Traffic & Transit
RTD Sees 60 Percent Drop In Ridership Amid Spread Of Coronavirus
The Regional Transportation District is one of many transit agencies across the country that's seen a sharp decline in passengers.
As more people practice "social distancing" amid the spread of the new coronavirus across Colorado, the Regional Transportation District is facing a 60 decline in ridership, transit officials said in a public notice.
The district is now providing around 139,000 trips each weekday, compared with 347,800 weekday trips one year ago, officials said.
"The agency is working to quantify the effects the pandemic is having on its ridership and solidify actual ridership figures," the notice read.
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RTD’s Access-a-Ride paratransit service also has seen a steady decline in bookings. While average weekday trip demand is typically around 3,000 trips per day, with a 3 to 4 percent cancellation rate on the day of service, trip numbers are much lower and cancellation rates are higher, the district said.
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Because of the drop, Access-a-Ride will suspend five-day advanced bookings, allowing customers to book next day trips only, officials said. Beginning Friday, all standing orders will be canceled. Customers can call 303-292-6560 to book trips.
As with many agencies, companies and organizations that are struggling amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the true loss in revenue won't be known for several months.
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