DENVER (Feb. 9, 2022) – The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has extended the public comment period for the Reimagine RTD draft System Optimization Plan (SOP). The SOP includes recommendations for service redesign and serves as a route-by-route guide for service development through 2027. Members of the public now have until March 9 to provide comments and feedback on the proposed changes.

The draft SOP was developed with the goal of addressing declining ridership trends, improving service performance, ensuring fiscal sustainability, addressing changing demands, as well as aiding the agency to remain competitive and improve service quality. Along with tactics for optimizing routes, the plan includes several recommendations for the entire system that supports these routes.

RTD is planning to formally adopt the SOP in 2022, with the understanding that full implementation may not be possible until 2027 due to financial constraints and workforce limitations.  

Implementation of the SOP will be integrated into RTD’s existing service change process, which includes additional opportunity for members of the public and stakeholders to comment on proposed individual route adjustments. Proposed changes go through a process for community notification, public hearings and board approval before being finalized.

Members of the public are encouraged to view how trips may change and provide comments by March 9 through the online mapping tool. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected] as well as through voicemail by calling 303.489.7792.