How to get a free ride home
Drivers will find increased patrols and detours downtown
People in the Denver area out celebrating New Year’s Eve will find increased patrols and detours and delays downtown — and options other than getting behind the wheel to get home.
Public transportation
Regional Transportation District officials said they will waive fares for all buses, trains and the Flexride and Access- a- Ride services starting at 7 p.m. Sunday and continuing through 7 a.m. New Year’s Day
More than 2 million people since 2008 have taken advantage of RTD’S New Year’s Eve free rides, offered in partnership with the brewing company Molson Coors, which provides $50,000 to help cover the costs.
“We want to encourage people to celebrate responsibly — by not driving, by taking transit,” RTD spokeswoman Marta Sipeki said.
Ride-hail reimbursement
Colorado residents 21 and older with valid IDS also can receive reimbursement of up to $ 35 for a one-way ride home using Uber or Lyft ride-hailing services or cabs under a safety program sponsored by the Wilhite law firm. The reimbursements are available to residents who upload a photo ID and their digital receipts.
Police patrols increase
Local police agencies, backed by the Colorado Department of Transportation, are increasing New Year’s Eve weekend patrols across the state to remove impaired drivers from roads.
Last year, local police made 168 DUI arrests during the holiday period of increased enforcement but the consumption of alcohol or cannabis during New Year’s celebrations led to seven deaths, the highest since 2016, Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the State Patrol, said in a news release. Around Colorado in 2023, 208 people have been killed in fatalities linked to impaired driving,
“Although most Coloradans never drink and drive, it only takes a handful of selfish people to devastate a family or community,” Packard said. “Make the smart choice this New Year and give up your keys if you’ve been drinking. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving and can result in a DUI arrest.”
Downtown route adjustment
During the downtown Denver fireworks shows at 9 p.m. and midnight along the 16th Street Mall, RTD’S free Mallride shuttles will operate along 15th and 17th streets. Light rail services on the D, L and H lines also will be adjusted in the downtown area during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Starting at 8 p.m., the D- and HLine trains will not operate north of the Theatre District- Convention Center station. The L-line service will be suspended starting at 8 p.m. (RTD officials suggest bus Route 43 as an alternative.)
Expect delays and detours downtown, RTD officials said in a news release, which may affect scheduled connecting bus and rail trips.