RTD January 2022 Updates: System Optimization Plan, Service Alert Systems

Bike, Bike to Work, Commuting Options, Public Transit

RTD Seeks Input on System Optimization Plan

As part of the on-going Reimagine RTD process, on January 10th RTD released a draft System Optimization Plan (SOP) for public review. The SOP provides a route-by-route guide for service growth between now and 2027.

RTD developed the draft SOP to:

Reverse / mitigate trends of ridership loss
Improve service performance / efficiency
Ensure fiscal sustainability
Address changing travel market demands
Remain competitive
Improve service quality

The Reimagine RTD team is working with the RTD Board of Directors to finalize the SOP in early 2022. RTD is planning to formally adopt the SOP in March of 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 community notification, public hearings and board approval before being finalized.

To see how your trips may change and to let RTD know what you think, please access our online mapping tool online.

For more information about Reimagine RTD, visit the RTD website.

RTD Debuts Service Alert System

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has debuted an enhanced Service Alerts system which will allow for signs up and notifications can now be sent by text message.

The new system offers more targeted notifications, including direction of travel and specific stops. Individuals can be notified by email, text message or both.

Customers will also be able to manage subscriptions to alerts and RTD newsletters.

To sign up, visit the Service Alerts webpage.

Message from the Executive Director: Resiliency in 2022

Bike, Bike to Work, carpool/vanpool, Commuting Options, Public Transit, Telework

While 2022 did not start off the way we thought or planned, it’s shown us one thing at Commuting Solutions. We are located in a resilient and thoughtful community, and that is something we are greatly appreciative of.

The Marshall Fire devastated our area and our community in Boulder and Broomfield Counties have rallied to support one another during this scary and stressful time. We are thankful of our partners and stakeholders at Boulder County, the City of Louisville, the Town of Superior, RTD, Via Mobility Services and so many more for what you’re doing to help keep transportation moving forward during these times.

We are also thankful for the support from our federal, state, regional and local dignitaries for stepping quickly when we needed help the most. Thank you to Gov. Jared Polis, Congressman Joe Neguse, Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet for your support and quickly getting FEMA resources to our communities and residents.

And thank you to President Joe Biden for showing your support and care and providing our communities with resources in a timely manner.

We are a resilient community, and we will be even stronger after this. We will need to continue to rely on each other and support each other.

Boulder County has created a webpage with transportation commuting resources available to those who have been affected. Commuting Solutions wants to help provide resources as well, and if you need support, please don’t hesitate to reply to this email and we will help.

Cheers,

Audrey DeBarros, Executive Director

Transportation Resources Available for Those Affected by Marshall Fire

Bike, carpool/vanpool, Commuting Options, Commuting Solutions News, Public Transit, Telework

This post has been updated as of Jan. 7, 2022.

The recent fire that devastated our area has brought a multitude of challenges. Commuting Solutions is providing resources from local and regional partners regarding transportation together to help those affected by the fire.

The list will be updated as resources are made more available.

Disaster Assistance Center

The Disaster Assistance Center is located at 1755 S. Public Road in Lafayette.

Boulder County Services

Boulder County is working with local and regional agencies to provide transportation assistance to and from the impacted communities as well as to the DAC. Boulder County has created a webpage with available information and resources.

RTD Services

As of Jan. 6, Route 228 is back to its normal route. For the schedule, visit RTD online.

Complimentary ride passes are available at the DAC for those who need them. Commuting Solutions can also provide ride passes— email cathi@commutingsolutions.org or call at 303-604-4383.

As of Jan. 5, US 36 & McCaslin Station is open and being services and FF1 and AB are being operated once again.

As of Jan. 6, customers booking FlexRide trips can book rides to any destination throughout east Boulder County including to/from Superior, Louisville, Lafayette and the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) at 1755 S. Public Road in Lafayette.

To schedule a FlexRide trip, go to rtd-denver.com/services/flexride/trip-planner. FlexRide can also be scheduled by downloading the FlexRide app or by phone at 303-299-6000.

RTD customers who left their vehicle at the US 36 McCaslin Park-n-Ride can now pick up their vehicles. Customers must enter at the corner of McCaslin Blvd. and Marshall Road and may be asked to show identification to enter.

School Commuting

Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is working with Boulder Valley School District to provide a resource which connects parents to available carpools to school. To register for the resource, email your name and where your student goes to school to saferoutes@bvsd.org. You will receive information about registering for your specific school, which will allow you to connect with other parents.

Ride Free Lafayette Service

As of Jan. 6, customers can book rides to any destination throughout east Boulder County including to/from Superior, Louisville, Lafayette and the Disaster Assistance Center using Ride Free Lafayette (RFL).

