Attend a public meeting about January 2013 service changes
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US 36 pedestrian bridge to save on commute time
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Let your voice be heard on our customer panel
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The 16th Street Mall is turning 30
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Komen Denver Race for the Cure celebrates 20th anniversary
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Ride RTD and save big bucks
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Tip of the month
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Operator of the month
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Important dates
Public meetings set for January 2013 service changes
It’s that time of year again, the time when RTD makes changes to our bus and light rail system to ensure the best possible service to our customers. The proposed January service changes focus on adjusting services in response to recent service reductions, changes in ridership, and operational performance.
As we consider potential service changes for January 6, 2013, we have scheduled public meetings to inform you of what has been proposed. You are invited to attend and let us know what you think. Your feedback will be reported to the RTD Board at its October 9 meeting.
US 36 pedestrian bridge to save on commute time
Exciting things are happening in Boulder as part of our FasTracks program. You may have noticed the new Table Mesa pedestrian bridge, set in place over US 36 this past month, which is an integral part of the US 36 Bus Rapid Transit project. A collaborative partnership between RTD and CDOT, the project will provide 18 miles of Bus Rapid Transit service between downtown Denver and Boulder along Highway 36.
The bridge, set to open in spring 2013, will connect the Table Mesa Park-n-Ride to eastbound bus connections, saving three-to-five minutes each way for bus commuters traveling from Boulder to Denver. Watch for more updates on the US 36 Bus Rapid Transit project.
Let your voice be heard on our customer panel
Are you a regular bus or light rail rider who wants to share your ideas to improve RTD? Then apply for a spot on the RTD 2013 customer panel. The 15-member panel meets four times a year on RTD policies, procedures, products, and services. By joining this panel, you can offer a unique perspective and help us better serve our customers as we shape the future of public transit.
Apply today by completing a short online application by December 14, 2012. Panel members receive a free Regional monthly pass for each month they attend a meeting. Best of all, panel members who attend all four meetings receive a free annual Eco Pass for the following year.
The 16th Street Mall is turning 30
Downtown’s 16th Street Mall celebrates its 30th anniversary on October 9, 2012. This unique outdoor pedestrian mall offers great restaurants, shops, special events, outdoor cafes, and tourist attractions. And of course, a great way to get to it all on our FREE MallRide.
In 1976, a master plan was developed to introduce the MallRide shuttles to reduce congestion along 16th and 17th streets, and in 1982 the mall was completed. Traveling from one end of the mall to the other, the MallRide runs seven days a week, with stops every block between Civic Center and Denver Union Station, for 50,000 passengers daily.
The mall’s pedestrian environment enhances the character of downtown Denver as the number one visitor destination in the metro area. To continue serving the metro area, RTD has received a $7.8 million grant to refurbish sections of the mall. RTD is proud to have been part of the last 30 years and is looking forward to the next 30 years.
Komen Denver Race for the Cure celebrates 20th anniversary
The Komen Denver Race for the Cure celebrates its 20th anniversary of fighting breast cancer on Sunday, October 7, 2012. More than 65,000 runners are expected to participate in this annual event that provides funding for breast cancer research, health education, cancer screening, and treatment. The course runs northbound on Speer Boulevard to Federal Boulevard, Colfax Avenue, and Auraria Parkway before ending at 7th Street. Registration starts at 6:00 am.
Special RTD bus service will be available with frequent stops at 15th and Wewatta streets. Special C, E, and H line light rail service will be available starting at 5:00 a.m.
Street closures and detours will be in place northbound on Speer Boulevard, Federal Boulevard, Colfax Avenue, Auraria Parkway, and 7th Street from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Some delays are expected on routes 1, 10, 16/16L, 28, 31, and AF until the conclusion of the race at noon.
Ride RTD and save big bucks
You may have already realized that riding bus or light rail can help save you money, but did you know that you could be saving as much as $10,000 a year? According to a recent Transit Savings Report, released by APTA, people in the Denver metro area who ditch their cars and use public transportation can save as much as $835 per month.
These figures are calculated using the 2012 AAA average cost of driving formula, based on variable and fixed cost of owning a vehicle, including gas, maintenance, tires, insurance, registration, and depreciation. The formula uses the average annual mileage of a mid-size auto, the price of regular unleaded gasoline, and the national average for downtown parking. These figures are compared to the average transit cost of an unlimited Local Pass. So switch to public transit and save big bucks.
Tip of the month
Losing your phone, purse, or laptop is a miserable experience. Like most people, you may carry a lot of items on your daily commute so it’s easy to leave them behind when exiting a bus or train.
If you’ve lost or left something on an RTD vehicle, you can call or visit one of RTD’s Lost & Found locations. Found items are kept for 10 days.
Operator of the month, Michelle Hahn
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 DD bus driver, Michelle Hahn. The DD travels north and south from the Colorado Station to the Boulder Transit Center. Her nomination was submitted by Billy Traywick, who was impressed with Michelle’s professional and caring attitude. Read more about Michelle.
When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween
Important dates
Oct. 3
Presidential Debate University of Denver 6:00 p.m.