation District, more commonly referred to as RTD, is the regional agency operating public transit services in all or a portion of eight out of the twelve counties in the Denver–Aurora combined statistical area in the U.S. state of Colorado. It operates over a {{convert|2,342|sqmi|sqkm|adj=on}} area, serving 3.08 million people. RTD was organized in 1969 and is governed by a 15-member, publicly elected Board of Directors. Directors are elected to a four-year term and represent a specific district of about 180,000 constituents.{{cite web |title=Facts & Figures |url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/factsAndFigures.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726204901/http://www.rtd-denver.com/factsAndFigures.shtml |archive-date=26 July 2015 |access-date=3 October 2019 |publisher=RTD}}

RTD currently operates a bus and rail system consisting of 10 rail lines and 126 bus routes throughout the Denver region. RTD's bus network consists of 86 local, 23 regional, 14 limited, and 3 SkyRide bus routes plus some special services. The rail system consists of 6 light rail lines and an additional 4 commuter rail lines with 77 stations and {{convert|113.1|mi|km}} of track.{{Cite web |title=RTD - Facts and Figures |url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/factsAndFigures.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726204901/http://www.rtd-denver.com/factsAndFigures.shtml |archive-date=July 26, 2015 |access-date=September 28, 2020 |publisher=RTD}}

In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|CO Denver total annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|CO Denver total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}, making RTD the largest transit agency in the Mountain West by both ridership and the number of routes. In addition to having schedule and route information available on Google and 3rd party applications, RTD also has its own trip planner, NextRide.{{Cite web |title=RTD Next Ride |url=https://app.rtd-denver.com/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=app.rtd-denver.com |language=en}}

Initially a bus-only system, RTD began operating light rail service in 1994 when the first segment of track opened through Central Denver. Following additional extensions into the Southwest and Southeast Corridors in the early-to-mid 2000s, the RTD rail network began to expand rapidly following the 2004 voter-approved FasTracks transit expansion plan. Once complete, FasTracks will have added {{convert|122|mi|km}} of new commuter rail and light rail, {{convert|18|mi|km}} of bus rapid transit (BRT) service, and enhanced bus service across the eight-county district.

History

= Bus =

Bus service in Denver dates back to 1924, when Denver Tramway began the first bus between Englewood and Fort Logan. Buses had completely replaced the previously expansive streetcar system in metro Denver by 1950, and the privately owned Denver Tramway served the City and County of Denver, as well as older portions of Arvada, Aurora, Englewood, Golden, Lakewood, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge and smaller suburbs. In 1969, the Colorado General Assembly created the RTD to provide public transportation to five additional counties in the metropolitan area. In October 1970, RTD established a Northern Operations Group (NOG) to provide service to Boulder and Longmont.

Denver Tramway Company continued its service under sponsorship of the City and County of Denver until April 18, 1971, when it was taken over by Denver Metro Transit, an entity created by the City and County of Denver.{{cite news |last=Crawford |first=James |date=April 19, 1971 |title=Reduced bus fares meet with approval |page=8 |work=Rocky Mountain News |url=https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=RMD19710419-01.2.26&srpos=1 |via=Colorado State Library |access-date=June 5, 2025}} Suburban services only continued for those suburbs willing to contribute a subsidy. It acquired privately owned companies, improved service frequency, and expanded to routes that commercial carriers previously operated such as airport buses.{{Cite book |last=Gutfreund |first=Owen |url=https://archive.org/details/twentiethcentury0000gutf |title=Twentieth century sprawl : highways and the reshaping of the American Landscape |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2004 |isbn=9780195141412 |location=New York |url-access=registration}}

By 1972, RTD had created a plan for a personal rapid transit (PRT) system in the area, which included {{convert|98|mi|km}} of PRT and extensive bus service throughout the areas served by RTD. Later that year, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA) selected RTD to develop PRT as a demonstration project. In 1973, residents voted for a sales tax of 0.5% over the six counties served by RTD for ten years; 20% of the funds would be used for expanded bus services and the other 80% was earmarked for PRT construction, although that project was later scrapped. The tax became effective January 1, 1974 and was raised to 0.6% on May 1, 1983.{{cite web|title=Regional Transportation District FasTracks Financial Plan, April 22, 2004|url=http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/media/uploads/main/Financing_Plan.pdf|publisher=RTD|access-date=17 March 2017}} On January 1, 2005 the tax rate increased to 1.0%.{{cite web|title=COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, Colorado Sales/Use Tax Rates|url=http://www.kuziak.org/drp1002.pdf}}

In 1974, RTD acquired and consolidated the local bus systems. Denver Metro Transit became part of RTD in July 1974. RTD acquired the bus system in Boulder from the Public Service Company of Colorado.{{cite web|url=https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/A_History_of_Boulders_Transportation_1858_1984_(002)-1-201711071550.pdf|website=bouldercolorado.gov|title=A History of Boulders Transportation|access-date=2021-11-28|archive-date=2021-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128145831/https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/A_History_of_Boulders_Transportation_1858_1984_(002)-1-201711071550.pdf|url-status=dead}} Other RTD acquisitions included Evergreen Transit, Longmont Mini, the Englewood-Littleton-Ft. Logan service, Public Service and Northglenn Suburban Service.{{Cite web | url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/50th | title=50th }} RTD also acquired the privately owned Denver-Boulder Bus Company, which ran airport buses.

