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Welcome Home Magazine
79 Spyglass Drive
Littleton, Colorado 80123-6657
Phone: (303) 797-8400
Email: jim@welcomehomemag.com
Copyright 2008 Welcome Home Magazine

Welcome to Big City Traffic
Commuters Have Transportation Options
Welcome to the big city, and like any large metropolitan area, there is traffic congestion. Whether you are new to town or moved within town, you have a new commute to consider. Fortunately for you the Denver area has several transportation organizations that help to reduce congestion and help with your commuting needs.
There is one website in particular that is a one-stop shop for transportation information in the Denver metro region. It is www.gotransoptions.com. Some of the categories of information include transportation options, geographic options, calculate your commute, and partner agencies.
For purposes of this article you may want to refer to the map on page 28.
EXPRESS HIGHWAYS
You can take advantage of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on our highways. The more people use these bus/hov lanes, the easier the commute becomes for everyone. You’ll find these lanes on U.S. 36, which connects Boulder to Denver as well as I-25. These lanes are usually reversible helping traffic one way during peak hours, then again coming back on peak hours. Bus/hov lanes are offered exclusively to buses, motorists who participate in carpools (two or more persons in a -vehicle), vanpools and motorcycles. Some bus/hov lanes open up to all motorists during non-peak hours.
TOLL HIGHWAYS
One way to avoid congestion on your commute is to use the toll highways in the Denver area. E-470 is the toll highway that runs along the east side of the Denver metro area and connects up with Denver International Airport (DIA).
The newest toll highway is the Northwest Parkway, which connects with E-470 at North I-25 and with U.S. 36 and state highway 128 in Broomfield. This also provides a great way to DIA as well as shopping and more.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has opened toll lanes on I-25 between downtown and U.S. 36, and is looking at possibly adding toll lanes to I-225 and C-470. If you are willing to pay the price, this will provide a chance to avoid traffic.
DRCOG
The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is the metropolitan planning organization for transportation planning in the region. In this role, DRCOG works with CDOT, RTD and others to prepare transportation plans and programs. DRCOG develops ways to reduce traffic congestion as one of its responsibilities. (Please see ad this page)
In addition, DRCOG promotes alternatives to the car and provides policy on transportation services for the region’s elderly and disabled residents. The council of governments also focuses on reducing travel delay and congestion by improving traffic signal timing and coordination throughout the region. This improves traffic flow, thereby saving time for motorists, reducing fuel use and improving air quality.
The following RideArranger’s Programs help businesses and individuals reduce traffic congestion.
Carpool and Vanpool Programs
RideArrangers can help you locate other commuters who want to share the ride to work through its free carpool matching service or by helping your company set up a vanpool program. Call 303-458-POOL.
Schoolpool Programs
This free service provided by RideArrangers offers relief to busy parents by assisting in the development of carpools among families with students in metro area schools. Call 303-458-POOL.
Telework Program
RideArrangers’ free consulting service for employers in metro Denver is a one-stop resource for information, materials, expert advice and hands-on assistance on creating and implementing a telework programs tailored specifically to each company. Call 303-458-6725.
RTD
The Regional Transportation -District (RTD) is a public agency that operates as a public transportation system in the Denver metropolitan area. RTD provides cost-effective bus service throughout the district including Park-N-Ride facilities. They also have a light rail system. This is the region’s first light rail service.
For riding the bus, the best way to start is with a telephone call to the RTD telephone information center. The specialists at the center will help you plan your trip – including your return home – complete with route numbers, fares and answer any questions you may have. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can also plan your trip online or you can pick up a printed schedule and system map at any transit station.
For riding light rail for the first time, it is recommended you call the RTD telephone information center also. They’ll help you identify which of the light rail stations will be most convenient for your trip, help you figure out the best way to get there and answer any questions you may have about fares and schedules.