In the coming months, the Regional Transportation District and the Colorado Dept. of Transportation will mark several milestones as the U.S. 36 Express Lanes project nears completion. An express lane is currently being added in each direction on U.S. 36 from Federal Boulevard to Table Mesa between Boulder and Denver.

RTD’s bus rapid transit service and high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) will operate in the express lanes. Single-passenger vehicles may choose to use the express lanes and pay a toll. In addition, there will be two free, general-purpose lanes in each direction for drivers who do not wish to pay a toll.

While the HOV lanes are currently free for cars with at least two people, CDOT’s HOV plan will increase from two people in a vehicle to three people no later than January 2017.

RTD has held five public meetings about the new U.S. 36 Flatiron Flyer Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service plan, which begins in January 2016. The Flatiron Flyer will have two types of service: express service with fewer stops between Boulder and downtown Denver and all-station service that will make stops at all six stations on U.S. 36. The Flatiron Flyer will also have the option to travel in the right shoulder to bypass slow-moving traffic.

The service plan proposes to increase service hours by 10.7% and the number of trips by 16%. In addition, current routes may be adjusted. Public comment will be accepted until May 1, 2015.

RTD says its is planning a series of events to celebrate its BRT milestones:

•    June 30, 2015—Unveiling of the  new Flatiron Flyer pilot bus

•    Aug. 13, 2015—Boulder Junction at Depot Square Station open house

•    Oct. 24, 2015—Station ribbon-cuttings and station parties, hosted by cities along U.S. 36

•    Jan. 17, 2016—BRT service change begins.