RTD expanded and improved service frequency in the mid-1970s, and its services were expanded to routes that commercial carriers previously operated, although inflation prompted RTD to implement a new fare structure in February 1978. On September 11, 1978, RTD completely replaced all bus routes, formerly mostly radials from downtown Denver following old streetcar routes, with new routes based on a grid system, numbered based on the hundred blocks of the street grid. For instance, the new Colorado Blvd (4000 east block) route was number 40, and the new 10th Avenue (1000 north block) route was number 10. RTD reached a record number of weekday passengers in 1980, the same year it expanded the Park-n-Ride system and acquired 216 new buses, 89 of which were articulated. RTD also made its service more accessible to elderly and handicapped people.{{ref|2}}{{Cite web |title=Golden Transcript September 11, 1978 — Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection |url=https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=GOT19780911-01.2.17&srpos=14&e=--1977---1993--en-20--1-byDA-img-txIN%7CtxCO%7CtxTA-RTD+grid-------0------ |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org}}

In 1979 federal approval was granted for the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver, originally known as Transitway. The project allowed express bus productivity to double and was eventually intersected by RTD's first light rail line, the D Line, at Stout and California streets. Construction began in 1980.

State law required privatization of 20% of bus lines in 1989, with this quota increased to 35% in 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.westword.com/news/fare-and-foul-5070990|title=Fare and Foul|first=Julie|last=Dunn|date=11 July 2002}} In September 1994 Downtown Express/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes were opened to buses, and to carpools a year later.

RTD's Market Street Station closed on May 11 and 12, 2014 and was replaced by the newer Union Station.{{cite web|url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/unionstation-marketstreetclosure.shtml|title=Market Street Station Closed|publisher=RTD|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513094139/http://www.rtd-denver.com/unionstation-marketstreetclosure.shtml|archive-date=2014-05-13}} The Free MetroRide service began along 18th and 19th streets between Union Station and Civic Center Station.{{cite web|url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/denvers-union-station-now-open-with-free-metroride-service-to-civic-center-station|title=Denver's Union Station now open with free MetroRide service to Civic Center Station|work=7NEWS|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527220549/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/denvers-union-station-now-open-with-free-metroride-service-to-civic-center-station|archive-date=2014-05-27}}

= Light rail =

RTD began planning for a light rail in the mid-1980s, after the successful opening of the San Diego Trolley in 1981 and amid a surge in light rail construction in mid-sized cities nationwide (Buffalo, Portland, Sacramento, and San Jose also built systems at the same time).{{Cite web |last1=Minister |first1=R. David |last2=Clarke |first2=David J. |date=March 30, 1982 |title=Factors to Consider in Designing a Joint Bus-Light Rail Transit Mall |url=http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/sr/sr195/sr195-038.pdf |website=Transportation Research Board}}

RTD's first line, the {{convert|5.3|mi|km|adj=on}} Central Corridor between the 30th & Downing and the I-25 & Broadway stations (now part of the D Line and L Line) opened on Friday, October 7, 1994.{{Cite web |date=March 2020 |title=Central Corridor Light Rail Line |url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/central-corridor-light-rail-line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227032929/https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/central-corridor-light-rail-line |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Regional Transportation District |language=en}} It operated with free service for that first weekend, with revenue service starting on October 10. More than 200,000 passengers rode the new system during its opening weekend, when the fleet comprised only 11 Siemens SD-100 rail cars.{{Cite magazine |title=Denver |date=January 1995 |magazine=Pacific RailNews |publisher=Pentrex |pages=68 |issn=8750-8486}}

The {{convert|8.7|mi|km|adj=on}} Southwest Corridor light rail extension to Mineral Avenue in Littleton opened in July 2000,{{Cite web |date=March 2018 |title=Southwest Corridor Light Rail Line |url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/southwest-corridor-light-rail-line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301210757/https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/southwest-corridor-light-rail-line |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=Regional Transportation District |language=en}} followed by the {{convert|1.8|mi|km|adj=on}} Central Platte Valley spur to Denver Union Station in April 2002.{{Cite web |date=March 2020 |title=C, E & W Lines (Central Platte Valley Light Rail Line) |url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/central-platte-valley-light-rail-line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301210706/https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/central-platte-valley-light-rail-line |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=Regional Transportation District |language=en}} In 2003, the downtown portion of the original line between Speer Boulevard and 14th Street was realigned as a result of construction of the Colorado Convention Center.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

