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.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions