Reinventing Union Station
Come see for yourself on May 9 A new city within a city is being constructed in LoDo and it’s never been a more exciting time to be in downtown Denver. What used to be a rarely used rail yard is now a bustling urban environment, bursting with new businesses, new buildings, and new transportation options. The heart of this urban transformation is RTD’s Union Station Transit Center, providing more transportation services, better connections, and easier access than ever before. A complete transit experience, and significant architectural icon, Union Station offers light rail, a new 22-gate bus concourse, the new Free MetroRide, Amtrak and, in 2016, commuter rail – under one roof.
Union Station Transit Center Years of planning and building have gone into creating a world-class transportation hub, and a new epicenter for downtown travel, commerce, and entertainment. We’re reinventing Union Station with a whole lot of new: new transit facilities, new public spaces, new restaurants, and a new hotel.
New underground bus concourse The new 22-gate underground bus concourse will replace Market Street Station as the LoDo bus hub, providing riders with a sleek, more efficient facility that offers easy connections to light rail and commuter rail (opening in 2016).
Free MetroRide A brand new commuter option, the Free MetroRide will provide fast and frequent service through the bus concourse, connecting Union Station and Civic Center Station by way of 18th and 19th Street at 13 uniquely branded stops. It’s the perfect rush hour alternative to the 16th Street Free MallRide.
Commuter rail tracks Though not opening until 2016, we’re preparing for commuter rail with 8 new tracks. In 2016, lines will run between Union Station and Denver International Airport, Arvada/Wheat Ridge, and Westminster, making Denver’s transit system even more global and accessible.
Retail, offices, and apartments galore Union Station will truly become an urban lifestyle center. More than 100,000 square feet of new retail, including restaurants, boutiques, and a brand new King Soopers, 750,000 square feet of office space, 2,000 new apartments, and 400 new hotel rooms are being constructed within or around the station areas by various partners. This includes the luxurious Crawford Hotel in the historic Union Station building, opening July 12. In addition, we’re building more than 15 acres of plazas, parks, and public spaces to better connect all of the elements in a pedestrian-friendly environment.
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District Union Station Bus Concourse
As a part of the world-class Union Station Transit Center, the Union Station Bus Concourse is a brand new 22-gate underground bus facility that will serve 16 distinct bus routes, and the new Free MetroRide, providing easy connections to all the transportation options available downtown. The Union Station Bus Concourse is a sleek and modern transit facility that stretches nearly 1,000 feet underground beneath 17th Street, between Chestnut Place and Wewatta Street. The new facility was built with an eye towards sustainability and is in the process of being certified as a LEED Silver building. By 2030, the Union Station Transit Center, including the bus concourse and the new train hall, is projected to serve 200,000 passengers in and out of the station, with 500 trains per day.
Bus concourse facts and figures • 22 bus bays – More than double the amount at the bus facility located at Market Street • 12 bays dedicated to Regional and Express buses • 8 bays dedicated to the new Free MetroRide • 2 bays available for other commercial services • 1,000 feet – Length of the entire bus concourse, including the drive lanes • 800 feet – Length of the pedestrian concourse, inside the bus concourse • 1,113 – Number of buses scheduled to run through the bus concourse on an average weekday • 428 – Number of buses that will enter/exit through the Chestnut Street entrance • 427 – Number of buses that will enter/exit through the 18th and Wynkoop Street entrance • 267 – Number of buses that will enter/exit on the HOV lane
Bus routes in the concourse There are 16 bus routes that will pass through the Union Station Bus Concourse. Easy connections can be made to light rail, the Free MallRide, and the Free MetroRide. AF to the airport 86X to Westminster 0 local service south 31X to Federal Heights 104X to Commerce City on Broadway 40X to Thornton 120X to Thornton 20 local service east to 55X to Olde Town Arvada B to Boulder Anschutz Medical Campus 72X to Arvada West L to Longmont 32 to City Park 80X to Arvada North S to east Boulder Free MetroRide
Closing of Market Street Station With the grand opening of the new Union Station Bus Concourse on May 9, the current downtown bus facility at Market Street Station will close. All buses that currently route through Market Street Station will utilize Union Station instead. Market Street Station will no longer be in operation as of May 11, 2014.
