College students and parents are always pleased to learn Denver has a great public transportation system. RTD
Light Rail has stations at the University of Denver, Arapahoe Community College and the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver.
Typically universities and colleges whether they be live-in campuses or commuter have issues with parking. Finding a space and getting to class on time can be an very big challenge. Coupled with the fact just having a car on campus is yet another expense, it makes good sense to utilize the RTD Light Rail.
Students find they can easily commute to a station near their home, hop on the train and in a few minutes be at school. The trip allows time to relax, listen to some tunes or catch up on studying.
Parents also appreciate the fact their children won’t be trapped without transportation when they are living near campus without a car. Having the option to ride the light rail to travel to other locations is a convenience not offered in smaller cities.
Light Rail expands housing options
The Light Rail currently has three lines completed, the original line to LIttleton-Mineral Station runs down Santa Fe Drive, Southeast line that flanks I-25 ending in Lone Tree and the spur that follows 225 to the Nine Mile Station. Student housing options are increased since they can use the rail line to live either in the city or the suburbs.
RTD offers a Bike-n-Ride program so students can combine their personal bike with a transit ride to shorten the commute. Bikes are allowed on both Light Rail and buses. Of course there is always the “space available”problem. If there is an event going on, there might be a problem loading a bike onto an already full train. Typically this is not an issue.
RTD park-n-rides also offer bike lockers for storage of the bike. The lockers are available on a first come, first-served basis. One does need to rent a $20 RTD special padlock. Designated leases are available.
Students with a college I.D. from participating colleges may purchase a College Pass to ride the RTD Light Rail.
About the Author
Kristal Kraft
Kristal has been helping buyers and sellers in Colorado since 1984. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of the Metro Denver Real Estate market via blogging and in person while driving around the beautiful Rocky Mountain town of Denver! For fun, Kristal enjoys shooting things with a Canon. Visit Denver Photo Blog
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Kristal Kraft
11 Comments
Kristal it’s that time of year, parents and students looking for places to live while they go to university. Denver sounds like it affords students the benefits I had when I went to school in Boston with the MTA. Cool!
RTD really does make it easy to take your bike on the train. I’ve taken mine on the train when my bike ride ended up being more than I could handle. Don’t forget to get the RTD Light Rail bike permit before you go. It’s free but you have to take a short (5-question) test before you are able to print it.
I’m a big fan of public transportation, even though I never utilize it here in Phoenix. We too recently built a light rail transit system (yet to be officially operational) that will connect major suburban areas to the downtown area. One of the reasons that I’m in favor of public transportation is because it gives drinkers the option not to drink and drive. I think that this is a real bonus for Denver college students, on top of the other benefits that you mentioned.
You give us so many great ideas. I already have the St. Charles Streetcar line to do. You learn so much about your own town when you do these local blogs. I would use you as my realtor as I realise how much you know about what you are selling.
RTD’s light rail is a great transportation option in Denver. I work at DU and ride it most every day. I only wish Denver had thought about taking the light rail to the airport – now that would be cool!
Actually David you will be happy to know the Light Rail will go to the airport soon (within the next decade). RTD is in the process of providing a line to DIA. It will not be a light rail, but a heavy rail. It has something to do with safety, since mixing heavy and light rail is a no-no.
Glad to hear you are being a smart commuter!
Thanks Eric! That is sweet of you to say. I look forward to seeing pics of your St. Charles Streetcar. I do believe I’ve ridden it.
Rick ~ Once your light rail opens up you will find all sorts of people will love using it. Yes, I agree, it gives the Party People an option. Let’s just hope they use it!
Vali ~ You are a wise woman to even think of the light rail as your savior on a bike journey! I’m happy you suggested it, now I must incorporate a light rail ride into my training routine!
Finally, the Denver light rail is catching up with other major metropolitan cities. When I first moved to Denver in 2000 from the east coast, my biggest complaint was the lack of public transportation specifically a rail system. With rising gas prices the light rail will become even more important to the growth if the Denver Metro area.
Thanks for sharing, RTD really does make it easy to take your bike on the train. I’ve taken mine on the train when my bike ride ended up being more than I could handle. Don’t forget to get the RTD Light Rail bike permit before you go. It’s free but you have to take a short (5-question) test before you are able to print it.