Reviews & Comments
Denver, CO
Multimodal transit falls short in Denver -
6/29/2014Denver is in a unique position to lead the mountain west region in developing multimodal transportation. The new light rail system is a true gem, but the hype around multimodal transit misses the point. Combined with good feeder bus service and adequate parking, it can be a great way to solve many of our urban transportation issues, as more people move to metro areas. Denver has also pushed to increase bicycle and foot traffic by expanding a bike share program and zone for high density development, as well as transit oriented development around transportation centers. It falls short, however, in the way Denver is implementing policies which force people to use public transit by reducing the requirements to provide adequate parking in high density areas, and reducing bus routes to encourage light rail use. Suburban bus routes have been reduced in favor of bus feeder routes to the light rail stations, diminishing convenient and timely bus service in and around the suburbs. The reduction of available parking in high density developments or transit hubs creates a traffic congestion nightmare as people who drive instead of bike or walk to a location because they are constrained by time, distance, or weather (especially in winter) now clog the streets looking for a parking space. Although moving in the right direction, Denver has fallen short in making multimodal transit convenient, which is the key to it's success.