In April 2006 transit workers of the Amalgamated Transit Union went on strike for the first time in 24 years, citing increased health care costs, mandatory overtime, and disproportionate wage increases relative to upper management. Workers walked off on April 3, shutting down the light rail system and decreasing bus service to about 45% of its normal capacity. A revised contract was approved by the union on April 7, and service resumed on April 10. The strike lasted seven days, and although thousands of commuters were stranded by the strike, only a few backups were reported as customers made makeshift arrangements for commuting or waited out the strike.{{cite news |last1=Shore |first1=Sandy |date=April 3, 2006 |title=Transit strike begins |url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3666949 |access-date=30 May 2015 |work=The Denver Post |agency=The Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=L. A. Times |date=2006-04-04 |title=Transit Strike Leaves Commuters Scrambling |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-apr-04-na-briefs4.2-story.html |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

The {{convert|19|mi|km|adj=on}} Southeast Corridor, a component of the Transportation Expansion Project, opened on November 17, 2006, along I-25 to Lone Tree and a branch along I-225 to Parker Road.{{Cite web |date=March 2020 |title=Southeast Corridor Light Rail Line |url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/southeast-corridor-light-rail-line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302001916/https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/southeast-corridor-light-rail-line |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=Regional Transportation District |language=en}} The West Rail Line opened on April 26, 2013. As of April 2013, the system had 170 light rail vehicles, serving {{convert|47|mi|km}} of track.{{Cite web |date=March 2020 |title=W Line |url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/w-line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302001829/https://www.rtd-denver.com/reports-and-policies/facts-figures/w-line |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=Regional Transportation District |language=en}}

File:Union Station CO.jpg is the main interchange between the commuter rail and light rail systems; local, regional, and intercity bus lines; and Amtrak.]]

The light rail R Line to Aurora and Lone Tree opened on February 24, 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2017/02/23/rtd-r-line-begins-aurora-denver-lone-tree-free/|title=RTD R-Line begins service Friday to Aurora, Denver and Lone Tree|work=The Denver Post|date=24 February 2017}}

RTD made significant service changes and suspended service on multiple bus and light rail lines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title=COMBINED COVID-19 SERVICE CHANGES |url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/service-changes/combined-covid-19 |publisher=Regional Transportation District |access-date=6 June 2021}} The F line was suspended on September 20, 2020 and the C Line was suspended on January 10, 2021, with both routes being permanently discontinued in January 2023.{{cite web |last1=Richards |first1=Makayla |title=RTD service changes take effect Sunday |url=https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/rtd-service-change-2021-sunday-new-year/73-d28662cf-795f-495d-82c4-f98f8aefa3b8 |website=9News |date=10 January 2021 |publisher=10 January 2021 |access-date=6 June 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/service-changes/combined-covid-19-n-line#F|title=Combined June and COVID-19}}

= Commuter rail =

With the voter approval of FasTracks in 2004, RTD began planning for a series of commuter rail lines. The first {{convert|23.5|mi|km|2}} of which, the A Line servicing Denver International Airport, opened on April 22, 2016. The second, the first 6.2 mile segment of the B Line, officially opened on July 25, 2016.

As one of the first new commuter rail systems in the country planned after enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, positive train control (PTC) and vehicle monitoring system technologies are implemented along the system's commuter train lines. After the A Line opened between Denver Union Station and Denver International Airport, it experienced a series of issues related to having to adjust the length of unpowered gaps between different overhead power sections, direct lightning strikes, snagging wires, and crossing signals behaving unexpectedly.{{Cite web |title=What's Causing Delays With RTD's A Line To DIA? |url=http://www.cpr.org/news/story/whats-causing-delays-rtds-line-dia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228084347/http://www.cpr.org/news/story/whats-causing-delays-rtds-line-dia |archive-date=February 28, 2017 |access-date=February 27, 2017}} In response, Denver Transit Partners, the contractor building and operating the A Line, stationed crossing guards at each place where the A line crosses local streets at grade while it continued to explore software revisions and other fixes to address the underlying issues.{{Cite web |title=RTD gets 90-day extension from feds to fix airport-train crossing gates |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2016/11/02/rtd-gets-90-day-extension-from-feds-to-fix-airport.html |access-date=February 27, 2017}} The Federal Railroad Administration allowed RTD to open its B Line as originally scheduled on July 25, 2016,{{Cite web |title=B Line to Westminster opens July 25 |url=http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/nw_84 |access-date=February 27, 2017}} because the B Line only has one at-grade crossing along its current route that is not designated to be a quiet zone. However, FRA previously halted testing on the longer G Line to Wheat Ridge – originally scheduled to open in late 2016 – until more progress could be shown resolving the A Line crossing issues.{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2017 |title=RTD G-Line to Arvada, Wheat Ridge will be delayed — again |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/09/more-delay-for-debut-of-rtd-g-line-to-arvada-wheat-ridge/ |access-date=February 27, 2017}} On April 26, 2019, the G Line opened to the public.

