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RTD Seeks Input On Current Fare Structure

RTD
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Flickr - used with permission
RTD's Auraria Station, 2011

Denver’s Regional Transportation District wants to know what you think about RTD fares. The agency is turning to the public for input as it begins a study of how people use the current fare system in preparation for future Front Range expansions.

Six public meetingswill take place from Aurora to Longmont over the next month to identify how people use the system. RTD officials hope to identify if there are challenges people face moving between multiple fare zones, transferring from bus to light rail as well as how fares are calculated.

RTD’s Scott Reed said the current system is complicated and it’s something the agency wants to review now before four new light rail and commuter lines as well as the Bus Rapid Transit on U.S. 36 open to the public in 2016.

“We have 16 different transit agencies that we compare ourselves to and we have, pretty easily, the most complicated fare system out of those peer agencies. This is the time for us to simply this as best we can.”

Reed said it’s clear that first-time riders of public transport may be overwhelmed with all of the different fare rates and structures used by RTD.

“From our passenger survey’s one of the biggest impediments to riding public transportation is really trying it the very first time,” said Reed. “And anytime you add complexity, or have complexity that further eliminates some riders.”

That’s where the public comes in. Reed said it’s not just active users of RTD they want to hear from, but also those who have never used the transit system. They want to know what concerns residents have with the current fare structure, and what recommendations they have to fix it. The six meetings will take place between August 13th and August 28th at the following locations:

Westminster--6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 13 Westminster City Park Rec Center, Common Room 10455 Sheridan Boulevard  Lakewood--6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 14 Clements Community Center   1580 Yarrow Streey Commerce City--6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 21 Adams City High School, Cafeteria  7200 Quebec Parkway  Aurora--6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 27 Aurora Municipal Center, City Café 15151 E. Alameda Parkway  Denver--Noon, Thursday, August 28 RTD Administrative Offices  1600 Blake Street, Rooms T & D  Longmont--6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 28 Civic Center, City Council Chambers 350 Kimbark Street

The transportation agency said the public can leave comments onlineor by calling 303-299-3273.

Multiple RTD FasTracks projects are ongoing including a commuter rail line between Denver’s Union Station and DIA. The Northwest, Gold, and East rail lines are to be completed in 2016. Bus Rapid Transit is also being constructed between Denver and Boulder on U.S. 36.

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