by Valley Gadfly | Aug 26, 2022 | Main Articles
Free August Fares Sought To Clear The Air, Lift Ridership, But Weekday Rides Jump Just 16% Due To Drug, Crime Worries
by Glen Richardson
Reeling from the pandemic, changing work patterns, and lingering worker shortages, while grappling with drug use and crime, RTD is facing a ridership crisis that threatens to cripple or collapse the transit agency.
RTD’s month-long August “Zero Fare for Better Air” promotion drew only 16% more weekday boarders during the first week when “free” was expected to double ridership. The weekend — with live theatre, Broadway shows, and baseball — did double rides. The agency estimates it will lose $9.2 million in fare revenue during the month. The state approved an $8.7 million grant — Senate Bill 180 — for the fare free program. RTD is responsible for picking up the balance.
Whenever you say free, many contend, “It’s not free, someone is paying!” In RTD’s latest free foray, many expressed concerns that making it free would attract homeless riders, plus increase unruly behavior and criminal activity. Some said it was likely to attract drunk-disorderly riders. “It’s an awful idea and will chase away paying patrons, if it hasn’t so far,” others intimated.
Slow Start Scramble
Crime Clogs Air Campaign: Drug, crime worries clogged RTD’s August Zero Fare for Better Air campaign as the transit agency’s buses, trains can’t find the combustion to attract commuters.
At the start of Zero Fare’s second week — safety and security issues were clearly crippling ridership. A series of outreach events with RTD Transit Police and Denver Police were quickly added. The four events — the first on Aug. 10 — were coffee chats designed to engage with potential customers and the community about security, service, and the Zero Fare incentive.
In March the agency hired Steve Martingano as RTD Police Chief. He has 22 officers to cover 2,300-sq.-miles. In June, RTD also approved a one-year contract extension with Allied Universal Security Services for up to $20.3 million.
RTD impact teams try to head off problems before customers board. Bus operators are asked if there are any problems on buses, seeking to ensure trips operate safely. At Union Station — where customers, employees, and visitors say they feel unsafe, and at least one business closed over crime — RTD is working with police, who have stepped up patrol. Denver Police made more than 800 arrests in and around Union Station in the six-months between November 2021 and April 30 of this year.
RTD’s System, Riders
Bus Boondoggle: RTD’s bus network is adequate, but bus stops often aren’t more than a pole with a small sign. Sometimes there’s a lonely bench, but only 5% have shelters.
RTD’s metro service includes six light rail lines, two commuter rail lines, and 84 local-regional bus routes. There are more than 340,000 daily transit trips. Approximately 230,000 of the trips — or about two-thirds — are within Denver.
Annual ridership in 2021 included 6,585,500 commuter rail, and 10,016,300 light-rail riders. That compares to 4,954,167 on commuter rail in 2020, and 10,464, 678 on light rail. Bus boardings in 2021 were 31,598,000 compared to 32,932,000 in 2020.
In 2019 there were 9,711,377 commuter rail and 24,585,300 light rail boardings. Bus boardings in 2019 totaled 59,685,653.
Cars In Control
Cars Dominate Commute: Traffic on Valley highways and arterials at near-normal levels whereas RTD is still struggling to attract ridership for commuter trains and buses.
RTD hoped its Zero Fare for Better Air would attract customers by saving them money and reducing stress. It aimed to limit air pollution and ground-level ozone. The agency has added a 36 battery-electric sub-fleet on the 16th St. Mall and purchased an additional 17 zero-emission buses, as its better air commitment.
Nonetheless, RTD struggled despite free fare. Federal monitoring of traffic on the state’s highways-arterials, shows traffic at near-normal levels. Volume, at times, actually exceeds 2019 monthly totals. That’s true, even as the Valley’s weekday rush hours have changed.
Based on several studies, for Denver drivers to switch from their cars to riding buses and trains would require frequencies of every 15 minutes. That is far from the 30-minute standard here and in other cities.
Fab Hub Fades Fast
Fall Of Great Hall: Opening in 2014, Union Station’s Great Hall initially attracted 10 million people annually. Today it is depicted as a hotbed of violence and drug dealing.
Union Station — the $54 million renovation of the 1914 Beaux-Arts train station that opened in 2014 as RTD’s transit hub — was initially an amazing place. Located at 17th and Wynkoop, it included the historic, station house, a modern open-air train shed, and a 22-gate underground bus-light rail station.
