RTD is considering a proposal to discontinue the 16th Street FreeRide shuttle, the zero-fare service that runs the length of the 16th Street. This proposal is part of a larger effort to close a $215 million budget deficit created when federal COVID-relief funding expired. Eliminating the shuttle would save RTD an estimated $9.5 million per year.
The FreeRide has long been one of downtown Denver’s most heavily used transit services, with 2.3 million boardings last year. It serves a wide range of people: residents who use it for short trips, workers connecting from rail and bus lines, visitors exploring downtown, and businesses that depend on steady foot traffic. Because of its importance, Denver’s mayor and several business organizations have expressed strong opposition to ending the service.
What Ending the FreeRide Could Mean for Residents
If the shuttle is discontinued, residents may notice several changes:
- Reduced convenience: The FreeRide provides an easy way to move along the 16th Street without needing a car or rideshare. Losing it would make short trips more difficult, especially for seniors or those with mobility challenges.
- Less foot traffic: The shuttle brings people up and down the mall throughout the day. Without it, fewer visitors may explore the full length of the corridor, which could affect restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
- Longer commutes: Many workers rely on the shuttle to connect from Union Station or Civic Center Station to their workplaces. Without it, travel times may increase, and more people may turn to cars or rideshare services.
- More congestion: If more people drive instead of using the shuttle, downtown traffic could worsen, especially during peak hours and special events.
Why This Matters for Downtown’s Future
The FreeRide is more than a convenience, it’s part of what keeps the 16th Street active, accessible, and welcoming. As Denver continues working to strengthen downtown’s vibrancy and safety, the shuttle plays a role in keeping people moving and supporting local businesses.
RTD has not made a final decision, and discussions are ongoing. City leaders, business groups, and neighborhood organizations are watching the issue closely.
What UpDoNA Will Do
UpDoNA is actively engaged on this issue. In the coming weeks, we will:
- Meet with City Council members to understand a path forward and share resident concerns.
- Coordinate with the Mayor’s Office to learn how the administration views the proposal and what alternatives may exist.
- Work with downtown business partners to assess economic impacts and explore joint advocacy strategies.
- Monitor RTD discussions and provide timely updates to residents as decisions evolve.
Our goal is to understand how we can best support the continuation of the 16th Street FreeRide and ensure that resident voices are heard.
Gil Vondrasek Vice President Upper Downtown Neighborhood Associati
