Get Around Round Round You Get Around
LADIES, GENTLEMEN, GENTLE LADIES, AND men who occasionally identify as ladies on Thursday nights, we have officially entered pre-Pride season! Don’t forget to make travel arrangements for getting to and from bars, the Pride parade, Civic Center Park, and any other rainbow-infused shenanigans you might be getting into. If you’ll be traveling to the Mile High City to get ya Pride on, knowing about cool options for getting around is an absolute must, lest your travel plans become a bust.
O’Brian Gunn
Taxi Alternatives
Lyft and Uber make for two fine alternatives to a standard taxi. Not only are they usually cheaper, but there are also larger vehicles available for bigger groups. Both 24-hour services allow you to estimate the total cost of your trip and split the fare, which helps keep withering glares at a minimum if you have friends who constantly “forget” their wallets.
One thing to keep in mind with both services is that fares go up between busy hours, which can sometimes be difficult to predict. If you know someone who uses either service, have them send you an invitation with a discounted ride offer. One tip with your discounted offer: Wait to use it during busy hours since you have to use the entire discount the first time. Portion control is for dieting, not Lyft-ing and Uber-ing.
Car2Go
Car2Go gets you where you need to go without having to wait for a taxi or driver. Download the app, find the Car2Go vehicle nearest you, swipe your membership card, and hop in. Pricing starts out at $.41 per minute and $15 per hour, and you don’t have to worry about paying extra fees.
When your trip is over, park in legal parking spots, at meters, and in spaces that allow parking for at least two hours. When you park, check nearby signs for street sweeping, illegal parking, and reserved parking. Also, you’ll want to sign up for Car2Go at least a week before your first ride, which is how long it usually takes to receive your membership card.
B-Cycle
If you like to get in some exercise while you get around, check out B-Cycle. The service lets you check out one of 700 bikes at 85 stations scattered around the Denver area. The bike sharing service is great for shorter, local trips. Bear in mind that you can only check out a bike from 5am to midnight MDT, but you can return it at any time as long as you’re within your time limit. To check out a bike, you’ll need an access pass, which you can either buy online or at a kiosk.
Transit System FAQ
How much does a bus or light rail trip cost?
A one-way bus or light rail trip starts off at $2.25, if you’ll be traveling within one or two zones. Make sure you have exact change when riding the bus.
How do I transfer?
Let the bus driver know your final destination and ask for a transfer slip. Be aware that a transfer is only valid for travel in the same direction and for three hours. A validated light rail ticket can be used for a transfer if you’re also traveling by bus.
What if I need help?
It’s best that you plan your trip through RTD’s mobile site before you hop on a bus or light rail. You can see when your bus or light rail arrives, how long your trip lasts, where to get off, and the direction you’ll be traveling in. Arrive early in case the bus or light rail does the same.
Not only is our city a mile high, so are our transportation options!
Lyft.com, Uber.com, Car2Go.com, BCycle.com, RTD-Denver.com
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