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After more than three years of construction-related detours, the 16th Street FreeRide shuttle returned to full service Oct. 5, restoring the no-cost route between Union Station and Civic Center.
The move comes as Denver celebrates the reopening of the 1.25-mile corridor, now featuring wider sidewalks, mature trees and new infrastructure to support safer, more reliable transit. With ridership already climbing, the FreeRide’s full return marks a major milestone in reconnecting downtown.
| | | Upcoming public meetings for January 2026 proposed service changes | |
RTD is seeking public input on proposed January 2026 service changes being designed to improve reliability and better meet community needs.
Customers can share feedback by attending virtual public meetings on Oct. 20 and 21, or via an online dashboard open through Oct. 30.
| |  | News Stop Extra: A look back at the legacy of FreeRide | |
From its 1982 debut to today's fully revitalized service, the FreeRide has been a cornerstone of Denver's transit for decades.
Transit enthusiast and high schooler Jackson Ledesma explores the history behind the iconic route and how it came to be, as it enters a new chapter in the heart of Mile High.
| | | Finishing FasTracks draft report released | | | | |
The draft 2025 Finishing FasTracks Report outlines the funding needed to complete the remaining four corridors of the voter-approved transit expansion program.
With approximately 75% of FasTracks already delivered, the report outlines the $1.6 billion needed for full completion by 2034, while also identifying funding opportunities and pathways for statewide rail collaboration.
| | Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project advances at Kalamath, Colfax |
Phase 3 of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project continues to progress, with recent demolition and rail removal near Colfax at Auraria Station.
Rail reconstruction is underway as new track materials are being installed. This investment will renew the agency’s oldest light rail infrastructure and ensure reliable service for decades to come.
| | Light rail reliability increases | |
Light rail reliability is on the rise, with RTD’s on-time performance climbing nearly 30 points in under a year to approach 90%.
Recent maintenance projects and expanded operator hiring have been key drivers of this improvement, helping ensure customers can count on trains arriving as scheduled.
| | | Security Enhancements and Public Safety | | Working around the clock for safe transit | | | | |
RTD Transit Police are working 24/7 to make riding safer and more welcoming, with results showing a 30% drop in security-related calls and a 65% decrease in narcotics reports over the past year.
Expanded officer presence, mental health outreach, live-look-in technology and CPTED design are part of a multi-layered strategy keeping incidents rare — just one call for every 1,814 boardings.
| | VIDEO: Veterans bring skills that enhance the Transit Police | | |
Military veterans are bringing leadership, teamwork and confidence to RTD’s Transit Police, strengthening efforts to keep the system safe and welcoming.
Watch the video to meet four veteran officers sharing their journeys with the department and encouraging others with military experience to consider careers in transit policing.
| | | Rail safety is a year-round challenge | | | | ICYMI: Governor Jared Polis proclaimed Sept. 15–21 as "See Tracks? Think Train® Week," highlighting the importance of safe behavior near trains and rail crossings. | | Rail safety remains a year-round priority for RTD and its partners, who work daily to prevent crashes and protect lives. Meet the employees committed to rail safety and learn how their efforts keep our community moving safely. | | Stories from Our Communities | | Latest arch raised on Pennsylvania Street for East Colfax BRT | | |
RTD and the City of Denver marked another milestone in the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project with the installation of the Pennsylvania Street Station arch.
The project remains on track for its 2027 debut, bringing high-frequency center-running service to one of Denver’s busiest streets.
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| VIDEO: Level boarding testing at Colfax BRT platforms | RTD’s planning, operations, engineering, safety and ADA teams recently put the new East Colfax BRT platforms to the test, showcasing level boarding that will make buses faster, safer and easier to use for all customers. | | |
Help shape the future of bus rapid transit in Aurora
Join the Colfax BRT Next study team to learn more and share your feedback.
An in-person open house is set for 4:30–7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at East Middle School in Aurora.
| | | Celebrating 5 Years of N Line | |
Five years after opening amid the challenges of a global pandemic, RTD’s N Line is now one of the agency’s top-performing services, operating with on-time performance of nearly 97%.
The commuter rail line has become a symbol of resilience, teamwork and innovation, with employees driving both safety milestones and strong community connections.
| | | | | VIDEO: Employees compete in 2025 Bus Roadeo | |
RTD’s best bus operators and mechanics put their skills to the test at the 2025 Bus Roadeo, a daylong competition of precision driving, problem-solving and technical expertise.
