Average of 14,428 passengers utilize the Flatiron Flyer bus rapid transit service on weekdays, substantial increase in U.S. 36 corridor passenger trips
Denver – The Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) Flatiron Flyer bus rapid transit (BRT) services’ first three months of operation showed passenger trips well above what existed on the U.S. 36 corridor bus routes prior to the start of the BRT service.
The new Flatiron Flyer BRT routes began on Jan. 3, 2016, and have an average of 14,428 passengers per weekday, an increase of 45 percent from previous bus service along the corridor as of August 2015.
“The Flatiron Flyer was our only bus rapid transit service included in RTD’s 2004 voter-approved FasTracks plan, and we are thrilled to see how many people are using it already,” said Dave Genova, RTD General Manager and CEO. “Ridership for that corridor during all time periods is up since the beginning of service, and we couldn’t be happier at the amount of people who are utilizing the Flatiron Flyer for their commuting needs.”
Flatiron Flyer service is comprised of six all-stop and express routes that replaced the prior bus routes that operated along the U.S. 36 corridor. The BRT service runs every 3-15 minutes, depending on time of day and location. In addition to more frequency, the Flatiron Flyer provides an increase of 92 weekday trips and an increase of 42 weekend trips.
The Flatiron Flyer bus rapid transit service encompasses 18 miles of express and high-frequency bus service between downtown Denver and Boulder, with six stations along U.S. 36.
The new service offers a variety of benefits to riders including:
- Easy connections along the corridor, with service from Downtown Boulder Station, Boulder Junction at Depot Square, Union Station and Civic Center Station.
- Reduction of travel times due to the bi-directional managed lanes on U.S. 36.
- Fare zone change to a local fare for service from the U.S. 36·Sheridan Station to downtown Denver.
- One-seat ride from U.S. 36·Broomfield Station and U.S. 36·Sheridan Station to Civic Center Station.
- New branded buses that include USB ports and 120-volt outlets for passengers to charge laptops, tablets and smartphones.
- Enhanced passenger stations with large canopies and digital information screens with bus departure times.
“The Flatiron Flyer is a shining example of what regional collaboration can do to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, foster development opportunities, and enhance our overall quality of life,” Genova said. “As we continue to expand our transit alternatives, the success of this bus rapid transit service lets us know that it is a viable option for future projects.”
About RTD
RTD’s mission is to provide safe, clean, reliable, courteous, accessible and cost-effective bus and rail services in the eight-county district, and fulfills 100 million passenger trips annually. The public transit agency is creating a larger, better and more accessible system through innovation, public-private partnerships and transit-oriented communities.
