RTD seeking input on proposed changes

This week and next, Regional Transportation District is holding community meetings for locals to provide input on a proposed change to the “RX” bus line.

RTD’s RX is a transfer-less line from the Adams County Justice Center in east Brighton all the way to Civic Center station in downtown Denver. A proposed change for next year would discontinue some Brighton stops while still ensuring bus transportation from Brighton to Denver.

Sometime next year, RTD’s North Metro Rail Line, or “N Line,” is expected to be complete, which will run from Denver Union Station to the Eastlake-124thAvenue station in Thornton. After the N Line’s launch, RTD plans to discontinue operations for the RX bus line for overall, a “re-allocation of services,” said Nataly Handlos, lead service planner for RTD.

If the service discontinues in Brighton, the RX will start/stop at the U.S. 85-Bridge Street Park-N-Ride. Currently, the RX hits three stops in Brighton: Adams County Justice Center, Bridge St.-18th Avenue and Bridge Street and Eighth Avenue.

Brighton residents shouldn’t fret, however, said Handlos. Taking the RX’s place will be a beefed-up version of the local “120” bus line, which will be renamed as the “520.” The 520 will operate hourly and, for the first time, on the weekends.

If adjusted, the 520 could bring residents to the U.S. 85-Bridge Street stop, where they can transfer to the RX. The way RTD sees it, an adjusted local line is a fair replacement to the discontinued regional line.

Seemingly, the only inconvenience is riders having to transfer lines instead of remaining on one. However, the 520 schedule upgrade should make that seamless.

The proposal isn’t finalized yet, and RTD is still welcoming input, either through their website (rtd-denver.com) or community meetings on Thursday, Aug. 22 at noon and 6 p.m. at the RTD Administrative Offices, 1660 Blake Street, Denver, CO in rooms T & D.