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RTD Opens 1st Commuter Rail Line; Line Is a FasTracks, Eagle P3 Project
Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) and its partners celebrated the grand opening of the University of Colorado A Line and its eight stations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 22 at the Denver International Airport Station that brought together numerous federal and local dignitaries.
After the ceremony, the 23-mile commuter rail line that connects Denver Union Station with the airport opened for free rides. Thousands of people queued up to take the first trips.
The University of Colorado A Line provides accessible and reliable connections among downtown Denver, communities along I-70 and the airport. It is a part of RTD’s FasTracks program—one of the largest transportation projects in the U.S.—and is a n Eagle P3 project, making it one of the first rail lines in the nation to be built by a P3. The opening continues the agency’s record of completing projects on-time and on-budget.
“The opening of the University of Colorado A Line is a historic milestone towards the completion of RTD’s FasTracks program and continues our success rate of opening major infrastructure projects,” said RTD General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Dave Genova. “We continue to transform the region and the University of Colorado A Line will connect the Denver metro area to the world.”
FTA Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers cited the new line’s “fast and efficient connection for residents of downtown Denver, South Denver and Aurora, as well as a strong foundation for strategic development along the corridor.”
Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said, “The new University of Colorado A Line is set to become a global connector, moving people throughout the region to the international marketplace via Denver International Airport. … This game-changing rail line is now a reality and setting the stage to transform our smart, progressive region into a truly interconnected, multimodal powerhouse on a global level.”
This is the second opening this year for RTD, following the introduction of Flatiron Flyer BRT in January. Three more line openings are scheduled in 2016: the first segment of the commuter rail B Line (six miles, two stations) in the summer, commuter rail G Line (11 miles, eight stations) in the fall and light rail R Line (22 miles, 16 stations) late in the year.
FasTracks, approved by voters in 2004, is a $7 billion, multi-year program to build 122 miles of new commuter and light rail, 18 miles of BRT and enhanced bus service.
Eagle P3 also includes the G Line, a commuter rail maintenance facility and electric multiple unit vehicles. FTA is providing approximately $1 billion (about 50 percent) through its Capital Investment Grant Program, and DOT provided an additional $62 million in other funds. The remaining cost was covered by state, local and private sector sources.
To view a PDF of the above map click here.
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Participants in ribbon-cutting ceremonies to open RTD’s University of Colorado A Line included Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), ninth from left; Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, ninth from right; RTD General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Dave Genova, eighth from right; and FTA Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers, second from right.
Photos by Paul Wedlake Photography
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