It encompasses the Great Hall and Crawford Hotel plus dining-retail space. A popular weekend and holiday getaway spot for locals and travelers, it attracted more than 10 million people and featured dozens of free community events annually.
Eight years later it is depicted as a hotbed of violence and drug dealing. The Union Station neighborhood was consistently Denver’s 2021 second most crime-ridden neighborhood, according to Denver’s crime mapping. RTD has shut down bus terminal public restrooms and may corner-off a section of the terminal for those with paid fares.
X-Factor: Commuters
Even prior to the pandemic, RTD confronted several years of gradual and puzzling ridership drops. Ridership fell about 5% from 2014 to 2019, with a bigger 2019 bump.
Ridership bottomed out at 30% of normal in the spring of 2020. Even as riders slowly return, recovery remains uneven. Buses attracted just 56% of the riders in November of last year as it did in the same month of 2019. Even with fewer trips, train ridership is performing at 37% to 48% of 2019.
The struggle to attract riders continues, with monthly data through last November indicating that about 53% of riders have returned.
Bus, Train Troubles
Crime Crisis: Not only did security worries cripple the better air campaign, RTD’s transit hub has been the scene of more than 1,200 arrests and tickets in the last six months.
Where RTD’s bus network has frequent service, it correlates well to population density. Service, however, is less reliable and stop amenities are lower quality. Thus, ridership lags despite buses going where people want to go. Meanwhile, RTD and Denver Police are literally trying to reclaim Union Station’s bus terminal. Planned security upgrades should help.
Denver’s light rail focuses on suburban-downtown trips. Service and amenities are decent, albeit stops often aren’t in useful spots and trains don’t show up on schedule.
A series titled “Ghost Train” is the focus of a CPR podcast miniseries that contends the ambitious, costly rail lines “have done relatively little to shift people around the region and is a story of disappointment and betrayal.”
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 26, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
“Hey, hey, we’re dancin’ into September. Our souls are singin’, Never a cloudy day.” It’s words to the classic song “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. If you know it, you love it.
It’s not only one of the month’s best songs, it’s also outrageously catchy, not to mention conducive to dancing. It’s a song about September’s good times, change, and celebration.
To mark the shift of seasons, your mood, and mindset, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so come September, “everything wrong is gonna be alright:”
3 For a fast, fun start to the month plan to attend the expanded Art RiNo, Sept. 5-11. The weeklong fest will have art, music, theater, and workshops. Plus, the event is partnering with the Westword Music Showcase. Information: 303-892-1505.
3 Enjoy tastings, seminars, cocktail competition, plus an al fresco dinner Sept. 7-11 at the Denver Food & Wine Fest in Sculpture Park. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Attend John Denver’s 50th Fete at Boettcher Concert Hall as the Symphony shows video of Denver singing Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Catch Emerson Quartet’s 18th and final concert at the Newman Center Sept. 11, 5 to 7 p.m. They’ll play Romantic era masterworks. Information: 303-388-9839.
3 Popular Monaco Inn Restaurant launched lunch again in September serving homemade Greek and American food. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; dinner hours Mon.-Sat., 5 to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Want to be an eco-friendly pet parent? Go to Sustain-A-Bowl, Denver’s first sustainable pet store. Paws-itively the best for pets and the planet. Store has self-wash and grooming facilities. Unique and affordable. Information: 303-862-7018.
3 Watch-listen at free Battle of the Bands in Infinity Park’s Festival Plaza Sept. 17, 6 p.m. Bring a picnic and chairs. Information: infinityparkatglendale.com/events.
3 Blues Master B.B. King’s daughter Claudette entertains with the Hazel Miller Band at Dazzle@Baurs, Sept. 23, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Make plans to attend the Children’s Museum 49th Birthday Bash Sept. 9, 6 p.m. Evening event at the Marsico Campus will feature tasty bites from some of Denver’s top caterers, an open bar, auctions, and dancing. The Birthday Bash is the Children’s Museum’s most important annual fundraiser. All proceeds directly benefit the Museum’s educational programs, exhibits, access initiatives, and general operations. Cocktail attire suggested. Information: 303-561-0102.
This month’s transition to cooler weather paired with falling leaves always makes for a romantic setting. Not to mention, September reminds us that the holidays are fast approaching.
