ABOUT KEEP TRANSIT MOVING
About Regional Transportation District (RTD)
Since 1969, the Regional Transportation System has been providing transportation to millions of Coloradans. Currently, over 3 million people benefit from the RTD within its service area.
Who Benefits From RTD?
The RTD serves 8 counties and 40 municipalities. The service area spans 2,342 square miles and includes 135,000 different fixed-route schedules that include the bus, rail, Free MallRide, and Free MetroRide. All 1,028 of the buses used by RTD are wheelchair lift-equipped and specialized services include Access-a-Ride, FlexRide, SeniorRide, and Van Pool. In 2023 alone, there were over $65 million boardings, including 542,619 Access-a-Ride boardings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Background on RTD & the TABOR Cap
In 1999, voters exempted RTD from the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) Cap limitations for the purpose of paying debt incurred to finance construction of the Southeast and Southwest light rail lines until bond repayment, which will happen this year. In November 2024, voters will be able to extend the tax exempt limitations.
Where will these funds go if the measure passes?
Providing transportation choices to local residents by sustaining and growing current levels of bus and rail services.
Repairing and improving rail lines, buses, bus stops, stations, and other infrastructure.
Maintaining the availability of services for people with disabilities.
Providing cleaner, more efficient methods of transportation other than driving on roads and highways, and providing transportation services for youth 19 years of age or younger at reduced or no fares.
Increasing security and safety measures on RTD bus and rail lines and stations.
Why is this important?
It’s critical that we continue to provide more transit options to relieve the pressure on our roads and highways. Without public transit options provided by RTD, our roads and highways will only get more crowded and congested, impacting driving times for everyone in the area. Transit also provides travel options for disabled individuals and people aging in place that may have no other means of getting to where they need to g. It also provides a cleaner, more efficient way of traveling than always having to drive on roads and highways, reducing air pollution. We also need to maintain funding so we can repair and improve rail lines, buses, bus stops and stations and other infrastructure, and attract and retain the necessary workers such as bus drivers, rail operators, mechanics, and others who ensure convenient and safe service.