RTD marks the anniversary of the University of A Line opening

The train line has carried nearly 5 million passengers and traveled 1.2 million miles

DENVER, April 17, 2017 – The Regional Transportation District (RTD) opened the University of Colorado A Line one year ago on April 22. The 23-mile line has transformed the region by providing connections for thousands of people throughout the metro-area.

In the past year the rail line has had approximately 5 million passengers and traveled 1.2 million miles. The train serves more than 17,000 passenger trips a day delivering people to eight stations, including Union Station and located at the south end of the terminal at Denver International Airport. For the past year the line has provided service for airport travelers along with local daily commuters, who work, play and live around the line.

Since opening the train line, RTD has experienced some operational challenges but the agency, along with our contractor, Denver Transit Partners, continue to work toward the resolution of crossing-gate timing issues with governing agencies. It is important to note that the crossing gates are activating a bit too early and staying down a bit too long, so there are no train safety issues. RTD is poised to have these issues resolved and will begin testing on the G Line to Arvada and Wheat Ridge and plan on an opening later in 2017.

“The opening of the University of Colorado A Line launched a new era in public transit in the region as it connected metro Denver to the world,” said RTD General Manager and CEO, Dave Genova. “The community and economic benefits of connecting downtown to the airport are already beginning to show.”

“It is our vision at RTD to provide a transit network that supports the growing needs of the Denver metro area and one that will provide connectivity for future generations,” said RTD Board Chair, Larry Hoy. “This is a milestone for us all and we appreciate the support and enthusiasm of our customers and the community.”

RTD will mark this occasion by holding a rider appreciation day during morning peak hours on Friday, April 21 at , and Denver Airport Station. At these stations, passengers will receive light refreshments and giveaways. For more information, visit rtd-denver.com.

RTD serves the Denver Metro area by offering safe, clean, reliable, courteous, accessible and cost-effective service in an eight-county service area while providing 100 million passenger trips annually.

For route and schedule information, visit rtd-denver.com or call RTD at 303-299-6000. Patrons with hearing or speech impairments should call the TDD information service at 303-299-6089.