Operator Craig Vasbinder reclaimed his 2023 title, while mechanics Ben Carroll, Marcos Carrillo and Dan Jurik defended their 2024 wins—earning all a spot at the 2026 American Public Transportation Association International Bus Roadeo in Salt Lake City.
| | Building a More Equitable System | | Diversity Spotlight: RTD Celebrates Hispanic-Latine Heritage Month | |
RTD is celebrating Hispanic-Latine Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) by honoring changemakers whose legacies of justice, equity and culture continue to shape transit and community life today.
From national leaders like Dolores Huerta and Federico Peña to local artists and advocates, their impact underscores how public transit connects people to opportunity and uplifts diverse voices.
| | National Disability Employment Awareness Month | See how RTD is also highlighting the disability community during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. From honoring trailblazers to strengthening its own accessibility practices, the agency underscores that equity in employment and transit go hand in hand. | | | Recurring Updates and Regional Partnerships | | Operator of the month — Kyle Evans | East Metro Divsion's Kyle Evans is RTD’s October Operator of the Month. Evans was selected for his quick thinking during a traffic check in early September. While at a green light, Evans spotted a skateboarder crossing against the red pedestrian signal and stopped just in time to avoid an accident. With 13 years at RTD, Evans values being outdoors and interacting with customers. His favorite route? Route 10. When it comes to style, he'd opt for leather seats on his bus and a playlist full of hip-hop. | | |
Board of Directors meetings
• Finance and Planning Committee – Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m.
• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee – Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m.
• Board of Directors study session – Oct. 21, 5:30 p.m.
• Executive Committee – Oct. 23, 11:15 a.m.
• Board of Directors monthly meeting – Oct 28, 5:30 p.m.
• Performance Committee – Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m.
Check the Board of Directors calendar for current information and a full list of Board events.
Join RTD Board meetings via Zoom, YouTube
The RTD Board's committee meetings, study sessions and monthly meetings are available live on Zoom, using a Chrome or Firefox browser. Meetings are also streamed via RTD’s YouTube channel. For links, agendas and more, visit the Board’s meeting portal.
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CDOT designing BRT on Federal Boulevard
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CDOT is designing bus rapid transit on Federal Boulevard!
Join the project team at an open house to learn more about the preliminary design plans, proposed station locations and station design and next steps. Burritos, beverages and children’s activities will also be available.
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Open houses:
- Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 29 at The MAC, 3295 W. 72nd Ave., Westminster, CO 80030
- Thursday, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Westwood Community Center, 1000 S. Lowell Blvd., Denver, CO 80219
| | | Brighton Core City Circulation Study Survey | |
Give your input on the future of downtown Brighton. The Phase 3 survey for the Brighton Core City Circulation Plan is now open through Oct. 18.
Share your thoughts on proposed transportation improvements along Bridge Street by taking the survey.
| | | Rad Things (to) Do in October | | |
October is a magical time in Colorado, from the vibrant fall colors to the first snow dusting in the mountains. That's enough of the nature talk. It's also the month of the sports equinox, when all major leagues and college football are in full swing. Denver embraces the excitement like no other.
Speaking of loud, this month's concert slate is packed tighter than a trick-or-treater's bag in Cherry Creek. From world-class musical entertainment to zombie crawls and haunted houses, there is no time to waste. Grab an RTD Day Pass and get ready for an unforgettable month of Rad Things to Do.
| | #DYK: Halloween costumes and treats to takeover Union Station | | Denver’s Union Station’s Trick-or-Treat Parade returns Oct. 30 and will feature a family-friendly costume parade and local vendors. Plan your trip using RTD’s NextRide and join the spooky fun! | | Safety tip: Don’t let fire hazards haunt your Halloween | | October isn’t just about scary costumes and candy; it’s also Fire Safety Awareness Month. While you’re lighting up jack-o’-lanterns and charging up decorations, take a moment to review this year’s focus: lithium-ion batteries. These powerful batteries are common in phones, toys, e-bikes and holiday décor. But if mishandled, they can be dangerous. This October, charge into fire safety with these simple steps. | | | |
1. Buy Smart. Only purchase devices with lithium-ion batteries that carry a recognized safety certification mark, such as UL, ETL or CSA. These labels mean the products meet strict safety standards.
2. Charge Safely. Use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Always charge on a hard, non-flammable surface and never leave devices plugged in after they’re fully charged.
3. Recycle Right. Never toss lithium-ion batteries in the trash or household recycling. They can spark fires. Instead, take them to a certified battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a drop-off spot near you.
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