RTD, Community College of Aurora celebrate return of bus stop at CentreTech Campus

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the Community College of Aurora (CCA) celebrated the reinstatement of an RTD bus stop at CCA’s CentreTech campus during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 4.

The stop returned to service Sept. 1, after being discontinued in 2020 due to declined ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reinstatement follows nearly two years of collaboration between RTD and CCA to improve access for students and staff.

“The reinstatement of the bus stop at Community College of Aurora’s CentreTech campus has taken place based on public input and the potential for greater transit utilization,” said RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. “RTD relies on customer and community feedback to ensure it is providing customers with bus, rail and paratransit service that is equitable, accessible and reliable. This is more than just a bus stop – it represents a means to improved opportunity for all who access the campus.”

Without bus service, students previously walked three-quarters of a mile from the nearest bus stop to reach campus. The reinstated stop is expected to serve thousands of customers in the coming years, strengthening connections between the college and the community.

“Public transit is about more than moving from point A to point B. It’s about freedom – the freedom to reach your goals, your job, your education,” said RTD Director Kathleen Chandler, whose district includes CCA. “Because if your world only extends as far as your feet can take you, you won’t get very far.”

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, CCA Vice President of Enrollment Success and Completion Clair Collins and CCA Student Government Association President Samantha Anfield also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of equitable transportation options for students.