= Accidents and incidents =

On January 28, 2019, an R Line light rail train derailed the junction of East Exposition Avenue and South Sable Boulevard (between Aurora Metro Center and Florida stations) due to excessive speed. The curve has a speed limit of {{Convert|10|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} but the train approached at {{Convert|38|mph|abbr=on}}. One woman's foot was amputated by the train wheels after she was ejected from the car during the accident, eight other passengers were also injured.{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2019 |title=Aurora light-rail derailment: Violent rocking forced door ajar, ejecting woman and severing her leg |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2019/03/05/r-line-derailment-aurora-speeding/ |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}} Although determined responsible for the accident, no charges were filed against the driver.{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2019 |title=No charges for RTD operator who caused derailment in Aurora that injured 9 |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2019/04/12/rtd-derailment-aurora-criminal-charges/ |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}

On September 21, 2022, another derailment occurred at the same location. Three people were taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life threatening. Video showed the train approaching the turn at high speed. According to an investigation conducted by RTD and overseen by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the crash was caused by excessive speed and operator error. The exact speed was not specified, nor was it detailed whether the driver was disciplined for the accident.{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2022 |title=RTD R Line remains affected by derailment; shuttles in place |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/rtd-r-line-derailment-shuttle-stations-aurora/ |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2022 |title=What led to train derailment in Aurora is still under investigation, RTD says |url=https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/what-led-to-train-derailment-in-aurora-is-still-under-investigation-rtd-says |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH) |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=scott.weiser@gazette.com |first=SCOTT WEISER |date=2022-11-30 |title=Unsealed investigation shows excessive speed caused RTD R-Line derailment in Aurora |url=https://denvergazette.com/news/transportation/unsealed-investigation-shows-excessive-speed-caused-rtd-r-line-derailment-in-aurora/article_0bb611bc-703e-11ed-91f8-47d9ffb4681c.html |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Denver Gazette |language=en}}

Governance

RTD is governed by a 15-member, publicly elected Board of Directors. Directors are elected to four-year terms and represent specific districts, each comprising approximately 180,000 constituents.{{cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/about-rtd/board-of-directors |website=Regional Transportation District |access-date=2025-03-19}}

= Board of Directors =

As of 2025, the RTD Board of Directors includes the following members:

class="wikitable sortable"
TitleNameDistrict
ChairJulien BouquetDistrict G
First Vice ChairPatrick O’KeefeDistrict H
Second Vice ChairTroy L. WhitmoreDistrict K
SecretaryChris NicholsonDistrict A
TreasurerKaren BenkerDistrict I
DirectorJoyAnn RuschaDistrict B
DirectorMichael GuzmanDistrict C
DirectorChris GutschenritterDistrict D
DirectorMatt LarsenDistrict E
DirectorKathleen ChandlerDistrict F
DirectorVince BuzekDistrict J
DirectorIan HarwickDistrict L
DirectorBrett PaglieriDistrict M
DirectorPeggy CatlinDistrict N
DirectorLynn GuissingerDistrict O

Current services

{{RTD Rail}}

= Primary services =

The primary RTD services are scheduled bus and rail routes.[http://www.rtd-denver.com/Routes/ Routes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108100513/http://www.rtd-denver.com/Routes/|date=January 8, 2007}}

Most bus routes are divided into Local and Regional service levels.

Rail services are divided into two fare zones: local and airport. Local and regional service is within the local zone. The airport zone applies for bus or rail travel into and out of Denver International Airport.

== Rail services ==

The current commuter rail lines are:

class="wikitable sortable"

!Line

!Opening

! data-sort-type="number" |Length

! data-sort-type="number" |Stations

! colspan="2" class="unsortable" |Termini

width="110px" data-sort-value="A" |{{ric|RTD|A|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |April 22, 2016

|{{convert|23.5|mi|km|abbr=on}}

| style="text-align:center;" |8

|{{Rtds|Union Station}}

|{{Rtds|Denver Airport}}

width="110px" data-sort-value="B" |{{ric|RTD|B|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |July 25, 2016

|{{convert|6.2|mi|km|abbr=on}}

| style="text-align:center;" |4

|{{Rtds|Union Station}}

|{{Rtds|Westminster}}

width="110px" data-sort-value="G" |{{ric|RTD|G|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |April 26, 2019

|{{convert|11.2|mi|km|abbr=on}}

| style="text-align:center;" |8

|{{Rtds|Union Station}}

|{{Rtds|Wheat Ridge/Ward}}

width="110px" data-sort-value="N" |{{ric|RTD|N|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |September 21, 2020

|{{convert|13|mi|km|abbr=on}}

| style="text-align:center;" |7

|{{Rtds|Union Station}}

|{{Rtds|Eastlake/124th}}

While branded as commuter rail, RTD's commuter rail lines operate on clock-face schedules with all day, bi-directional frequencies of 60 minutes or less, making the network more similar to what would be commonly referred to as "regional rail" in the United States, such as the similar system in Philadelphia.