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District Free MetroRide
With limited stops between the new Union Station Bus Concourse and Civic Center Station along 18th and 19th streets, the Free MetroRide is the perfect option for downtown commuters. This free bus service will run during weekday rush hours (M-F, 6-9 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.) and will provide convenient connections to bus, light rail and future commuter rail lines. The Free MetroRide is a fast, reliable alternative and convenient companion service to the 16th Street Free MallRide. The Free MetroRide will be easy to pick out on the street because of its distinctive color scheme. The teal and silver color palette will distinguish the Free MetroRide from other RTD buses that may run along 18th Street, 19th Street, and through Union Station.
Schedule The Free MetroRide will provide frequent service during morning and evening rush hours only. Service to run Monday – Friday, between 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Stops Union Station to Civic Center Station Civic Center Station to Union Station • Union Station Bus Concourse • Lincoln St & 17th Ave • 19th St & Blake St • 18th St & Glenarm Pl • 19th St & Lawrence St • 18th St & California St • 19th St & Curtis St Park Ave • 18th St & Curtis St • 19th St & Stout St • 18th St & Lawrence St • Broadway & 18th St 22nd St • 18th & Market St (future) • 16th Ave & Broadway • 18th St & Wazee St
21st St
Amtrak 20th Ave
Broadway 20th St D
Sherman St Coors Field Grant St Lincoln St 19th St 19th St 19th St 19th Ave 18th Ave
Wewatta St 17th Ave Chestnut Pl Chestnut 18th St 18th St
17th St
Stout St UNION 16th Ave E STATION
Arapahoe St
Curtis St Champa St Blake St Market St Larimer St St Lawrence Wynkoop St St Wazee
Welton St Welton
Tremont Pl Tremont
Glenarm Pl C California St W 16th St
Skyline Denver CIVIC CENTER Park Pavilions STATION
Court Pl 15th St H H Free MetroRide Larimer F F Cleveland Pl Square D D Free MetroRide, underground Civic Center 14th St Cherry Creek Free MallRide Denver Performing MetroRide stop Colorado Speer Blvd Arts Complex Convention Bus station 13th St Center
Light rail station
Colfax Ave
U.S. Mint Future stop St Bannock
14th Ave
Pepsi
Center
Cherokee St Cherokee Cherry Creek Cherry
Auraria Parkway 1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District The Free MetroRide Bus Bus • Length: 61 ft. • Capacity: 95 (including seated • Height: 10 ft, 6 in and standing passengers) • Weight: 42,000 lbs (empty) • Seats: 47 • Maximum speed: 65 m.p.h. • Wheelchair spaces: 2 • Fleet: 12 vehicles • Engine type: Ultra-low emission diesel
History 2004 RTD approves plan for a downtown circulator bus to relieve projected congestion on the Free MallRide due to incoming rail lines as a part of RTD’ FasTracks program 2005 City and County of Denver Downtown Multi-modal Access Plan (DMAP) identifi ed the 18th/19th Street route for the service 2010 RTD completed a study further defi ning the route, stop locations, and operating details 2012 RTD announced that the downtown circulator project will open as a peak period only service 2013 RTD breaks ground at 17th Ave and Lincoln 2014 Free MetroRide opens on May 12 2016 Free MetroRide will accommodate additional downtown ridership demands based on the opening of the East Rail Line, Gold Line, and Northwest Rail Line operating out of Union Station Commuter Rail at Union Station Coming in 2016
Completion of the Union Station Transit Center is the first step toward bringing commuter rail to the RTD system. In 2016, the East Rail Line will open and begin running trains through Union Station to Denver International Airport. The Gold Line to Arvada/Wheat Ridge and Northwest Rail Line to Westminster also open at this time with stops at Union Station, expanding the RTD service area, and creating important connections with bus, light rail, and DIA.
To the west of the historic Union Station sits the iconic train hall with the bold arching white canopy. The train canopy is designed with a stunning oculus in the center to maintain the view down 17th Street and of the historic Union Station building. The train hall includes eight ground level tracks to accommodate passenger rail service, and Amtrak trains, which began operating within the train hall in March 2014. The train hall sits above the brand new underground bus concourse, with 22 bus gates and service plans to accommodate RTD’s local, regional, and express bus system passing through downtown.
About commuter rail tracks Passengers will be able to walk directly from the platform onto the commuter rail trains without climbing stairs. This is made possible by sinking the commuter rail tracks deeper into the ground at the station platform. Each entrance to the train will be accessible by wheelchair, with no ramp necessary. Passengers cannot step across these deeper commuter rail tracks as they do with the light rail. To gain access to another train platform, passengers will need to walk around the end of the tracks, use the underground bus concourse, or use the pedestrian bridge located at the north side of the train hall.
