TheRide

Infobox Public transit
name = TheRide Bus


locale = Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area
transit_type = Bus
began_operation = 1969
stops = 160
ridership = 195,616 (2004-2005)
operator = Regional Transportation DistrictInfobox Public transit
name = TheRide Light Rail

---

imagesize= 200px
locale = Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area
transit_type = Light rail
began_operation = 1994
system_length = 39.4 mi (63.4 km)
lines = 6
stations = 36
ridership = 65,400American Public Transportation Association, [http://www.apta.com/research/stats/ridership/riderep/documents/08q1lr.pdf Light Rail Transit Ridership Report] , First Quarter 2008.]
track_gauge = RailGauge|sg
operator = Regional Transportation District

TheRide (often referred to as RTD) is a transit system in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area. It is operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). It currently operates 101 local, 13 limited, 24 express, 16 regional, and 6 skyRide bus routes. It also includes 6 light rail lines with 36 stations and 39.4 miles of track. cite web | url = http://ktransit.com/transit/uscentral/denver/denver_lr.htm | title = Denver Light Rail | publisher = Kavanagh Transit Systems | accessdate = 2007-10-19 ]

Current services

Primary services

The primary TheRide services are scheduled bus and light rail routes. [http://www.rtd-denver.com/Routes/] Most bus routes are divided into Local, Express, and Regional service levels. Light rail is divided in four zones: A, B, C, & D. Local service is service within two zones, express service is within three zones, and regional service is within four zones.

The light rail lines are:
* C Line: Littleton/Mineral to Union Station
* D Line: Littleton/Mineral to 30th/Downing
* E Line: Lincoln to Union Station
* F Line: Lincoln to 18th/California & 18th/Stout
* G Line: Lincoln to Nine Mile
* H Line: Nine Mile to 18th/California & 18th/Stout

With the opening of the Southeast Corridor, many regional bus routes that provided service from the North Metro to Denver Tech Center were replaced by service to Union Station and light rail from Union Station to the Belleview light rail station. Several regional bus routes to and from the South Metro were also eliminated by the openings of the Southeast & Southwest Corridors, replaced by feeder routes to light rail.

Special services

Special bus services are offered for various purposes. [http://www.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/] Some of the more popular special services are:

* "call-n-Ride", which provides curb-to-curb service in specific areas. This is similar to taxis. [http://www.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/call-n-Ride/index.html]
* "access-a-Ride", which provides transportation for disabled people. [http://www.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/access-a-ride/index.html]
* "FREE MallRide", the 16th Street Mall shuttle; as its name implies, rides on this service are free. The shuttles use compressed natural gas (CNG)/electric hybrid engines. [http://www.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/MallShuttles/] [http://www.rtd-denver.com/RoutesLockedHeader/RouteMALL/mall_shuttle_service.htm]
* "skyRide", which provides direct service to Denver International Airport from various locations around the metro area. [http://www.rtd-denver.com/skyRide/]
* Sporting events service:
** "BroncosRide", which provides direct service to INVESCO Field at Mile High from various locations around the metro area. [http://www2.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/Broncos_Ride/index.cfm]
** "RockiesRide", a similar service which provides direct service to Coors Field. [http://www2.rtd-denver.com/SpecialRides/Rockies_Ride/index.cfm]

Fares

Future services

RTD is currently working to build two more light rail lines, four commuter rail lines, and extensions to the Southwest, Southeast and Central corridor lines, via the FasTracks project.

Art on the Light Rail system

About $1 million from the T-REX contingency budget was dedicated to art projects at each of the 13 new southeast corridor light-rail stations.

* Ira Sherman, "Stange Machine," Louisiana/ Pearl.
* Ries Niemi, "Big Boots," Colorado.
* John Goe, "Reflective Discourse," University.
* Gregory Gove, "People," Yale.
* Chris Janney, "Denver Lights," Southmoor.
* Richard Elliott, "Thunder Over the Rockies," Belleview.
* Christopher Weed, "Windswept," Dayton.
* Dwight Atkinson, "Troll Trouncer," Nine Mile.
* Wopo Holup, "Orchard Road Orchard," Orchard.
* Michael Clapper, "Nucleus," Arapahoe at Village Center.
* John McEnroe, "Fools Gold," Dry Creek.
* Emmett Culligan, "Plow," County Line.
* Ray King, "Sun Stream" Lincoln.Design team artists who worked on windscreen benches, railings, bike racks and canopy columns at all stations were Susan Cooper and Rafe Ropek.

References