You can book a trip by visiting www.ridefreelafayette.com, by calling 833-456-3359 or via the On Demand Transit Rider app.

Via Mobility Service

Via Mobility Services’ Paratransit division can provide rides to people and assist with trips to the DAC Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 303-447-9636. For assistance after those hours, please call 303-725-4160.

Car Share Services

Uber vouchers for general travel are available at the DAC. Lyft is offering two rides, up to $15 each, through their LyftUp Disaster Response program through Jan. 18.

Colorado CarShare is offering a variety of free services to those affected. Call 303-720-1185 or email info@carshare.org.

Bicycle Services

Community Cycles is offering free used bikes for transportation for those affected. To apply for a bike, email firebikes@communitycycles.org and include your height, address and a brief description of how you’ll be using the bike.

Louisville Cyclery is collecting and distributing used bikes. Visit their shop to donate or if you need a bike at 889 E. South Boulder Road in Louisville.

FullCycle & Colorado MultiSport is offering free one-day bike rentals and discounts on multi-day rentals. Visit their website to learn more.

Telework Services

Confluence Small Business Collective in Lafayette is offering free workspaces to those who have been impacted. Visit Confluence online for more information.

Ride Free Lafayette: Frequently Asked Questions

Commuting Options, Public Transit

There’s a free shuttle service within the City of Lafayette called Ride Free Lafayette which anyone can use to run errands, go to appointments or go see friends!

What is the Ride Free Lafayette program?

The Ride Free Lafayette program is a free, on-demand bus service which connects people to places within the City of Lafayette.

How do I book a ride with Ride Free Lafayette?

There are three ways to book your ride with Ride Free Lafayette!

The first is to call (833)-456-3359, you can book your ride online or download the On Demand Transit: Rider App.

The Ride Free Lafayette Bus will arrive at your pick-up location at the designated time.

Trips can be booked online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Representatives can book a ride, using the phone number, during hours of operation Monday through Sunday.

How can I cancel my Ride Free Lafayette scheduled ride?

All rides on the Ride Free Lafayette service are free and there’s no penalties or fees for cancelation.

If the trip was booked via the app or website, log into your account and cancel the trip. If the trip was booked through a representative, please call 833-456-3359 to cancel or reschedule your trip.

What are the service times for Ride Free Lafayette?

The Ride Free Lafayette bus runs Monday through Sunday and holidays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Can I walk onto the Ride Free Lafayette bus without a scheduled trip?

Riders can walk onto the bus if they see the Ride Free Lafayette bus in the community and the driver can make a trip for the rider via their tablet.

Where can you take the Ride Free Lafayette bus?

Residents and visitors can use the Ride Free Lafayette service to connect to transit stops, go to medical appointments, run errands, get to work, visit the community center and more!

The start and finish destinations must be within the City of Lafayette or the Kestrel Community in the City of Louisville.

The service area operates throughout the City of Lafayette.

Is Ride Free Lafayette accessible?

Yes! The Ride Free Lafayette bus is accessible to people of all ages and ability levels.

The 14-seat bus features a wheelchair lift that accommodates all types of wheelchairs.

Service animals are allowed on the bus in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Non-service animals are not permitted on the vehicle.

Does the Ride Free Lafayette bus have a bike rack?

The bus features a bike rack, which has the capacity to hold two bicycles. Passengers are responsible for loading and unloading the bicycles onto the front of the vehicle.

What are the COVID guidelines for the Ride Free Lafayette service?

The Ride Free Lafayette bus is deep-cleaned each day and intermittent cleaning of high-touch points are cleaned throughout the day.

Distancing requirements are required on all buses.

Via Mobility does require all drivers and riders wear a non-surgical face mask while riding the bus.

Resources:

RTD October 2021 Updates: Telephone Town Halls, Bike-n-Ride shelters

Bike, Bike to Work, Commuting Options, Public Transit

RTD Hosts Telephone Town Halls

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is hosting a series of telephone town halls to discuss and gather input on the upcoming fare study and equity analysis, the building back of service as RTD moves through COVID-19, and to provide updates on key projects as RTD explores ways to revamp its services to meet the future needs of the district through Reimagine RTD.

On Oct. 18 District I Director Erik Davidson will be featured from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

On Oct. 21 District O Director Lynn Guissinger will be featured from 6-7 p.m.

To participate in a telephone town hall, call 855-543-3425 or visit RTD’s website to listen in with the audio player. The public can also pre-register to receive a call when the event begins by selecting an upcoming event and provide their information.

For more information, visit RTD’s website.