Fall is here, which, if studies can be trusted, ought to be joyful, with nearly 30 percent favoring it above winter, spring, and summer. No wonder the month has inspired so many songwriters.
Awwtumn: It is a time of hot chocolatery mornings, marshmallow evenings, and leaping into leaves, says Winnie-the-Pooh. Get set to jump into the cozy, comfy season.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jul 22, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
With luck this month we’ll be rewarded with light-hearted days of summer to release us from the rollercoaster of a year it has been thus far. A spell to savor summer’s splendid days.
Time for weekend gatherings and weeknight dinners on restaurant patios as we join friends and neighbors to eat, drink, socialize, and bask in beautiful views to renew our spirits.
To celebrate the Sunday of Summer, here are our wistful August choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so the smell of the lawn makes you want to flop down on it:
3 Make the most of summer’s end by going to Cherry Creek North’s four-day Al Fresco Food & Wine, Aug. 17-20. Culinary roster has 20 restaurant and 20 spirit allies leading to the Fillmore Plaza Grand Tasting. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Attend dog contests, buy products-services at Dumb Friends League’s Cherry Creek North Pets On The Plaza, Aug. 6-7, 11 a.m. Information: 720-272-7476.
3 Enjoy dinner and a performance by the 18-piece jazz orchestra led by Annie Booth playing at Dazzle@Baur’s, Aug. 8, 7 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 End summer’s hot days chilling to Classic Vinyl’s music and the movie Yesterday free at Infinity Park, Aug. 12, 6 p.m. Information: infinityparkeatglendale.com.
3 Hungry for French-European breads, pastries, and sweets? Drive to top-tier Detour Bakery on S. Holly St. for a variety of fresh-flaky classic croissants. More: take the family or meet friends for breakfast or lunch. Information: 303-746-2020.
3 Shut out heat today, cold this winter, with window coverings from Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery. Offering Dept. of Energy-certified interior coverings to save you money with Xcel Energy and product rebates. Information: 303-355-4223.
3 Relish steak bites paired with cocktails at Denver’s Steakhouse Championship in Sculpture Park at the DCPA, Aug. 18, 6-10 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
3 Enjoy violin, piano, and guitar music at Cherry Creek’s Smash Fine Arts Festival on Fillmore Plaza, Aug. 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 For a cool close to summer, take the clan to the JFS Family Concert at the Mission Ballroom on Aug. 28, 1-3 p.m. Celebrating Jewish Family Service’s 150th Anniversary, it features a Nathaniel Rateliff solo acoustic performance. Food and drinks will be served while you stroll the ballroom learning about JFS’s programs. There will be games and activities for the kids. The nonprofit serves everyone, regardless of religious beliefs. Information: 303-597-5000.
Jonathan Richman’s 1983 “That Summer Feeling” hits all of the summer cliches creating an August shift in our mood. We suddenly realize we’ve only got 31days to glow.
Before you know it, we’ll be heading into autumn again. With lyrics like “Why must summer ever end…” we try to hang onto Nat King Cole’s “Lazy-Crazy Days of Summer.”
August is the last flicker of fun before the freeze comes. Chronicle reporter’s end of summer scoop: “Go out for ice cream, run through a sprinkler, and dance in the sun.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 26, 2022 | General Featured
City Hosting Jaw-Dropping Show From Infinity Park July 1; Concerts, Park Hill Parade, More Fireworks During Weekend
Fireworks From The Park: Glendale’s annual July 4th fireworks — one of region’s oldest and largest — is allowing families to view the mesmerizing show from Infinity Park stadium and turf field for the first time.
Glendale’s jaw-dropping fireworks — considered the Valley’s premier display — will once again light up the Valley. Blazing into the skies at dusk on July 1, the Glendale Independence Day celebration is for the first-time allowing families and friends to view the mesmerizing free pyrotechnics show from Infinity Park stadium, or on the turf field outside the stadium.
One of the oldest and largest fireworks shows in the region, the 2022 show is adding a new format: Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks show will be preceded by movie shorts and videos on the stadium’s jumbo screen, plus food trucks will be on site. Attendees may also bring food and beverages (no glass containers or grills). Changes are the result of closure of Creekside Park — the long-time launch site — to make way for construction of the new Four Mile Entertainment District.
The fireworks will flash and flicker into the sky beginning at about 9:15 p.m. The dazzling aerial display will create bright, colorful shapes that spin, spiral, whirl, whisk, spurt, spray, and splatter to outbursts of ooohs and aaahs from the close-up crowd. Information: InfinityParkat Glendale.com.
