The road to DIA begins.
Well, it begins slowly.
The Colorado Clean Transit Enterprise and Regional Transportation District announced Thursday a $9.3 million grant to deliver major improvements to bus service options across parts of Colorado.
A news release from the Colorado Department of Transportation states the funding will “increase frequency and launch new service on key bus routes as well as restore service on some routes — while providing extra capacity for high-volume events.”
Longmont is one of the recipients. As part of an effort to boost regional connectivity, the grant will fund a brand-new route directly to DIA.
This funding, authorized under Senate Bill 24-230, marks the first award under the new formula grant program created by the legislature. By law, the funding is dedicated to the expansion and restoration of transit services. It’s also a centerpiece of Colorado’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A long road ahead: CDOT offered no timeline for when the agency aims to implement the route. Based on Colorado transportation’s history of glacial progress, Longmont residents could be in for a wait. But that’s old news:
RTD’s Northwest Rail expansion, connecting Longmont to Union Station, is in a vegetative state.
The Front Range Passenger Rail, a project with a much more gleamy outlook, will connect Longmont north to Fort Collins and south to Pueblo, but isn’t expected to host rides until 2029.
Where else the money goes…RTD identified several high-priority areas where funds will be immediately applied. According to the release:
Frequency Increases and Pattern Revisions: Routes 1E/44 (ART Shuttle), 37, LD3/287, the 16th Street FreeRide, and 21E
Service Extensions: Expansion of Route 19 to serve more destinations
Reinstatement of Service: Bringing back Routes 53 and 80 to restore vital neighborhood connections
High Volume Event Support: Dedicated resources for during high-volume events in order to help manage congestion during major stadium and city events
Big money: The grant marks the largest single investment CTE will make for Fiscal Year 2026.