Bike-n-Ride Shelters to Open in Broomfield and Westminster

Two new Bike-n-Ride shelters will open this fall along the US 36 Corridor in Broomfield and Westminster.

Bike-n-Ride shelters provide bicycle parking for transit riders making connections to and from RTD stations. The Bike-n-Ride program makes it easy to combine bus trips and bike rides by using the shelter to complete the first or final mile of your commute.

Commuters apply to receive a card to access the shelters. Shelters also provide weather-protected bicycle storage for people making connections! Commute stress-free knowing that your bike is sheltered from Colorado weather!

The two new shelters will be Westbound US 36 & Broomfield and Eastbound US 36 & Sheridan.

For more information on the shelters, visit Commuting Solutions’ website.

Bike-n-Ride Shelters: Frequently Asked Questions

Bike, Bike to Work, Commuting Options, Public Transit

Want to get from point A to point B but want to leave your car at home? Bike-n-Ride shelters are a great resource to use when you want to ride your bike and keep it locked up before loading onto the bus.

This fall, Commuting Solutions, the City & County of Broomfield, the City of Westminster and RTD have partnered to construct and operate two new shelters to add the list of available shelters already available in the northwest metro region! A shelter will be opened in Broomfield at the US 36 & Broomfield station on the westbound side, and one in Westminster at the US 36 & Sheridan station on the eastbound side.

Bike-n-Ride shelters are the second highest priority in the US 36 First and Final Mile Study’s corridor-wide recommendations.

Access cards for the shelters, along with the shelters throughout Boulder County, can be applied for on Commuting Solutions’ webpage.

What is a Bike-n-Ride shelter?

A Bike-n-Ride shelter provides bicycle parking for transit riders making connections to and from RTD stations.

The Bike-n-Ride program makes it easy to combine bus trips and bike rides by using the shelter to complete the first or final mile of your commute!

Shelters provide weather-protected bicycle storage and provides users an option to not have to load their bike onto the bus.

How do you access a Bike-n-Ride shelter?

Users apply for an access card to be able to access the Bike-n-Ride shelters. Receiving an access card allows the user to access shelters throughout Boulder County and two new locations in Broomfield and Westminster.

Once you apply for the card, access cards should arrive in the mail within five to 10 business days.

Where do I apply for a Bike-n-Ride shelter access card?

You can apply for a Bike-n-Ride access card on Commuting Solutions’ webpage!

Where are the Bike-n-Ride shelters located?

There are currently stations in Boulder County with two new locations opening in Broomfield and Westminster.

The following locations are:

Broomfield (Westbound US 36 & Broomfield)
Westminster (Eastbound US 36 & Sheridan)
Superior (US 36 & Eastbound McCaslin)
Louisville (US 36 & Westbound McCaslin)
Longmont (Hover Street & Highway 119/Diagonal)
North Boulder (30th Street & CO 119/Diagonal Highway)
Longmont (8th & Coffman)
US 36 & Table Mesa Station (near gate C)
Downtown Boulder Station (Walnut and 14th Street)

Do you need to lock your bike inside the Bike-n-Ride shelter?

Yes. It’s important to lock your bike inside the Bike-n-Ride shelter. Users should bring their own locks, and U-locks are recommended.

How much does it cost to use a Bike-n-Ride shelter?

Bike-n-Ride shelters are free to use, but users must have an access card to enter the shelters.

What other information do I need to know about the Bike-n-Ride shelters?

Users should not leave their bike in the shelter for more than 30 consecutive days.

The shelters are only for the storage of operable bikes and bicycle accessories.

Resources:

Commuting Solutions’ Bike-n-Ride shelter webpage

Boulder County’s Bike-n-Ride shelter webpage

RTD’s Bike-n-Ride shelter webpage

What is the Flatiron Flyer: Frequently Asked Questions

Bike, Bike to Work, Commuting Options, Public Transit, US 36 Bikeway

Whether you need to get to Denver or back home to Boulder, Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) Flatiron Flyer can help you get from point A to point B quickly, sustainably and stress-free!

What is the Flatiron Flyer?

The Flatiron Flyer, provided by RTD is the first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to connect Denver with the northwest metro region’s businesses, federal institutions and the University of Colorado Boulder.

BRT is a type of bus service used across the nation to provide convenient, frequent and schedule-free travel options.

How often does the Flatiron Flyer Run?

The Flatiron Flyer provides commuters a reliable ride every four to 15 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours, Monday through Friday.

On the weekends, the Flatiron Flyer offers commuters rides every 15 minutes during peak hours on Saturdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays.

How much does it cost to take the Flatiron Flyer?

As of September 2021, the Flatiron Flyer cost rates can vary depending if the trip is local, regional or a ride to the airport.