The current light rail lines are:

class="wikitable sortable"

!Line

!Opening

! data-sort-type="number" |Stations

! colspan="2" class="unsortable" |Termini

width="110px" data-sort-value="D" |{{ric|RTD|D|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |October 7, 1994

| style="text-align:center;" |12

|{{Rtds|18th & California}}

|{{Rtds|Littleton–Mineral}}

width="110px" data-sort-value="E" |{{ric|RTD|E|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |November 17, 2006

| style="text-align:center;" |21

|{{Rtds|Union Station}}

|{{Rtds|RidgeGate Parkway}}

width="110px" data-sort-value="H" |{{ric|RTD|H|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |November 17, 2006

| style="text-align:center;" |16

|{{Rtds|18th & California}}

|{{Rtds|Florida}}

width="110px" data-sort-value="L" |{{ric|RTD|L|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |January 14, 2018

| style="text-align:center;" |6

|{{Rtds|16th & California/Stout}}

|{{Rtds|30th & Downing}}

width="110px" data-sort-value="R" |{{ric|RTD|R|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |February 24, 2017

| style="text-align:center;" |19

|{{Rtds|Peoria}}

|{{Rtds|RidgeGate Parkway}}

width="110px" data-sort-value="W" |{{ric|RTD|W|name=}}

| style="text-align:center;" |April 26, 2013

| style="text-align:center;" |15

|{{Rtds|Jefferson County Government Center–Golden}}

|{{Rtds|Union Station}}

= Special services =

File:RTD 3658.jpg D4500CT coach bus used for the Flatiron Flyer.]]

File:RTD 1805.jpg XD60 articulated bus used for the Free MetroRide.]]

Special bus services are offered for various purposes.[http://www.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/ Special Rides] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927191839/http://www.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/|date=September 27, 2007}}

  • Access-a-Ride: Paratransit service providing local bus transportation in the Denver metro area for people with disabilities and cannot access the fixed-route bus and train system
  • FlexRide: On-demand shuttle service connecting less densely populated areas without fixed-route bus and rail service to nearby transportation hubs
  • Flatiron Flyer: Express bus service between Boulder and various locations in Denver
  • 16th Street FreeRide: A free shuttle bus service that runs the length of the 16th Street Mall, connecting three major RTD transportation hubs (Union Station, California/Stout station, and Civic Center Station)
  • Free MetroRide: A free shuttle bus service that runs parallel to the MallRide on 18th and 19th Streets, but operates faster by making fewer stops between Union Station and Civic Center Station. This service was suspended on September 29, 2024 but was resumed on May 27, 2025.{{Cite web |title=Free MetroRide |url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/routes-services/other-services/free-metro-ride |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=rtd-denver.vercel.app |language=en}}
  • SeniorRide: Point-to-point shuttles for groups of 10 or more seniors, and scheduled service between shopping centers and senior housing complexes/community centers
  • SkyRide: Airport shuttle/express bus service for travelers heading to Denver International Airport
  • Sporting events service:
  • "BroncosRide", which provides direct service to Broncos Stadium at Mile High from various locations around the metro area.[http://www2.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/Broncos_Ride/index.cfm BroncosRide] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230045521/http://www2.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/Broncos_Ride/index.cfm|date=December 30, 2006}}
  • "RunRide", a similar service which provides direct service to Boulder during the Bolder Boulder 10K road race.

Stations

= Bus stations =

File:Civic Center Station (RTD) 2017 renovation.JPGMajor bus stations provide termini for express and regional routes. Many local and limited routes stop near these stations, making transfers between routes relatively easy. Of the three major bus stations in the RTD system, only one—Union Station—is also served directly by light rail trains. None of the three major bus stations is a Park 'n' Ride facility. Civic Center Station is connected to Union Station via the Free MallRide and Free MetroRide shuttle services.

class="wikitable"

!Station Name

!Address

Civic Center Station

|1550 Broadway, Denver

Union Station (rail and bus)

|1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver

Downtown Boulder Station

|1400 Walnut Street, Boulder

= Rail stations =

{{Main|List of Denver RTD rail stations}}

File:Three-car_train_at_Littleton-Mineral_stn_of_RTD_light_rail,_cropped.jpg]]

Many of the Light Rail and Commuter Rail stations have gates for various bus services. There are 77 stations on the ten lines in the RTD Rail system. RTD has adopted specific design standards that are incorporated into its station design, with a specific emphasis on the platform, its transition plaza and the multi-modal access provided at the facility.{{Cite web |date=November 2005 |title=Station design criteria |url=http://www3.rtd-denver.com/content/DesignCriteria/LightRail/SECTION%2005%20-%20STATION%20DESIGN.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120914083046/http://www3.rtd-denver.com/content/DesignCriteria/LightRail/SECTION%2005%20-%20STATION%20DESIGN.pdf |archive-date=September 14, 2012 |access-date=September 26, 2010 |website=RTD Design Guidelines & Criteria, Light Rail Design Criteria |publisher=Regional Transportation District}} Platforms are designed to accommodate three or four car Light Rail trains in addition to two-car or four-car Commuter Rail trains and may be in either a side, island or side center style. The transition plaza is the area where tickets are purchased and passenger services can be found. Additionally, all stations include works of public art as part of RTD's art-n-Transit program. These works include independent works or as pieces incorporated into the canopies, columns, pavers, windscreens, fencing and landscaping present at all stations.{{Cite web |title=art-n-Transit: A rider's guide to public art on RTD's transit system |url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/artnTransit.shtml |access-date=September 26, 2010 |publisher=Regional Transportation District}}

