RTD service changes take effect Sept. 27

September service changes will continue to support customers through the latest phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project and add a new bus route to DEN

DENVER (Sept. 2, 2026) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD)'s next service changes take effect Sunday, Sept. 27, and will continue rail options to support customers during the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project. The agency is maintaining the level of service hours since the June service changes took effect.

The T (Temporary) Line will operate from Lincoln Station to Alameda Station, replacing some service formerly offered by the suspended H Line. The T Line will continue to run at regular intervals of every 15 or 30 minutes during peak periods of customer demand.

RTD is introducing SkyRide service – Route AL – in response to community and stakeholder requests, offering hourly service between Longmont and the Denver International Airport. The route will start at 8th and Coffman and include stops at the Niwot and Lafayette Park‑n‑Rides, among others.

The initial service on East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will begin along Colfax Avenue starting Sept. 27. Route 15 and Route 15L will use the new center bus-only lanes between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard. Customers will board and exit at the new stations in the center of Colfax Avenue.

RTD continually monitors its transit system and adjusts its schedule three times a year – typically in January, May or June, and either August or September – to respond to a variety of factors. RTD evaluates its transit system to account for traffic patterns, economic conditions, and customer feedback. These ongoing assessments are crucial for making informed decisions that maximize resources, enhance system efficiencies, and ensure that RTD continues to meet the needs of the region it serves. 

CTE grant funding supports transit services

The agency applied for the Clean Transit Enterprise (CTE) grant and was awarded $9.25 million in 2026 through funding by oil and gas production fees. RTD is required to apply the funds towards expanding transit services through increases to service frequency, the length of time services are offered, or expanding the service area. Since the service changes in June 2026, routes continuing their increased service frequencies due to the funding include the 16th Street FreeRide and bus routes 19, 21, 22, 37, 53, 80, LD3/287, and the ART.

Customer support tools

RTD encourages customers to use the new NextRide mobile app to plan for any travel adjustments from bus routes and rail lines affected by the service changes – as well as receive Service Alerts, purchase and store digital fare, and report security concerns.

Customers are encouraged to visit Service Changes for a complete look at the updates RTD is making.

General overview of upcoming changes

Rail services

  • The L Line will remain suspended through the completion of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project
  • The C Line will be permanently reinstated once the Downtown Rail Reconstruction is completed, traveling between Littleton•Mineral Station and Union Station, and replacing the D Line
  • The R and T lines will undergo minor schedule changes, with the T Line also extending northbound beyond I-25•Broadway Station to also serve Alameda Station
  • The A Line will undergo schedule changes affecting early morning and evening service frequencies, with 30-minute frequencies beginning at 7:30 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m. from Union Station

Bus services

  • Routes that will experience schedule adjustments include: 0, 0B, 1, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 20, 32, 37, 42, 45, 52, 53, 65, 72, 83L, 105, 120, 120L, 153, 204, 206, 323, AB, DASH, FREE, LD, LX, NB, and SKIP
  • Routes that will experience route adjustments include: 9, 10, 15, 20, 32, 52, 53, 59, 72, 73, 83L, 225, ART, DASH, JUMP, and NB
  • Routes that will experience seasonal adjustments include: 11, 20, 24, 35, 42, 45, 51, 65, 73, 225, DASH, NB, and SKIP
  • Routes that will experience a service increase include: 35, 51, and ILFX
  • SkyRide Route AL is introduced making hourly connections between Longmont and Denver International Airport

Customers are encouraged to visit Service Changes for a comprehensive list of updates.

Access-a-Ride

  • Customers who use Access-a-Ride should be aware that any reductions or improvements to regular bus and rail routes may also affect paratransit service availability. RTD is committed to ensuring that paratransit services remain accessible and will communicate any changes that may affect these services.

Keep up to date on service by visiting NextRide on RTD’s website at rtd-denver.com or downloading the new NextRide mobile app and signing up for Service Alerts. For route and schedule information, call RTD Customer Care at 303.299.6000 (Mondays-Fridays 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.). Dial 711 for the speech and hearing impaired.

Written by Tara Broghammer