Union Station commuter rail track assignments: Platforms 1, 2, 3: East Rail Line to DIA (open in 2016) and North Metro to 124th Avenue (open in 2018) Platforms 4, 5: Amtrak (now open) Platforms 6, 7, 8: Gold Line to Arvada/Wheat Ridge (open in 2016) and Northwest Rail Line to Westminster (open in 2016)
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District Facts and fi gures: • RTD purchased 66 commuter rail vehicles to service the East Rail Line, Northwest Rail Line, Gold Line and North Metro Rail Line • The commuter rail cars were manufactured at Hyundai Rotem’s plant in South Korea, then assembled at the company’s U.S. plant in Philadelphia • 500 trains per day are projected to travel through Union Station in 2030
Commuter rail train car specifi cations RTD’s commuter rail vehicles are heavier than light rail vehicles, but operate in a similar way. The vehicle is powered by an overhead electrical system and each vehicle is equipped with traction motors. These vehicles are designed to move at faster speeds, travel longer distances, and have fewer stops. Commuter rail vehicles will provide a comfortable ride with larger seats, overhead storage, luggage towers, and bicycle racks. Length: 85 ft. Height: 15 ft. Weight: 1,400 tons (empty) Maximum speed: 79 m.p.h. (operational) Seats: 91 Total capacity: 209 (including standees) Wheelchair spaces: 2 Motor power rating: 620 horsepower per commuter rail vehicle Power source: 25,000 volts alternating current on an overhead electrical system Turning radius: 250 ft. (minimum) Commuter rail steel: 115 lbs. per yard Union Station historic building
Denver’s Union Station is a well-loved historic building and great care has been taken to preserve the iconic design, architecturally significant elements, and historic transit elements while transforming the space into a modern, mixed-use, transit-oriented hub. The historic building and all the elements within are scheduled to open July 12, 2014.
The Great Hall The historic Union Station building is being transformed into an independent hotel and a 22,000 square foot ‘Great Hall’, complemented by a 12,000 square foot public common area and 40,000 square feet of outdoor plaza space, all open to the public, travelers, and the surrounding communities. Denver’s Larimer Associates is curating a mix of locally owned restaurants and retail options for the Great Hall and first floor, including multiple quick-serve convenience food venues and retail areas, two bars, and specialty gift shops. Additionally, four lead restaurants have been announced:
• Mercantile Dining & Provisions:a new concept by Alex Seidel, chef and creator of Denver’s Fruition Restaurant, to be featured in the north end of the building • The Kitchen Next Door: complementary to The Kitchen Denver’s LoDo location in the south wing of the building • Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: will serve breakfast & lunch daily in the north wing • Stoic & Genuine: a seafood-centric restaurant from Chef Jennifer Jasinski and business partner Beth Gruitch (owner of Roja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall)
Crawford Hotel The Crawford Hotel is a 112-room independent hotel that will fill the upper levels of the historic building. The Crawford Hotel, named after Union Station partner Dana Crawford, is to be managed by Denver’s Sage Hospitality. The Crawford Hotel will feature several different types of rooms, including a transit themed room: • The Pullman rooms on the second level evoke train travel at its heyday. With a subtle Art Deco nod, these rooms are a modern take on the glamorous private sleeping cars of train travel. (20 rooms) • The Classic guest rooms on the third floor are inspired by the building’s Victorian-era beginnings. With a contemporary twist on traditional, classic design styles and with soaring ceilings and expansive windows, they bring a touch of modern elegance and luxury. (59 rooms) • The contemporary Loft rooms occupy the uppermost floor of the hotel in the former attic, with exposed wood timbers and high vaulted ceilings. These rooms are inspired by the urban characteristics of Denver and the Lower Downtown neighborhood that evolved around Union Station. (32 rooms)
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District Thinking Green
Public green space The transformation of Union Station will create multiple open public spaces and green, park-like settings, including the Wynkoop Plaza, the Wewatta Pavilion, the 17th Street Promenade, and the Chestnut Pavilion. Each pavilion has planters and trees to create a lush, inviting atmosphere. The intention is to create a welcoming environment for pedestrians, commuters, and tourists. Between the transit destinations, travelers will find welcoming benches, courtyards, water features and other outdoor amenities. Wynkoop Plaza, located along Wynkoop Street, is a public space designed to accommodate outdoor concerts, festivals, and holiday gatherings. These public spaces will provide convenient access to the new retail and restaurants.
