C, E and W Lines

Facts

  • Length (miles): 1.8
  • Stations: 4
  • Frequency: 15 minute weekday peak/off-peak/weekend service; more frequent service is provided for special events

Project Overview

  • The C Line, also known as Central Platte Valley (CPV) light rail extension, connects with the D Line or Central Corridor near Colfax Avenue and runs to Union Station in Lower Downtown.
  • Rail stations are located at the Auraria West, Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens, and at the CPV end of line at Union Station.
  • The CPV extension serves the major professional sports venues (football, hockey, basketball, and baseball) in the region.
  • In March 2000, the Federal Transit Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact, thereby approving the CPV’s Environmental Assessment.
  • The CPV extension necessitated an expansion of the 16th Street Free MallRide shuttle service from Market Street to Union Station to provide transfers between the light rail line and the shuttle. A partial extension to Wynkoop Street opened in September 2001, with the full extension to Union Station becoming operational when the light rail system opened.
  • The CPV extension, newly designated as the “C” line, opened to the public on April 5, 2002, with revenue service beginning April 7. In 2006, service on the CPV extension was supplemented with the addition of the “E” line from the Southeast Light Rail Line.
  • The Central Platte Valley extension is a good example of a private-public partnership.
  • The cost for completing the CPV extension was covered by the following contributions:
  • The C, E, and W lines share track from Auraria West to Union Station.
  • This segment of the C Line opened in 2002; the E Line in 2006; and the W Line in 2013.

Contributor AmountDenver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) $19.60 millionCity and County of Denver $ 5.00 millionRTD $19.25 millionDonated transit easements $ 1.40 millionPrivate stakeholders
Broncos, Rockies, Six Flags/Elitch Gardens, Lower Downtown, Auraria, Pepsi Center, and Trillium $ 2.55 million 
cashTotal project cost $47.80 million

  • The CPV extension was the third consecutive light rail project RTD has completed on time and within budget.

Ridership

  • 2016 Total Ridership: 10,778,922
  • 2019 Total Ridership: 11,264,019

System Characteristics

  • Proven standardized technology
  • Overhead electrical power
  • Ground-level tracks
  • Parent corridor for regional development of the light rail system
  • Double-track
  • 2016 average weekday ridership on the C, E, and W lines: 32,430