= Park-n-Rides =

A number of rail stations in the RTD system, as well as a number of bus stops located away from the three major bus stations, are attached to dedicated RTD parking facilities. These are the Park-n-Ride locations. There are 92 RTD Park-n-Ride facilities with an aggregate total of more than 30,000 parking spaces.{{cite web |title=Facilities |url=https://app.rtd-denver.com/facilities |access-date=April 30, 2024 |publisher=Regional Transportation District}}{{Cite web |title=List of Park-n-Ride locations |url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/AlphabeticalList.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917131821/http://www.rtd-denver.com/AlphabeticalList.shtml |archive-date=September 17, 2010 |access-date=June 23, 2014 |publisher=Regional Transportation District}}

Fleet

File:RTD 6671.jpg Low Floor bus]]

File:Denver LRVs in snow, on Stout St in downtown.jpg

File:RTD No. 4018 A Line train, USTH.jpg]]

File:RTDlightrailinterior.JPG]]

File:Free MallRide bus 2018—2.JPG K10MR MallRide bus]]

Gillig Low Floor buses make up most of the fleet, replacing the Orion V and Gillig Phantom buses that made up most of the fleet until the late 2000s. In 2014, RTD began to receive New Flyer Xcelsior low floor buses for the free MetroRide and other routes.{{cite web|url=http://www.metro-magazine.com/news/story/2013/10/new-flyer-wins-5-year-denver-rtd-contract.aspx|title=New Flyer wins 5-year Denver RTD contract|work=metro-magazine.com}} MCI and Neoplan vehicles are used as express buses and regional buses, including service to Denver International Airport branded as SkyRide. In 2016, RTD began receiving delivery of 36 BYD K10MR all-electric buses to be used on the 16th Street Mall, replacing the older locally built TransTeq EcoMark buses in use since 2001.{{cite web|last1=Aiello|first1=Chloe|title=RTD commissioned a new fleet of 16th Street Mall buses. They're electric. They're red.|url=http://www.denverite.com/rtd-commissioned-fleet-sassy-buses-16th-street-mall-14924/|website=Denverite|date=29 August 2016 |access-date=1 November 2017}}

Siemens SD-100 and SD-160 are used as light rail vehicles. {{As of|May 2015}}, the RTD light rail fleet had 172 light rail vehicles, serving {{convert|58.5|mi|km}} of track and 54 stations. For RTD's new commuter rail system, it uses Silverliner Vs.

RTD's Current Rail Fleet for Light Rail & Commuter Rail:

class="wikitable"
Model

! Year began service

! Mode

! Quantity

Siemens SD-100 Cars

| 1994

| Light rail

| 49

Siemens SD-160 Cars

| 2006

| Light rail

| 123

Silverliner V Cars

| 2016

| Commuter rail

| 66

Fares

File:Denver rtd.svg

Since the start of 2024, the standard fare for a 3-hour pass aboard buses or rail costs $2.75, and travel on bus or rail to Denver International Airport costs $10.{{cite web|title=Fares|url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/Fares.shtml|publisher=Regional Transportation District|access-date=2024-01-16}} Seniors, students, people with disabilities, and Medicare recipients are eligible for reduced fares. All Youth aged 19 and younger ride for free. RTD also offers daily passes: Local ($5.50) and Regional/Airport ($10) which allow unlimited travel at the chosen fare level until 2:59 a.m. the day following the purchase.{{cite web |title=Fares RTD – Denver |url=https://www.rtd-denver.com/fares-passes/fares |website=Regional Transportation District |access-date=2 April 2020}}

The fare system was last updated in January 2024, after conducting a fare study from April 2022 to July 2023.{{cite web |title=Fares RTD – Denver |url=https://cdn.rtd-denver.com/image/upload/v1696958090/RTD-FareStudy_ExecutiveSummary_8-9-23_0_r7slum.pdf |website=Regional Transportation District |access-date=20 March 2024}} Users mentioned that fares were expensive to begin with, and the zone system made understanding fares complicated. The changes resulted in a simplification of the fare structure of the system, as well as lower costs. Prior to this update, the rail system was divided into local, regional, and airport zones, costing $3.00, $5.25, and $10.50 respectively.

