Planning ahead for your transportation needs? We are, and two new options are on the horizon, thanks to partnership.
During a regular business meeting Tuesday, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners joined partnerships that will help bring two new transit options to Douglas County’s northern tier.
“These programs are the future of transit in Douglas County,” said Commissioner George Teal, Board Chair. “These partnerships are two more great examples of what we can do when governments come together.”
Link On Demand now in Meridian
One partnership will expand the Link On Demand service into Meridian. Link On Demand is a free shuttle service throughout Lone Tree. It works by pairing your ride with others going in the same direction, like a bus route that’s always changing based on who needs a ride.
A partnership among the City of Lone Tree, Douglas County, RTD, Denver South TMA and Southeast Public Improvement District allows the Link On Demand to benefit businesses and residents in the Meridian Metro District, while also offering access to medical facilities, retail and regional and statewide transit options.
The cost to expand the program is about $2.8 million for 2024 and 2025. RTD will fund $1,072,000. Denver South TMA is contributing $504,000, and Lone Tree is providing $1,092,000. Douglas County’s contribution is $144,000.
Learn more and book your ride today via the City of Lone Tree’s webpage. Or, on Android and iPhone, download the Link On Demand app to book your ride. If you prefer to book over the phone, please call the Link On Demand Dispatch Center at 719-212-2430. Rides are wheelchair accessible.
“This is a really exciting project. It’s very forward leaning into 2024,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “Particularly for our older adults and the most vulnerable, being able to have access to a ride for basic needs, like a doctor’s appointment or the grocery store, is important.”
CDOT’s I-25 Mobility Hub coming south of Lincoln
Another partnership will bring CDOT’s I-25 Mobility Hub to life just south of Lincoln Avenue.
CDOT’s Mobility Hubs re-envision the traditional park-and-ride transit stop. They are transportation centers at select locations that emphasize multimodal options to seamlessly connect various modes of transportation. At the I-25 Mobility Hub in Lone Tree, you’ll be able to access CDOT’s Bustang service, RTD’s Light Rail (at Sky Ridge) and Lone Tree’s Link on Demand.
The project is estimated at $20 million and has received an $8 million grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). Douglas County and the City of Lone Tree are each contributing $1 million, and CDOT will fund the remaining costs. Construction is expected to begin in late 2024 or early 2025. Learn more on CDOT’s webpage.
“Partnerships are the way we do business in Douglas County,” said Commissioner Lora Thomas. “When we’re working to move traffic more efficiently, we know it’s imperative we work with others.”
Leveraging partnerships to improve and maintain a multimodal transportation system for you, your family and your business, is a Core Priority for the Board of Douglas County Commissioners. Funding for both projects comes from voter-approved sales and use tax revenue that is dedicated to transportation projects.