More Ways To Celebrate
Sprint Spirit: Families can get in the holiday spirit by participating in the four-mile Liberty Run-Walk in Wash Park on July 4th, 8:30-11:30 a.m. There’s also a Kids Firecracker Fun Run.
The Glendale blast off launches the biggest weekend of fireworks, concerts, art shows, and new Independence Day festivities in recent memory. From Friday through Monday July 4th, you’ll have no trouble finding fun activities to enjoy. Beyond picnics and backyard BBQs, there are baseball games, parades, musical performances, and onetime get-togethers to share with family and friends. Here’s the Chronicle’s day-by-day guide of things to do to make this the best 4th Of July holiday ever:
July 1
Concert & Fireworks: For longer than Colorado has been a state, the Denver Municipal Band has been delighting Valley audiences. Take the kids, dogs, and picnic gear and go to Cranmer Park on E. 1st Ave., 5-6:30 p.m. The free concert is followed by fireworks. Information: denvermunicipalband.org.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival: Start the holiday celebrations rolling by attending the annual Festival that opens July 1 and runs through July 3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. The festival is returning to the streets of Cherry Creek North where you’ll enjoy art, music, and cuisine that is free to the public. Information: 303-355-2787.
Dzirae Gold Dazzles: Her sultry vocals described as “smooth as liquid gold,” soul singer is at Dazzle@Baur’s, 7 p.m., followed by jazz musicians Nostal-Jazz at 10 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Fan Expo: Activities and attractions for the entire family, event opens at the Convention Center July 1, 4 p.m.- 9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sun. until 5 p.m. Fans meet their favorite superheroes, princesses, and actors. Information: 303-228-8000.
Punx Unite Festival: Known as a blend of various band and music cultures, musical experience is July 1 & 2 at the Bluebird Theater on E. Colfax Ave., 5 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
July 2
Four Mile 4th: The annual Independence celebration at Four Mile Historic Park will feature music, crafts, historical re-enactors, and live demonstrations July 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Four Mile Park Independence Celebration: A fun-filled day of music, crafts, historical re-enactors, and live demonstrations at Four Mile Historic Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Event has live music, prairie games, crafts, plus food trucks. Information: 720-865-0800.
Colorado Rockies Fireworks: Nothing says America like a baseball game and some fireworks. Watch the Rockies face the Houston Astros July 2 and 3 followed by fireworks. Information: 303-292-0200.
Super Cruise Saturday: Car lovers gather along South Golden Road to watch vintage vehicles, hot rods, and custom cars of all kinds. Sponsored by Golden VFW Post 4171, the cruise is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: 303-279-2119.
Holiday Hit: Valley baseball fans can watch the Colorado Rockies play the Houston Astros on July 2 and 3, followed by fireworks.
Roots & Rhythm: The group that just opened for four-time Grammy singer Dianne Reeves entertains at Inga’s Alpine Tavern, 7 p.m. Information: 720-389-6203.
Broomfield 4th of July Carnival: If the kids want to go to a carnival this holiday, take them to FlatIron Crossing. Rides are from 6-9 p.m. today, Sat.-Sun. & the 4th, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Information: 720-887-9900.
July 3
Independence Eve: Enjoy the sweet sounds of the Colorado Symphony plus local artists in Civic Center Park downtown. Music starts at 6 p.m., Colorado Symphony performs at 8:15 p.m. followed by the light show on the City-County Bldg. The fireworks finale will begin about 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-861-4633.
Stars & Stripes Forever: Enjoy holiday music by the Arapahoe Philharmonic in the Farm House Restaurant at the Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton, 7 p.m. You’ll hear symphonic classics like the “1812 Overture” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” plus film-TV favorites including the theme from “The Mandalorian.” Fireworks end the evening. Information: 303-803-1380.
July 4
Patriotic Playlist: Roots & Rhythm gets residents tuned-up for the holidays at Inga’s Alpine Tavern in Glendale July 2, 7 p.m.
Park Hill 4th Of July Parade: Marching bands, floats, classic cars, and costumed characters, starting at 1:30 p.m. Denver’s largest Independence Day parade runs along 23rd Ave. for approximately one mile from Dexter St. to Krameria St. A street fair concludes the parade on the 2200 block of Kearney St. (between 22nd and 23rd Aves.), with food, music, and kids’ activities. Information: 303-918-6517.