A fare card program, in development for over four years by Xerox, is available through employers as the EcoPass, through colleges as the CollegePass, and to the general public as the MyRide Stored Value card.{{cite web|title=MyRide|url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/myride.shtml|publisher=Regional Transportation District|access-date=20 August 2019}}{{cite news|last1=Whaley|first1=Monte|title=RTD riders to see new fares, critics say poor will be stung the most|url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28187438/rtd-riders-see-new-fares-critics-say-poor|access-date=27 May 2015|work=The Denver Post|date=May 26, 2015}} MyRide users receive a discount on fares.

RTD enforces transit code and fares with its own transit police, as well as via contracts with local police departments and Allied Universal Security Service.{{cite web|last1=Peif|first1=Sherrie|title=RTD to add additional security along "W" line|url=https://pagetwo.completecolorado.com/2017/08/28/rtd-to-add-additional-security-along-w-line/|website=The Complete Colorado|date=28 August 2017|access-date=1 May 2018}}

The A, B, G, and N commuter lines require a crew member on each run. This member is responsible for enforcing fares and security.{{cite web|title=RTD trains see frequent cancellations and recurring drug use amid security shortages|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2022/04/25/regional-transportation-district-trains-security-staffing-drug-use/|publisher=The Denver Post|date=25 April 2022|access-date=20 March 2024}} The light rail lines (D, E, H, L, R, and W) do not require such a member, and fares are enforced through random inspection.

Technology

In 2006/2007, RTD worked with the city of Boulder, the University of Colorado, and real-time bus-tracking outfit NextBus on a GPS-based system to help riders with bus arrival information at selected high-traffic stops, but the experiment proved to be unreliable and was discontinued.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_13084422|title=NextBus program bites the dust: Satellite system was supposed to track bus arrivals|date=14 August 2009}} Several years later, RTD started making its bus location and route data available to third-party developers. Google Maps (website and mobile apps) started offering real-time bus information, as did various other mobile app developers with free or paid apps, such as the Transit app.{{cite web|url=http://rtd-denver.com/mobile.shtml|title=RTD|website=rtd-denver.com}} In March 2017, RTD rolled out a new web-based tracking system, optimized for mobile devices, called Next Ride to track buses and light rail, predict arrivals, show nearby stops and routes.{{cite web|url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/app/nextride|title=RTD|website=www.rtd-denver.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/you-can-now-track-a-rtd-bus-in-real-time|title=You can now track RTD buses and trains in real-time|first=Robert|last=Garrison|date=16 March 2017}}

In February 2019, RTD became the first transit authority to integrate its public transport services into the Uber app, enabling Uber riders in Denver to select a new 'Transit' option within the app, powered by Moovit Transit APIs.Uber Newsroom: "[https://www.uber.com/en-GB/newsroom/publictransit Partnering with Transit Agencies: Integrating Public Transportation into the Uber App]", 31 January 2019 Uber Transit users can plan their journey with real-time information and step-by-step directions. Included in this is the ability to purchase transit mobile tickets directly in the app, powered by Masabi's Justride mobile ticketing SDK.Intelligent Transport: "[https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/75538/uber-app-mobile-ticketing-rtd/ Denver set to be the first to integrate public transport services in Uber app]", 1 February 2019The Verge: "[https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/2/18526126/uber-denver-public-transportation-ticket-buy-app Uber customers in Denver can now buy train and bus tickets in the app]", 2 May 2019

Projects

{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2024}}

= Downtown Express =

This project added HOV lanes to I-25 north of downtown Denver. It also added several dedicated slip ramps for RTD buses to access several Park-n-Ride stations directly from the highway. At the south end of the HOV lanes, buses had direct routes into Union Station or Market Street Station. The HOV lanes extended from I-25 to US 36, allowing regional and express routes running along US 36 to downtown Denver to bypass congestion around the Turnpike Tangle. This project was completed in September 1994.

In 2006, the Downtown Express was renovated to include a toll lane, thereby converting the HOV lanes into high-occupancy toll lanes. This allows single-occupancy vehicles to pay a toll to use them. It was built to increase the overall usage and efficiency of the highway's HOV lanes. The project was completed on June 2, 2006.

File:Denver I25&Broadway Station.jpg

= Central Corridor =

The Central Corridor, a {{convert|5.3|miles|km|adj=on}} light rail line, opened in October 1994. It was built along Welton Street, through the Five Points district along Stout Street and California Street, and following a railroad right-of-way from Colfax Avenue down to the intersection of I-25 and Broadway. This line was built without the aid of tax increases or federal funds; however, extensions have been funded by the Federal Transit Administration and new tax measures. This line was built from 30th/Downing as the northern terminus to I-25/Broadway as the southern terminus.

= Southwest Corridor =

After the success of the Central Corridor, the Southwest Corridor light rail route opened in July 2000. An {{convert|8.7|miles|km|adj=on}} light rail line, the route runs from the terminus of the Central Corridor at I-25 & Broadway to Mineral Avenue in Littleton with five existing stations. The line has been popular, and the Park-n-Ride lots at its stations often experience parking shortages. This project built a light rail line from I-25/Broadway south to Littleton/Mineral alongside existing freight tracks used by BNSF and Union Pacific next to Santa Fe Drive.