RTD’s Trip Calculator will allow you to select your route, then provide your cost with options deepening on the pass.

What are the different Flatiron Flyer routes?

The Flatiron Flyer routes include:

Route FF1: All-stations, all day

This route travels between Union Station in Denver and Downtown Boulder Station. A bus will run every 15 minutes during peak hours, and every 30 minutes during non-peak hours.

Route FF3: Broomfield to Union Station

FF3 travels from Broomfield to Union Station in Denver with stops at US 36 & Church Ranch Station and US 36 & Sheridan Station.

This mid-way route operates weekdays every 15 minutes in the morning to Union Station and every 15 minutes in the evening returning to US 36 & Broomfield Station.

Route FF5: Downtown Boulder Station to Anschutz

FF5 provides service between Downtown Boulder Station and Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver, primarily in the a.m. and p.m. peaks.

How can I commute sustainability using the Flatiron Flyer?

Using alternative modes of transportation, such as the Flatiron Flyer, is a key element to building a sustainable transportation network. But the work just doesn’t start when you get on the bus, it can begin on the first portion of your commute!

Along us the US 36 corridor, there are Bike-n-Ride Shelters at the RTD stations and Flatiron Flyer stops, which allows commuters to lock their bikes in a secure spot during the day. There are also bike paths, and routes which can be found using the Bike Northwest Interactive Map, and bike racks on the vehicles.

If you choose to ride your bike, mapping out your route with the Bike Northwest Interactive Map will help you plan the best way! If you’re catching a stop along US 36, try out the US 36 Bikeway where you can safely ride to and from the bus stop!

Wondering where to park your bike for the day? There are Bike-n-Ride Shelters throughout Boulder County and along US 36. Bike-n-Ride Shelters provide a secure area to store your bike during the day and provides an option to complete the first or final mile of your commute!

If you prefer to take your bike with you, each Flatiron flyer can carry up to eight bikes!

Resources:

RTD September 2021 Update: Northwest Rail Study and Service Changes

Commuting Options, Public Transit

RTD Approves Funding to Update Northwest Rail Study

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board recently approved to study implementation of a peak-service rail schedule to northwest communities and supported most of the 43 recommendations forwarded by an independent accountability committee.

The board members voted 12-3 to spend $8 million to study the plan to extend the commuter rail service from Denver to Boulder and Longmont. <CPR Story Link>

In 2004, RTD committed to building the 41-mile diesel-powered B Line as part of the voter-approved FasTracks plan to build more than 100 miles of new passenger rail lines and improve bus service.

RTD staff said the study should be completed by the end of 2023.

RTD Schedules January Service Change Meetings

As the Regional Transportation District (RTD) plans for adjustments and modifications for January services, staff are looking for input from the public!

Information on specific adjustments will be available closer to the meeting dates.

Meeting dates and times include:

Join Commuting Solutions and RTD for a “How to Ride” Webinar

Have questions about booking a trip with RTD? Commuting Solutions and RTD have partnered with the City of Lafayette, City of Longmont, City of Louisville, Town of Superior and the City and County of Broomfield to host a virtual “How to Ride” RTD Webinar.

The free virtual session will allow participants to learn about booking a trip with RTD, ways to purchase tickets, information about COVID protocols and much more!

RTD August 2021 Update: Service Changes and Rides to Broncos Game

Commuting Options, Public Transit

RTD Services Changes Scheduled for Next Month

The Regional Transportation District’s proposed service changes are scheduled to take effect on Sept. 5.

For more information about those changes, visit RTD’s site.

Use RTD to Get to Broncos Games This Season

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) wants Broncos fans to know RTD’s services remain a safe and reliable way to access the stadium!

BroncosRide bus service has remained suspended, several local bus routes will be available and RTD will scale up rail service to add capacity as necessary to accommodate extra customers.

Light rail service directly serves Empower Field at Mile High, while several bus routes and commuter rail service connects to Denver Union Station.

For more information, and routes, visit RTD online.

INVEST in America Act to Include Funding for Northwest Metro Region

Commuting Options, Public Transit

The U.S House of Representatives voted earlier this month to approve an infrastructure bill which includes nearly $20 million for three transportation projects.

The INVEST in America Act will provide the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Denver Department of Transportation and Regional Transportation District (RTD) nearly $20 million to help realign I-25, make improvements to Denver’s light rail and to the 16^th Street Mall.

Specifically, the legislation will provide:

$5.5 million to CDOT to consolidate rail tracks away from I-25
$6.5 to Denver Department of Transportation to revitalize the 16^th Street Mall
$7.9 million to RTD to replace miles of the light rail track, switches and concrete flatwork

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