RTD marks 20th anniversary of Central Platte Valley service

Twenty years ago, RTD celebrated the grand opening of the Central Platte Valley (CPV) light rail extension (C Line). The 1.8-mile segment, which opened April 5, 2002, from Colfax Avenue to Union Station, would eventually include the E Line in 2006 and the W Line in 2013.

As part of a comprehensive vision for Denver Union Station, RTD extended service on the 16th Street Free MallRide from Market Street to the iconic downtown transit hub to provide an easy connection from the Central Platte Valley light rail line to the shuttle.

Funding for the $47.8 million line included contributions from Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), the city and county of Denver, RTD and private organizations including the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Six Flags/Elitch Gardens, Lower Downtown, Auraria, the Pepsi Center and Trillium Corp., which used to be part owner of Denver Union Station.

The CPV service connects with RTD’s first light rail line, the Central Corridor (D Line). The C and D lines share tracks from 10th•Osage Station to Littleton•Mineral Station.Regular C Line service remains suspended as part of RTD’s COVID-19 service plan. However, the agency operates limited C Line service according to operator availability during major downtown events.

To reach the Southwest corridor from downtown, take the D Line from 18th•California Station to Littleton•Mineral Station, or from Union Station, take the E Line and transfer to the D Line at 10th•Osage Station.