The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is implementing significant changes to its bus and rail schedules starting Sunday, primarily affecting Arvada, Aurora, and Westminster. These adjustments aim to focus resources on high-demand areas while scaling back on lines with lower ridership.

Service Enhancements and Reductions

In Arvada, the G Line will see increased service with 15-minute intervals on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This change is designed to meet growing demand in the area. Similarly, the R Line in Aurora will offer 15-minute train intervals on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and frequent service on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., extending to SkyRidge, Lone Tree, and RidgeGate Parkway stations.

Westminster’s B Line service will be restored to 30-minute intervals during peak morning and evening hours. Additionally, the C Line between Littleton Mineral Station and Union Station will be reinstated.

Impact of Denver’s Downtown Rail Reconstruction

The changes coincide with the ongoing Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project, which began in May 2024. As part of this project, RTD’s D, H, and L lines will be suspended, with alternative options provided. For instance, L Line riders can use increased service on bus route 43, while H Line riders have the E Line or a new T Line for northbound trips.

The reconstruction project aims to update Denver’s oldest light rail infrastructure, originally built in 1994, with completion expected by the end of 2027.

Budget Constraints and Service Cuts

RTD faces a significant budget deficit, prompting these service adjustments. The agency has secured a $9.25 million grant from the state’s Clean Transit Enterprise to fund service increases. However, some cuts are necessary, such as the complete elimination of the Platte Valley FlexRide due to low utilization. Conversely, the DTC FlexRide service will expand in the south metro area, operating from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Several bus routes will also be adjusted to accommodate construction closures. For example, Route 15 will add a stop near the Amazon warehouse on 13th Avenue in Aurora, and Route 21 will be split to provide more frequent service between Evans Station and Aurora Metro Center Station.

For a comprehensive list of changes, residents are encouraged to visit RTD’s website.

Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.