Time to break ground on the Pine Junction Park‑n‑Ride
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Joe King rocks first RTD concert train
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Catch RunRide to BolderBoulder
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Run the best urban tour: The Colfax Marathon
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Tip of the month
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Operator of the month
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Important dates
West Rail Line opening draws enthusiastic crowds
After seven years of planning, engineering, construction and community outreach, RTD’s West Rail Line is finally here. We celebrated the much anticipated opening with a huge grand opening ceremony on April 26, followed by station parties on the 27th. Thousands of people came out to enjoy the festivities and learn more about the line that connects Denver, Lakewood, and Golden.
The new W line features 11 new stations, 6 Park‑n‑Rides, 3 Call‑n‑Rides and enhanced bus service, offering commuters, residents, and visitors alike the speed, convenience, and comfort of light rail every day of the year.
As we celebrate the completion of the W line, we will focus on the completion of Denver Union Station in 2014, and the East, Gold, North Metro, and I-225 projects that are scheduled to open in 2016. We enjoyed sharing this monumental event with you, and extend a heartfelt thanks to you, our communities for your support.
T3 forum at work on North Metro Rail Line
RTD’s FasTracks program continues to make strides at a rapid pace, partly because of the Transformation Through Transportation (T3) forum. T3 was created to identify innovative ideas and approaches to complete the FasTracks project as soon as possible, reduce ongoing operating costs, and take our system into the future in a manner that most benefits our customers. T3 was previously responsible for the unsolicited proposal that extended the I‑225 line from Iliff Avenue to I‑70 and Peoria.
As a result of T3, RTD has received another unsolicited proposal, this time for the North Metro Rail Line. The proposal was submitted in February by a team led by Graham Contracting Limited, and after review, RTD has determined it has merit. It accelerates the competitive bidding process for design and construction on this project. Once the entire North Metro Line is completed, it will provide 18.4‑miles of electric commuter rail line that will run from Denver Union Station serving Commerce City, Thornton and Northglenn. Watch for more updates on the North Metro Line.
Time to break ground on the Pine Junction Park‑n‑Ride
On May 9, RTD is breaking ground as we upgrade the current Pine Junction Park‑n‑Ride at US 285 and Pine Valley Road. Come out and celebrate the beginning of construction at the future site of the new Pine Junction Park‑n‑Ride. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at 16 Mt. Evans Blvd. in Pine.
A permanent Park‑n‑Ride has been a long-sought effort by an organization of local commuters called the Riders 285 Coalition. Thanks to collaboration from the community, RTD, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the project is finally coming to realization. The event will commemorate the support RTD has received from CDOT in providing 80 percent of the project’s funding through a grant from FASTER funds. The Park‑n‑Ride is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, at which time the current facility will be demolished for the widening of the highway.
Joe King rocks first RTD concert train
The first RTD concert train rocked and rolled down the W line tracks on Earth Day, April 22 for a special on-board performance by world‑class artist and Colorado native Joe King of The Fray. Through a partnership with KBCO, 50 lucky riders were randomly selected from hundreds of entries to win tickets to the exclusive, private performance. The concertgoers were some of the first people to hear King’s new album before its release, as well as some of the first to ride the new 12.1‑mile light rail line before it opened to the public on April 26.
King wowed the audience with an acoustic performance of tracks from his new solo album. The guitarist and songwriter was happy to promote his new album in such a fun and unique way, and to support RTD in his hometown, where the Grammy-nominated band first formed.
Ticket vending machines accepting credit cards
Paying for your commute is now as easy as a swipe with the installation of new ticket vending machines (TVMs) with credit card readers. Passengers will be able to quickly purchase their fare in a safe and secure way, prior to boarding light rail. The new touchscreen TVMs have been installed at every light rail station in downtown Denver, and at stations along the Central Platte Valley and Southwest corridors, and the W line. The Southeast corridor stations will be upgraded by early May with new software, so that all TVMs will have the capability of accepting all major credit cards, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA.
At select light rail stations, where there are multiple TVMs, at least one TVM will continue to accept cash and coins.
As we streamline our fare products and services with the addition of credit card readers and the introduction of smart card, we’ve also replaced the regular round‑trip ticket with a 6‑hour special event ticket. Learn more.
Catch RunRide to the BolderBoulder
The BolderBoulder, one of America’s best 10K races, will be held on Memorial Day, Monday 27. This race attracts more than 50,000 participants, making it one of the largest races in the world. The 6.2-mile course features live music and entertainment through Boulder and finishes at the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field. Come out and show off your running skills, while you enjoy breathtaking views, great prizes, and much, much more.
Get to the start on time with RTD’s RunRide bus service, available on the day of the race from many area Park‑n‑Rides and stations. Round-trip fares range from $4.50 to $10.00. As a result of the race, some RTD bus service in Boulder may experience delays or detours.
Run the best urban tour:
The Colfax Marathon
Come out and run America’s longest main street race, the Colfax Marathon on Sunday, May 19 at 6:00 a.m. This 26.2 mile course will take you on a fantastic tour through parks and great neighborhoods, where you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery, seven miles of rivers and lakes, and a spectacular run through the home of the Denver Broncos – Sports Authority Field at Mile High. More than 7,000 runners are expected to participate, so come out and join the fun!
As a result of street closures for the race, please expect some delays in bus service along the race route between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Tip of the month
Spring is here and there are plenty of things to do in the metro area. Whether you’re headed to the museum or zoo, enjoying the day shopping, catching a ballgame, or just hanging out with friends, we’re here to get you just about anywhere you want to go. With more than 130 regularly scheduled bus and light rail routes covering 2,400 square miles, we provide convenient, economical, and an environmentally friendly way to get around town.
So on your next excursion, check out how RTD bus and light rail can get you there.
Operator of the month, Shawn Crowe
Each month, RTD encourages passengers to nominate a bus driver or light rail operator who goes above and beyond to make their experience memorable. This month’s winning nomination goes to Route AF bus driver, Shawn Crowe. The AF is a SkyRide route that travels from downtown Denver to DIA. His nomination was submitted by Hannah Donaldson, who was impressed with Shawn’s friendliness and dedication to his passengers.Read more about Shawn
“You are as welcome as the flowers in May."
- Charles Macklin
Important dates
May 4
RockiesRide to Coors Field Rockies vs. Tampa Bay Rays
6:10 p.m.
May 5
RockiesRide to Coors Field Rockies vs. Tampa Bay Rays
2:10 p.m.
Time to break ground on the 
Joe King rocks first RTD concert train
Ticket vending machines 
Catch RunRide to the BolderBoulder 
Run the best urban tour:
