RTD marks steady ridership gains during first year of ART Route service
Monthly boardings increased by 34.15% from February to September 2025
DENVER (Jan. 13, 2026) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has recorded consistent month-over-month ridership growth over the past year on its newest route, the ART District Connector. The route provides a one-of-a-kind transit link through the heart of downtown Denver, connecting customers to some of the city’s most popular cultural destinations.
Since launching service on Jan. 19, 2025, the ART District Connector has averaged over 9,870 monthly boardings, representing a 34.15% increase in ridership during its first nine months of operation. The sustained growth underscores the route’s role in strengthening access to jobs, arts, education, and entertainment across downtown Denver.
The ART District Connector operates between the Alameda and 40th•Colorado rail stations, serving the Baker, Five Points, and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods. Along the way, the route connects customers to the Art District on Santa Fe, the Denver Theatre District, and the RiNo Arts District, creating seamless access to some of Denver’s most vibrant communities.
Community surveys conducted last year showed strong public support for the new service, with 94% positive customer feedback. Customers praised the route as “logical operational and customer-focused improvement,” with one customer noting, “The ART Route connects me in Globeville to the southern part of the city!”
RTD’s most recent annual customer and community survey results, released in June 2025, further reinforce this positive momentum. The agency reported double-digit, year-over-year improvements in perceptions of personal safety and security, vehicle cleanliness, on-time performance, service frequency, and overall value throughout the Denver metro area.
The ART District Connector operates with 60-minute service frequency. Customers can view the full schedule at RTD’s website and stay informed by signing up for Service Alerts. For route and schedule information, call RTD Customer Care at 303.299.6000 (Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; weekends and holidays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.). Dial 711 for speech and hearing assistance. Visit rtd-denver.com for more information.
