My Favorite Bus in the RTD Fleet and its Future

Hello! My name is Jackson Ledesma, I am 15 years old, a sophomore in high school and a Florida transplant who has been obsessed with transit since I could talk.

The past year has been a period of change for RTD, especially by way of its fleet. Since 2020, the 3000, 6500 and 6600 series of buses have been gradually rolled out around the district on routes out of Englewood, Denver/Metro, Commerce City and Longmont divisions.

One of the first bus routes I ever rode was Route 3 – Alameda Avenue. I took it from Alameda Station to Monaco Parkway with my elementary school classmates. My teacher had us make journals about our experience on transit, and I wrote about how soothing the voice was on the (then) new automated stop announcement system. For as long as I can remember, Route 3 has been primarily based out of the Commerce City division (once Laidlaw and later First Transit Commerce City). Those familiar with vehicle assignments may know the ubiquity of First Transit divisions and the model of bus that would make its way into my heart on that journey.

Built in Livermore, Calif., between 2005 and 2008, the 3900 and 5000 series of buses, the favorite of many operators and transit fans alike, have roamed nearly every route in RTD’s network. Since I started high school, my daily route is Route 3, and everyday or every other day, I have the opportunity to board a 5000 series bus. Even though their engines sputter and their signs are fading, I am endlessly joyful to see one of my favorite buses turn the corner.

The 3900 series of “baby Gillig” buses were once a daily sight on the 300-routes in Longmont, as well as many routes based out of Englewood and Denver/Metro division including the 33, 46, 120, and 400-routes in Douglas County. However, they’re now seldom seen anywhere in the district, if at all.

These aging buses are retiring at a rapid rate. Expedited by the service reductions of 2020, only an estimated 102 of the once nearly 300 3900 and 5000 series buses remain in service, and that number is dwindling by the day. They are being replaced by a new generation of buses that burn cleaner and are more reliable.

I’ve been riding these buses, especially the 5000 series, for over a decade. Having taken them in nearly any condition imaginable on nearly every route, I am sad to see them go. Despite this, I am looking forward to making memories on the new buses, and maybe I’ll be writing to you again in 15 years with the same message.