The Regional Transportation District will focus on providing improved service on its most popular lines while eliminating underused routes and replacing them with on-demand microtransit.
Like other transit systems around the country, Colorado's Regional Transportation District (RTD) is proposing an overhaul of its service to better serve post-pandemic travel patterns. Nathaniel Minor reports that with ridership dropping off in suburban areas, the agency will focus on boosting service in the denser areas where ridership remained steady.
The RTD's proposal, which would change around 30 percent of the bus system, would be implemented over the next five years. The agency plans to shift existing lines, adjust service frequency on highly-used routes, and eliminate underperforming lines. To make up for the loss of service, RTD plans to introduce an on-demand service to ensure residents of lower-density areas still have access to transit. Changes would apply primarily to bus lines, while RTD's light rail and commuter rail lines would largely remain the same.
Shontel Lewis, an RTD board member, praised the proposal for "prioritizing equity" and enhancing service for the low-income communities that depend on transit. Others worry that limiting transit in suburban areas will further encourage driving and reduce the likelihood of people switching modes.
FULL STORY: RTD proposes massive overhaul: Fewer suburban buses, more service where riders remained during the pandemic
Major Redesign Planned for Denver-Area Bus System
The Regional Transportation District will make significant changes to bus frequency and routes in an effort to make transit accessible to more Colorado residents.
IndyGo Revisits the Bus System Redesign it Paused for the Pandemic
The IndyGo board of directors scrapped a bus system redesign planned for launch in June 2020 as part of its Covid-19 emergency response. The transit agency is now seeking public feedback on a new map with similar changes.
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)