Aurora 4th Of July Spectacular: Musical performances and food trucks on the Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn beginning at 5 p.m. Entertainment is from 6-9:30 p.m., followed by fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-739-6702.
The Dream Maker: The Denver Botanic Gardens becomes even more magical as magician and former Cirque du Soleil performer Xavier Mortimer entertains, 6 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
Government Glitter: The Colorado Symphony performs at Civic Center Park at 8:15 p.m., followed by a light show on the City-County Bldg. and a fireworks finale downtown on Independence eve. Photo credit: denver.org
DeadBeats Backyard Jamboree: Zeds Dead & friends, including Blunts & Blonds, and So Tuff So Cute entertain in Civic Center Park, 3-5 p.m. There’s BBQ and lawn games, plus special viewing area off main stage. Information: 303-861-4633.
Liberty Run & Kids Firecracker Fun Run: A Four Mile Run-Walk in Wash Park, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Attendees can also provide talent on the Liberty Run’s Got Talent stage. Ice cream and apple pie provided. Information: 303-522-4387.
Lindsey Giffey: Acoustic guitarist plays and sings at The Morrison Inn on Bear Creek Ave. in Morrison, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Information: 303-697-8850.
Lake Dillon Symphony Spectacular: Celebrate the stars and stripes at Lake Dillon as the Colorado Symphony plays scores from the “Armed Forces Salute,” “God Bless America” and other 4th of July favorites at the Dillon Amphitheater, 4 p.m. Information: 970-468-2403.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 24, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
“Say it loud and make me proud, ooh I live in America,” proclaim the words of James Brown’s song “Living in America.” It’s hard for most of us to put our patriotism into words.
So we let music legends like Lee Greenwood — “God Bless the U.S.A.,” 1984 — and Bruce Springsteen — “Born in the U.S.A.,” 1984 — sing it out and ignite our 4th of July spirit.
To celebrate freedom, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so your spirit soars to meet our mountains in a patriotic July 4th “Rocky Mountain High” salute:
3 Begin July at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival as it returns to the streets of Cherry Creek North, July 1-3. There are 15 performing artists, food stations, plus activities for the kids, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. Information: 303-355-2787.
3 Keep the festivities going at Four Mile Park’s Independence Day Fête, July 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s live music, games, crafts, and food. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Enjoy marching bands, floats, classic cars, and costumed characters at the Park Hill 4th of July Parade, July 4, starting at 1:30 p.m. Information: 303-919-6517.
3 Revel in Mozart Under the Moonlight as Christopher Dragon leads the Colorado Symphony at the Arvada Center, July 15, 7:30 p.m. Information:720-898-7200.
3 Chow down as top chefs David Grant and Justin Brunson compete in Plant vs. Protein Showdown at Four Mile Park July 30, noon to 6 p.m. Eric Golden and the Honky Tonk Band provide the entertainment. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Buy tickets, foursomes, and sponsorships to this year’s Willie’s Wishes Charity Golf Tournament at Quint Valley Golf Course in Byers. The Shotgun Willie’s event provides scholarships to entertainers. Information: 303-388-9601.
3 Enjoy bites from 60 independent restaurants, plus cocktails, wine-beer at The Big Eats in DCPA’s Galleria July 28, 6 to 9 p.m. Information: Info@eatdenver.com.
3 Shop food, crafts, and products at free Havana Street Global Market at 2802 S. Havana St. in Aurora, July 26 and 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: 720-788-8986.
3 Gather the kids and family and celebrate the Fourth of July at Infinity Park Stadium and turf in Glendale, July 1, 7:30 p.m. One of the largest and oldest in the Valley, for the first-time families and friends can view the mesmerizing free show from Infinity Park, preceded by movie shorts and videos on the stadium’s jumbo screen, with food trucks on site. Guests can also bring food and beverages, no glass containers or grills allowed. Information: InfinityParkatGlendale.com.
Cherry Creek Valley citizens remain crystal clear about their love of country. Our laid-back living, rugged individualism, and optimism are as classic as Don McLean’s “American Pie.”
Despite this being the start of the hot-sultry Dog Days of Summer, welcome July as the month dedicated to freedom, independence, and celebration of our country and culture.
As we hail the U.S.A., Greenwood’s lyrics say it all: “The flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away. I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
