Transit riders and other metro Denver residents will get an extra four weeks to weigh in on that could improve service in more populated areas in coming years while phasing out some outlying suburban routes.
Several RTD board members had pushed for an extension of for the System Optimization Plan, which had been set to expire Wednesday — just four weeks after RTD announced its release.
The public now will have until March 9 to comment on specific route-by-route proposals or , which is intended to be implemented gradually through 2027. It was produced through the agency’s ongoing “Reimagine RTD” initiative.
Debra Johnson, RTD’s general manager and CEO, said during a board committee meeting Tuesday night that the agency had convened 28 meetings since December and received more than 500 comments, including through . RTD leaders are considering more outreach efforts in coming weeks, including additional public meetings and advertising.
“I would note that over 80% of the feedback has been focused on the desire for new or expanded service,” Johnson said.
Many of those commenters are bound to be disappointed.
Amid RTD’s significant pandemic challenges, the agency’s leaders have set a goal of restoring service to just 85% of prior levels by 2027, up from roughly 70% now. RTD to adjust many routes so that they can serve more riders with greater frequency in key corridors.
Some, but not all, of the suspended Flatiron Flyer express bus routes would be restored over time. But more than a dozen bus routes with low ridership would be eliminated, replaced by an expansion of RTD’s on-demand, shared-ride .
The plan would usher in the greatest overhaul of RTD’s bus network in decades.
The currently suspended C and F rail lines also would be eliminated. The plan tabs most remaining light-rail lines for eventual upgrades to service every 10 minutes, once RTD has the money and staffing to support that frequency.
Riders affected by the loss of the C and F lines would face shorter waits for train transfers along the southwest and southeast corridors.
RTD’s board had been expected to vote on the optimization plan in March, but the extended comment period may push back that decision.
The public also can weigh in on the plan by emailing communityengagement@rtd-denver.com or by calling 303-489-7792.
Document: Service Optimization Plan overview with route-specific changes
