Major Redesign Planned for Denver-Area Bus System

Colorado’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) will undertake an overhaul of its bus system after the proposed changes were approved by the agency’s board this week. As reported by Nathaniel Minor for CPR News, “The project is designed to increase ridership, improve service performance and quality, address pandemic-related changes to travel patterns, and help RTD live within its budget. It also includes modest changes to the light- and commuter-rail system.”

Plans include breaking up long routes and increasing frequency on routes with greater demand. Some routes suspended due to the pandemic will make a return, though roughly 20 routes are permanently gone. “RTD staff expect the changes will result in a 50 percent increase in the number of low-income and minority residents that have access to frequent transit service.”

According to the article, “Transit advocates say they support the plan and its priorities, given the state of RTD’s precarious long-term budget and the lack of other funding sources,” but proposed service levels are not sufficient “to serve the region and meet our air quality, climate and access and safety goals.”

During the month of August, RTD is offering free fares to encourage more Colorado residents to use transit and reduce air pollution.