RTD celebrates A Line serving 50 million customers

The Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver Transit Partners (DTP) and Denver Transit Operators (DTO) are hosting a news conference today to celebrate reaching 50 million customers riding the A Line – the commuter rail that connects Downtown Denver to the Denver International Airport (DEN). The A Line reached this major milestone this month. This achievement highlights the importance of the collaboration between RTD, DTP and DTO in connecting customers to the world.

“The 50 million customers we have served are the collective reason for the A Line’s success,” said RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. “For thousands of people each day, the A Line is their lifeline to home, work, medical care, education and services that are central to their lives – and key to Denver’s economy. This line is a testament to the connections that are made – and the public trust that is built – through safe, reliable service.”

To deliver the A Line, RTD and DTP entered into the first public-private partnerships for transit in the United States and the A Line was the first of three commuter rail lines to open in that partnership in Denver. The method of financial delivery made it possible for the line’s opening and other FasTracks projects as well.

Debuting April 22, 2016, the A line travels 23 miles between Denver Union Station and DEN and remains RTD’s most popular commuter rail line. Plans for what became RTD’s first commuter rail – rapid transit between Downtown Denver and the airport – began in 1997 when RTD conducted an investment study to evaluate recommendations for commuter rail, light rail and highway development plans. The last rail was laid in 2014 with testing and safety compliance commencing in 2015 for the A Line’s 2016 arrival.

“Getting to and from the airport should be as smooth as the flight itself,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “I congratulate RTD for the incredible milestone of helping 50 million people safely reach their destinations and I look forward to seeing millions more served in the years to come.”

Today’s celebratory media event is at 2 p.m. at Denver Union Station, near Track 7. Speakers include RTD’s General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, RTD Board Chair Erik Davidson and DTP Project Manager and CEO Nate Morgan, among others.

Customer appreciation events began yesterday and will continue this week at two stations along the A Line with coffee, snacks and commemorative giveaways available for customers.

Event dates and times include:

• Wednesday, July 17, 6:30 – 8:30 a.m., at Central Park Station
• Thursday, July 18, 6:30 – 8:30 a.m., at Denver Union Station

Visit the events webpage for more information.

RTD thanks its customers, partners and the community for the achievement in reaching the significant milestone of serving 50 million customers on the A Line.

Watch a celebratory video below featuring A Line rail operators and customers.