DENVER | Transportation Thread

[mhays]

I'm pretty sketchy on how we fund operations.

First, I was wrong about how much Seattle's Transportation levy funds...it's actually 30% of the city's transportation budget, not 70%.

Re: the county's $0.90 sales tax (or the other counties, or ST) I can't speak to that, even looking at their current budget, I'd rather go to bed than dig into it! But also, since the county's transit budget took a hit a decade or two ago, Seattle currently pays another $0.15 sales tax to augment buses in the city limits.

[TakeFive]

"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans”

Polis’ new Colorado transportation vision: Fewer car trips and doubling bicycle, transit and walking by 2035
Nov. 19, 2024 By Nathaniel Minor -- CPR

Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday said the state needs to massively and quickly expand public transit service and make it easier for Coloradans to walk and ride their bicycles to drastically reduce its reliance on cars and slash climate emissions.

Courtesy Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

It's the Honorable Governor's adaptation from the Book of Urbanism. I read the PDF; it's simply marvelous, impressively fanciful.

After several years, I'm sill waiting to see any analysis for WHERE all the jobs are located they wish to serve with transit - but I digress.

The Governor is in luck as according to Axios' piece entitled the The Wrecking Ball Theory we can look forward to let's say: "Honey, I Shrunk the Government" so the Governor is clear to steer the ship of state to meet his heart's desire.

Best of Luck to you Sir.

[TakeFive]

South Denver leans into transit

Housing and alternate transit options could be solution to projected South Denver corridor traffic
November 12, 2024 By Olivia Young -- CBS Denver

For many commuters, getting stuck in traffic around the Denver Tech Center is a daily occurrence. The southern part of the Denver metro area is only continuing to grow... "Thank God for RTD, if it wasn't for RTD, I wouldn't make half the trips I have," said James Bernard. Bernard rides the light rail every day.

According to a South I-25 Corridor Study from Denver South, he's not the only one who will likely turn to public transportation out of necessity. "Overall, the idea is to provide high-quality solutions, options and connections so people can get around without having to take a car," said Daniel Hutton, VP of Transportation and Mobility for Denver South.

"This segment of I-25 is the busiest segment of roadway in Colorado. It sees over 250,000 to 275,000 vehicles a day. By 2040, we're looking at a 15% to 30% increase in that traffic," said Hutton. The study suggests that by 2040 the population of the south Denver corridor is expected to more than double. It forecasts 75,000 new jobs being added to the corridor in the same time period.

What about First- and Last-Mile?

Lone Tree's "Link on Demand" service serves as model for other Colorado communities
October 7, 2024 By Olivia Young -- CBS Denver

A popular mobility service in Lone Tree is celebrating 10 years in operation and serving as a model for other Colorado communities. The "Link on Demand" service provides free rides within Lone Tree city limits.

"It's trying to find me a ride," Jacqueline Rodriguez said as she pulled up the Link on Demand app on her phone. It functions much like rideshare apps Uber and Lyft. It's a service Rodriguez and her family have come to rely on. "This being a free service was a lifesaver for us," said Rodriguez. It's a service Rodriguez and her family have come to rely on.

"This being a free service was a lifesaver for us," said Rodriguez. Her son, Hunter, was left with a traumatic brain injury after being shaken by a daycare provider as a baby. "As an adult, this service provides him independence, and it was so incredible that he could do it on his own. He could pull up an app and he could get to where he wanted to be," said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez loves the program so much, she became a driver herself, operating the wheelchair-accessible Link cars.

[TakeFive]

It's over my head

Originally Posted by mhays

I'm pretty sketchy on how we fund operations.

First, I was wrong about how much Seattle's Transportation levy funds...it's actually 30% of the city's transportation budget, not 70%.

Re: the county's $0.90 sales tax (or the other counties, or ST) I can't speak to that, even looking at their current budget, I'd rather go to bed than dig into it! But also, since the county's transit budget took a hit a decade or two ago, Seattle currently pays another $0.15 sales tax to augment buses in the city limits.

But I did discover that King County generates about $1 billion for transit/bus service which means you all are generating about 4X as much revenue as Denver RTD.

IIRC, there is no sunset provision with Seattle's ST3 taxes/fees package, at least until all promised light rail lines are completed but there's also a provision that the taxes/fees can be used for maintenance & replacement needs. One thing I've learned is that light rail is expensive to maintain.

For now RTD is sitting pretty with all deferred maintenance being corrected along with upgrades like new seats and cameras. They will now budget for ongoing maintenance needs so they don't fall behind again.

[wong21fr]

Moved the last couple of posts to the Irrelevant Chit Chat thread as their connection to Denver Transportation Issues was tenuous at best.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

Moved the last couple of posts to the Irrelevant Chit Chat thread as their connection to Denver Transportation Issues was tenuous at best.

Sorry about that; my sense of humor got the best of me. It's fair to say that levity and RTD are not a match.

[TakeFive]

RTD launches new detective bureau to prioritize public transportation crimes
Jan 28, 2025 By: Danielle Kreutter -- 7Denver News

This is the latest move in RTD's plan to address crime. Previous safety initiatives included leaving elevator doors open at stations, providing safety shields for drivers, and installing live cameras inside buses.