Sustainability The Union Station Bus Concourse is in the process of being certified as a LEED Silver building and is one of the few transit facilities in the nation to have this level of certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is recognized as the premier mark of achievement in green building. Many of the strategies listed below are taken into account as a part of the certification and have helped RTD build a sustainable transit center.
• The final building will be up to 30% more energy efficient than a standard/comparable building • During construction, RTD reduced the use of raw materials and reduced the amount of fossil fuel consumption by using over 20% recycled materials and 10% regional materials • Provide cleaner air by increasing the ventilation by 30% and using low-emitting materials • Provide natural light to the underground concourse through seven skylights • Create a healthy environment by using low VOC (volatile organic compound) products • Implement a green cleaning policy within the facility • Implement an Exterior and Hardscape Management Plan for site maintenance
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District Light Rail
The light rail platform at Union Station was relocated in 2012 to accommodate the renovation of Union Station. The current light rail platform located on Chestnut Street was opened in April 2012 and serves as the end of line station for the C, E and W light rail lines. The signature white canopy over the platform matches the new train hall canopy, which in 2016, will house commuter rail service to DIA, Arvada/Wheat Ridge and Westminster.
Facts and figures • RTD currently has 172 light rail vehicles • Current fleet includes 49 older Siemens SD-100 models and 123 newer SD-160 models • Siemens Transportation Systems built all of RTD’s light rail vehicles in Sacramento, California • 16 of RTD’s light rail vehicles have reached the one-million mile mark • A light rail vehicles lifespan is approximately two-million miles, or 30 years
Light rail specifications RTD’s light rail vehicles are bi-directional, six-axle vehicles with a light frame and tight turning radius suitable for urban operations with frequent stops. They have large windows, air conditioning and heating units. The light rail vehicles meet ADA requirements and feature automated audio and visual elements. • Length: 81.4 ft. • Wheelchair spaces: 4 • Height: 12.4 ft. • Motor power rating: 800 horsepower • Weight: 89,560 lbs (empty) per light rail vehicle • Maximum speed: 55 m.p.h. (operational) • Suspension: Coil spring • Seats: 64 • Turning radius: 82 ft. (minimum) • Total capacity: 155 (including seated • Light rail steel: 115 lbs per yard and standing passengers)
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District 16th Street Free MallRide
Experience the sights and sounds of downtown Denver with RTD’s Free MallRide. This shuttle bus travels between Union Station and Civic Center Station, stopping every block. This free bus is an easy way to get to your favorite restaurants, shops, tourist attractions, and businesses up and down the 16th Street Mall.
Schedule: • The Free MallRide begins running as early as 5:15 a.m. on weekdays and runs seven days a week. • Frequent service during morning and evening rush hours, with a bus arriving nearly every 1½ minutes • The last round-trip leaves from Union Station at 1:21 a.m.
The Free MallRide bus • Length: 45 ft. • Height: 11.5 ft. • Weight: 25,000 lbs • Maximum speed on mall/off mall: 15 m.p.h./25 m.p.h. • Fleet: 38 vehicles • Total capacity: 55 (seated and standing passengers) • Seats: 18 • Wheelchair spaces: 2 • Engine type: Hybrid electric and CNG engines • Route: 1.4 miles one-way, 2.8 round trip
Ridership: • Average weekday boardings: 44,865 • 2012 boardings: 13,679,785
History 1982 RTD began providing free rides up and down the brand new 16th Street Mall on the Free MallRide. The RTD Market Street and Civic Center Stations served as the two ends of the 16th Street Mall 2001 Free MallRide service (and the Mall) extended from Market Street to Union Station 2002 The C line opened at Union Station 2006 The E line opened at Union Station 2011 The Free MallRide was extended to the current light rail station at 17th and Chestnut 2013 The W line opened at Union Station 2014 The bus concourse at the Union Station Transit Center and the Free MetroRide open, providing connections to bus, light rail, and, in 2016, commuter rail
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District Union Station History
