Making getting to work less work

These recent projects and programs show the Metro Denver region’s commitment to providing easier commuting options for area residents:

• FasTracks, a $7.4 billion project to build out the region's entire mass transit system, is underway. The expansion is the largest simultaneous transit build out in U.S. history and will make Metro Denver one of the top five regions in the country in terms of miles of fixed rail. Two lines opened in 2016: the A Line and B Line, as well as the Flatiron Flyer – all part of the FasTracks program. The University of Colorado A Line, opened in April 2016, carries passengers from downtown Denver to DIA in 37 minutes. The R Line, bringing light rail service through the heart of Aurora, opened in 2017. In 2019 the G Line started bringing RTD service through northwest Denver, Adams County, and Arvada with the end-of-line stop in Wheat Ridge. The N Line opened in 2020 and transports passengers from Union Station to Thornton in 29 minutes. RTD boasts dozens of Park-n-Ride stations that are located right next to an RTD train or bus station to encourage ridership.
• The Central 70 Project began in fall 2018 to reconstruct a 10-mile stretch of I-70 East, add express lanes in each direction, removing an aging viaduct and lower the interstate to enable construction of a park. This stretch of road connects the region to DEN, carrying upwards of 200,000 vehicles per day, providing additional mobility for good, service and individuals traveling the region daily.
• The $1.67 billion T-REX Project created additional highway lanes, light rail, bike, and pedestrian options to ease congestion between Metro Denver’s major employment corridors -- Downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center.
• High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are available on sections of U.S. Highways 85, 36, and I-25. Express lanes are also available on I-25 for solo drivers at a minor fee, based on time of day.
• The E-470 and the Northwest Parkway toll roads offer ease of travel on the perimeter of the metro area.
• Employers in Metro Denver can purchase EcoPasses for their employees. The transit pass allows seven-day access to RTD services, Metro Denver's public transportation provider. 
• Numerous bike paths also weave throughout the Metro Denver area. The Colorado General Assembly declared June as Colorado Bike Month with the fourth Wednesday of the month being Bike to Work Day. Nearly 30,000 riders participate in this annual event.
• The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) publishes reports on commuting patterns throughout the region.

Helpful links:

• HeyRide – a pilot mobility platform for residents & tourists to make transit choices
• Mile High Connects – organizations committed to increasing access to essential services via public transit
• DRCOG – Denver Regional Council of Governments Way to Go Commuter Services Program
• Colorado Department of Transportation – Commuter Choices Program
• SmartTrips.org – Transportation options in Northern Colorado
• Traffic.com – Live traffic map
• RTD Trip Planner
• RTD Park-n-Ride
• Mountain Metro Rides Carpooling Matching Service – free, automated carpooling service through Ridepro