According to Cousineau, RTD had less than 30 officers in 2023. There are currently 95 officers on staff, and RTD plans to add 55 more before the end of the year.

This is the necessary response to the 'world we now live in." 15 years ago this would have been unnecessary and a waste of money. And of course it eats into the budget. It is what it is.

[TakeFive]

RTD board passes tougher performance goals for CEO Debra Johnson
Jan. 29, 2025 By Nathaniel Minor -- CPR News

The Regional Transportation District’s board of directors on Tuesday approved new performance goals for agency General Manager and CEO Debra Johnson that will push her to increase ridership and improve the reliability of RTD’s buses and trains.

Personally, I think this is largely nonsense; it's silly.

I'll call it the Matt Frommer effect. "We want what we want and we want it NOW." "And it's all about the numbers" (Never mind the facts).

Some Retrospective for Perspective

As we all know all rail projects were (mostly) a suburb to city venture. It's important to remember that the system was envisioned back in the early 2000's and subsequently built. And yes, I still love the investment.

Post COVID, many things have changed.

• A) There are fewer people working downtown whether from WFH or whatever reason.
• B) The number of people living near downtown has grown exponentially.

As a result of this it would be entirely logical to assume that fewer people need to commute from the suburbs to the city whether by train or bus. The desire to ride the rails or lack thereof is a different topic.

Issues with track quality and need for repair/replacement are of course another thing that has impacted ridership; same for sketchy safety. AFAIK, Debra Johnson and the agency are doing an impressive job dealing with these issues - but never mind the facts; it's all about the numbers.

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

RTD launches new detective bureau to prioritize public transportation crimes
Jan 28, 2025 By: Danielle Kreutter -- 7Denver News

This is the necessary response to the 'world we now live in." 15 years ago this would have been unnecessary and a waste of money. And of course it eats into the budget. It is what it is.

Fifteen years ago the transit system was a fraction of what it is now since there wasn't any of FasTracks yet completed and the Barney Fife contracted security was adequate- then the system kind of changed. Post FasTracks completion, it became evident that a more professional security presence was necessary for the physical infrastructure and to also deal with the trans-jurisdictional nature of the scofflaws on the rail lines.


There's been a big shift in security perception at the locations where RTD Transit Police are now a constant presence such as at Union Station.

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

Issues with track quality and need for repair/replacement are of course another thing that has impacted ridership; same for sketchy safety. AFAIK, Debra Johnson and the agency are doing an impressive job dealing with these issues - but never mind the facts; it's all about the numbers.

If they are doing an impressive job dealing with the safety, maintenance issues, and expanding service as well; then it's not unreasonable to expect the availability, on-time, and ridership metrics should improve and bake that expectation into performance goals, no?

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

Fifteen years ago the transit system was a fraction of what it is now...

"15 years ago" not so well thought out or accurate. Upon reflection most of the mess started post-COVID or 2020 which is only five years ago. I shan't make that mistake again.

Originally Posted by wong21fr

If they are doing an impressive job dealing with the safety, maintenance issues, and expanding service as well; then it's not unreasonable to expect the availability, on-time, and ridership metrics should improve and bake that expectation into performance goals, no?

Fair point. BTW, my point wasn't that the goals were unreasonable; didn't say that, just that it's more of a nothing burger. I have no particularly ability to judge Debra Johnson's personal performance. If they want to move on from her that is their decision to make for whatever reasons.

While some increase in ridership sounds so reasonable... it's 'why did they bother' is more my point. BTW, how would she personally impact that anyway? The amount of overall demand is still an open question which has more to do with jobs downtown etc.

I'm still waiting for the Governor (or Matt) to show us some analysis for where all the jobs are and how RTD can solve everybody's individual transit needs?

[AHS1983]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

Colorado mountain communities received funding for some nice (and needed) transit projects. RTD, in addition to the East Colfax BRT, apparently used most of their share for maintenance and repairs including reconstruction of rail through downtown (not yet finished but funded). Interestingly, Federal Blvd BRT may benefit from being run by CDOT. In any case it's all truly a blessing.

Speaking of CDOT and BRT...

https://youtu.be/j5yQ0QaXdD0

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by AHS1983

Speaking of CDOT and BRT...

https://youtu.be/j5yQ0QaXdD0

That video is new! Decent presentation.

CO 119 BRT started construction a bit before E Colfax BRT. I was trying to figure out how 119 "The Diagonal" is being paid for, if they got any grants. I see where they did get a $25 million RAISE grant which isn't much considering the project will cost ~ $165 million. RTD has committed $33 million to fund transit elements of the corridor. Because there are improvements within both Boulder and Longmont I'll guess the cities put up some money with CDOT covering the balance.

There are now two BRT projects under construction with money in the bank so no worry over any DOGE nonsense.

[TakeFive]

State lawmakers are making another attempt at reforming RTD
Feb. 18, 2025 By Nathaniel Minor -- CPR News

Senate Bill 25-161 would require the Regional Transportation District to set goals that align with the state’s own vision of greater transit use. Other measures in the sprawling 26-page bill are aimed at increasing transparency, accountability, and worker retention.