= Central Platte Valley Corridor =

In April 2002, the Central Platte Valley (CPV) spur opened. It is a {{convert|1.8|miles|km|adj=on}} branch with four stations that provides light rail access to numerous venues, including the Auraria Campus, Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Ball Arena, Elitch Gardens, Union Station and Coors Field. This project built light rail lines from 10th/Osage to Union Station.

= T-REX Project =

File:Denver Louisiana-Pearl Light Rail Station.jpg

In November 1999, Denver area voters approved a project, known as the T-REX, which involved reconstruction of I-25 between Broadway and Lincoln Avenue in Lone Tree, and I-225 between I-25 and Parker Road in Aurora, with widening of the road to five lanes and light rail being built. The highway project was completed on August 22, 2006. The light rail line, known as the Southeast Corridor, opened shortly after 11 a.m. on November 17, 2006. The line covers {{convert|19.1|miles|km}} and includes thirteen new stations, with parking available at all but the Louisiana/Pearl station.

= West Rail Line =

File:W Line JeffCo.jpg

The West Rail Line opened on April 26, 2013. It was the first completed rail line of the RTD FasTracks Project. The {{convert|12.1|miles|km}} of light rail run between Denver Union Station and Jefferson County Government/Golden Station, adding 11 new stations, 6 park-n-rides, and 3 new call-n-rides.{{cite web|url=http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/wc_1|title=West Rail Line Home|work=rtd-fastracks.com}}

= FasTracks =

FasTracks is a major project underway to expand the Denver metro area's light rail and bus service and to add commuter rail service. A 2004 referendum approved tax increases to support FasTracks. As of December 2020, completed sections include the W Line to Golden (formerly West Line, light rail, opened 2013), the US 36 Bus Rapid Transit lanes and service to Boulder (Flatiron Flyer, 2016), the redevelopment of Union Station and surrounding area as a transportation hub and transit-oriented development (2014), the free MetroRide downtown circulator (bus, 2014), a segment of the B Line to Westminster (formerly Northwest Line, commuter rail, 2016), the University of Colorado A Line to Denver International Airport (formerly East Line, commuter rail, 2016), the R Line from Peoria Station in Aurora to Lone Tree Station (formerly I-225 Line, light rail, 2017), the G Line to Arvada (formerly Gold Line, commuter rail, 2019), the N Line to Thornton (formerly North Metro Line, commuter rail, 2020) and the E Line, F Line, and R Line extensions (Southeast Extension, light rail, 2019).

Extensions to the Southwest Light Rail Corridor, the L Light Rail Line, and the B and N Commuter Rail lines are planned via the FasTracks project.{{Cite web |title=RTD |url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/Fastracks.shtml |access-date=August 12, 2019 |website=www.rtd-denver.com}} A BRT on East Colfax Avenue is also planned.{{Cite web |title=East Colfax Avenue BRT Project |url=https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/2023-03/CO-Denver-East-Colfax-Avenue-BRT-Project-Profile-FY24.pdf |access-date=June 10, 2023 |website=www.transit.dot.gov}} Scheduled completion dates for remaining segments extend as far ahead as 2044.Program Schedule: http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/main_31

Art on the light rail system

In 1977, Colorado passed the Art in Public Places bill which required that 1 percent of all state-funded construction budgets be used to purchase art.{{Cite web |last=Kyle MacMillan |date=January 28, 2010 |title=Lawmaker working to patch hole in "1 percent for art" statute |url=http://www.denverpost.com/art/ci_14289181 |publisher=Denver Post}} About $1 million from the T-REX contingency budget was dedicated to art projects at each of the 13 new southeast corridor light rail stations as part of RTD's art-n-Transit program.

  • Ira Sherman, "Stange Machine," Louisiana/Pearl Station
  • Ries Niemi, "Big Boots," Colorado Station
  • John Goe, "Reflective Discourse," University Station
  • Gregory Gove, "Connected," Yale Station
  • Chris Janney, "Harmonic Pass: Denver," Southmoor Station
  • Richard C. Elliott, "Thunder Over the Rockies," Belleview Station
  • Christopher Weed, "Windswept," Dayton Station
  • Dwight Atkinson, "Yet Another Way To Know That Nature Will Eventually Win," Nine Mile Station
  • Wopo Holup, "Orchard Memory," Orchard Station
  • Michael Clapper, "Nucleus," Arapahoe at Village Center Station
  • John McEnroe, "Fools Gold," Dry Creek Station
  • Emmett Culligan, "Plow," County Line Station
  • Ray King, "Sun Stream," Lincoln Station

Design team artists who worked on windscreen benches, railings, bike racks and canopy columns at all stations were Susan Cooper and Rafe Ropek.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}