The Regional Transportation District's latest budget proposal would eliminate Saturday service on three light rail lines, drawing sharp criticism from commuter advocacy groups who say the cuts would disproportionately harm low-income riders.
The Regional Transportation District released a draft budget framework Thursday that would suspend Saturday light rail service on the W, R, and I lines beginning in September, a move the agency says is necessary to close a projected $38 million operating deficit for fiscal year 2027.
The cuts, if approved by the RTD board at its June meeting, would affect an estimated 14,000 Saturday riders and eliminate service to several transit-dependent neighborhoods including Sheridan, Decatur-Federal, and portions of Aurora.
"This isn't a minor inconvenience," said Claudia Ferris, executive director of Denver Transit Riders United. "For a lot of people, the Saturday rail is how they get to work. Full stop. RTD is treating weekend service like a luxury when it's actually a lifeline."
RTD spokesperson Damien Orr defended the proposal, saying the agency had exhausted most other cost-reduction options and was still grappling with ridership levels that remain 17% below pre-pandemic numbers on the affected lines. "These are difficult choices," Orr said. "We are committed to restoring full service once our financial picture improves."
The proposal drew immediate backlash from Denver City Council Member Anita Vasquez-Penn, who represents parts of the W line corridor. "RTD continues to ask our most transit-dependent residents to bear the cost of institutional mismanagement," she said in a statement. "I'll be urging the board to reject these cuts and return to the table."
A public comment period on the draft budget runs through May 16th. RTD will hold community meetings on May 7th at the Lakewood Cultural Center and May 12th at the Aurora Municipal Center.