June 1870 First train arrived in Denver’s Central Platte Valley. June 1881 The Union Depot and Railroad Company built Denver’s first Union Station at a cost of $525,000. March 1894 The original Union Station burned down; the fire was ignited by the electrical system of the ladies’ restroom. The damage was substantial and the building was replaced with a lower roofline and a stone clock tower. July 1906 Mayor Robert Speer dedicated the Mizpah Arch (also known as the Welcome Arch) in front of Union Station. Mizpah was a Native American word that meant “Howdy, Partner.” The Mizpah Arch – a 65-foot high, 85-foot wide gateway structure with 2,194 light bulbs and served as Denver’s “front door”. 1914 Denver Union Terminal Railway Co. tore down the stone clock tower replacing it with the building’s lower expanded center section that you see today. December 1931 The Mizpah Arch was dismantled after being deemed a traffic hazard. 1920s -1950s The glory days of Denver Union Station; operating 80 trains a day. During this time, Union Station served more than a million passengers a year and served more passengers than Stapleton Airport until 1958. 1990s Improvements began to the areas surrounding Union Station: removal of the viaducts over the Platte River and I-25, development of River Front Park, Commons Park and the construction of the Millennium Bridge connecting 16th Street Mall with Commons Park. 1999-2002 The Central Platte Valley Light Rail (now known as the C line) was built, creating a modern public transit connection to Union Station. August 2001 RTD purchased the historic building at Denver Union Station and 19.85 acres of surrounding land. May 2002 RTD, City and County of Denver, Colorado Department of Transportation and the Denver Regional Council of Governments partnered to develop a Master Plan and conduct an Environmental Impact Statement for Union Station. November 2006 The partner agencies announced the selection of the Union Station Neighborhood Company (USNC) as the master developer to head the redevelopment and preservation of Denver’s historic Union Station. October 2008 The FTA signed the Denver Union Station Record of Decision, which allowed for the redevelopment project to proceed. September 2009 The Denver Union Station Project Authority (DUSPA) is contracted to oversee the project’s schedule, development and financial plans. March 2010 Construction begins to create a mixed-use, transit-oriented development. May 2014 The new Union Station Bus Concourse opens to the public!
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District Be Safe around Buses and Trains
At RTD, your safety is our number one priority. The new Union Station Transit Center provides many new and improved transportation options to the downtown area. With new transit options come new and changing safety concerns for pedestrians and travelers.
Safety around trains • Commuter rail train tracks are much deeper than the light rail train • Do NOT ever attempt to cross commuter rail train tracks • To access different train platforms under the train hall, you must use the pedestrian bridge located on the north side of the train hall or use the underground bus concourse • Stand behind the yellow lines at light rail and commuter rail platforms • Stay away from the overhead electrical wires
Safety on the street • When walking through downtown, remember to STOP at all cross walks and look for bus and vehicle traffic • Be aware of bus traffic in and out of the new Union Station Bus Concourse • Remove headphones and be aware of the bus and train • Never run in front of a train or bus
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District RTD’s system expands
RTD’s Union Station Transit Center is a part of a $500 million dollar project to renovate the historic building, the rail lines leading into Union Station, and the surrounding areas. The opening of the brand new underground 22-gate bus concourse will bring RTD’s bus service into a much larger and more efficient facility and provide riders with easy access to light rail, the new Free MetroRide, the Free MallRide, and commuter rail in 2016. RTD has a long history of providing bus service for the greater metro area and will continue to do so in this new and much anticipated facility.
RTD system at a glance • Service area population: 2.8 million • Square miles in service area: 2,340 • Weekday regular fixed-route scheduled miles: 118,385 (includes light rail and the Free MallRide) • Annual regular fixed-route service miles operated: 45,246,715 (includes light rail) • Active bus stops: 9,509 • Park-n-Ride facilities: 74 • Total number of regular fixed routes: 137 • Light Rail: 6 • SkyRide: 5 • Local: 65 • Boulder City Local: 13 • Limited: 11 • Longmont City Local: 4 • Express: 14 • Misc: 3 (Free MallRide, • Regional: 17 Free MetroRide and ArtShuttle)
Bus fleet • Total buses (all are wheelchair lift-equipped): 992 • RTD-owned and operated: 565 • RTD-owned, leased to private carriers: 427 • Peak-hour buses required: 779 (regular buses only) • Average age of fleet: 10.2 years • Annual low-sulpher biodiesel fuel consumption (RTD-operated buses only): 5.4 million gallons • Access-a-Ride vehicles: 324 • Call-n-Ride vehicles: 88
1600 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 • 303.299.6000 • rtd-denver.com Regional Transportation District