The result, sponsors hope, will be a transit agency that shakes off its lasting pandemic-era malaise and grows into a powerful part of the state’s ongoing push to reshape its cities to be less car dependent and more affordable.

Isn't this wonderful; oh boy!

“Denver's a world-class city,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, a Democrat who chairs the House transportation committee and is a bill sponsor. “Denver deserves world-class transit.”

Other than perhaps vague or meaningless talking points I don't find one recommendation for what RTD should do that they're aren't already doing.

Are any of these Know-it-all's aware that the office space in downtown Denver is half empty? Ditto for the DTC. I find NO insight as to where all these would-be riders are and where they need to go?

Hint:

COVID yes, but the world has so changed over the last decade. Call it the Smart Phone effect if you like in addition to WFH etc. People are much more impatient; they want things to be convenient and they're much more dialed in to security and personal safety. Door-to-door rideshare is one quick and easy answer for many people -- or so I have learned.

Bottom Line:

In today's smart phone climate, transit has it's limitations. That doesn't mean it's not valuable. It's still can work for many people and it's valid public service for those that can take advantage. But likely that's not nearly as many people as so-called experts fantasize over.

[TakeFive]

I've always had a fondness for trains

https://usa.streetsblog.org/2025/03/25/a...he-grassroots-fight-for-rail-more-urgent

So the “purge” has now come for Amtrak. After 16 years at the railroad spanning roles from intern to Chief Operating Officer before ascending to the top seat, Stephen Gardner abruptly resigned as Amtrak’s CEO...

At Railway Age, Frank Wilner pointed to Gardner’s “devotion” to Amtrak’s mission, and brand, and people. When news outlets called me Thursday for comment, I had much the same thought, telling them that “In every interaction I’ve had with Stephen – and there were many – there was never any doubt that he loved trains, loved passenger rail, and loved Amtrak.”

While I'm not as skeptical as some, if Colorado wants passenger train service along the Front Range they'll likely have to do it without Federal Grants.

Best song/video about trains

[AHS1983]

Fast, walkable transit for metro Denver would cost $420 million a year for a decade, study says

https://coloradosun.com/2025/03/26/walkable-transit-bus-service-rtd-copirg/

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by AHS1983

Fast, walkable transit for metro Denver would cost $420 million a year for a decade, study says

https://coloradosun.com/2025/03/26/walkable-transit-bus-service-rtd-copirg/

Props to Lincoln Roch; I've never heard of him but that piece was well written by offering some balance.

THINK TANKS are a part of life whether liberal or conservative. They all have their pluses and craziness; it goes with the territory. They may be aware of the 'real world' but they live in a theoretical place called "Fantasy Land."

Here's some research results that our 'friends' pretend not to know.

How transit affects job seekers: The first and last mile to the station make all the difference
August 30, 2017 By Ian Chaffee -- USC

The researchers found that car commuters in low-income neighborhoods in San Diego have about 30 times greater job accessibility than those who take public transit.

The different ways riders leave and arrive at the stops closest to home and workplaces — what researchers term “first- and last-mile access” — can close this gap, even more effectively than more traditional and costly public transit measures like increasing transit frequency by adding buses and drivers.

The leader of this study is very highly regarded.

Those short distances that bookend a commute are crucial, according to the study’s lead author, Marlon Boarnet, a professor of public policy and chair of the department of urban planning and spatial analysis at the USC Price School of Public Policy.

Boarnet is an associate director of METRANS for the National Center for Sustainable Transportation (NCST), a research center headed by the University of California, Davis. METRANS is a member of the NCST consortium.

I have a blog buddy that moved to Denver from the desert that does rideshare. He does a good business by transporting people to/from home to the County Line Station (nearby Park Meadows Mall) where they hop on the train to Denver.

[mhays]

If you want accessibility to jobs for the masses (especially the working poor), there's NOTHING more effective than spiderwebbing frequent bus routes all over town--particularly if they also have bus lanes in busy areas so they're also fast.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by mhays

If you want accessibility to jobs for the masses (especially the working poor), there's NOTHING more effective than spiderwebbing frequent bus routes all over town--particularly if they also have bus lanes in busy areas so they're also fast.

In Denver money doesn't grow on trees like in Seattle. Because they're concerned with ghg's should they buy electric buses. Austin tried that but at a $million a copy they experienced performance issues and canceled the rest of the contract after the first batch.

Denver doesn't have the job density that Seattle has. ~ 85% of the jobs are scattered all over the place. I know from personal experience that riders that have to change buses (whose schedule is not reliable) would choose rideshare in a heartbeat. No way would it be worth the capital investment nor the operating costs.

With respect to the working poor, may of which are women, they have the same idiosyncrasies as everybody else meaning having an Uber driver show up in 5 to 10 minutes (or whatever the App tells them) is like a godsend to them and women especially prefer rideshare.

[mhays]

First of all, the two cities aren't THAT different.

Second, your anecdotes about rideshare are only anecdotes--and don't apply to the working poor at all.