Construction of FasTracks is underway! photo © RTD

In 2004, voters in the Denver metro area made history by voting to tax themselves 0.4% (4 pennies on $10) to build out FasTracks, a massive regional transit system. The full FasTracks plan includes 122 miles of new commuter rail and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit, 21,000 new parking spaces at light rail and bus stations, and enhanced bus service across the Denver metro area (check out the map below to see what this will all look like). When completed, the FasTracks system will provide the area with fast, affordable, and convenient transportation options and will be a national model for regional mass transit development.

In addition to all the new transit options,  the FasTracks plans also include the redevelopment of Denver Union Station (DUS) and the 20 acres surrounding it. DUS is in lower downtown Denver and will be the hub through which all the lines will connect. Its redevelopment into a transit-oriented development with office space, shops, restaurants and public space, all convenient to transit users, will make DUS and LoDo a major regional, national and international attraction.