On November 12, 2026, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) released an economic impact study showing it generates approximately $2.1 billion in annual economic activity and supports about 17,500 jobs in the Denver region. The study, conducted by EBP, highlights the economic value of RTD's operations and capital investments, as well as the mobility benefits provided to residents and businesses.
According to the study, every $1 invested in RTD yields $2.42 in economic value, emphasizing the agency's role in connecting people to jobs and essential services.
Press Release: Regional Transportation District (RTD)
Published November 12, 2026. Reproduced in full from the Regional Transportation District (RTD).
RTD economic impact study: agency generates $2.1 billion in economic value and supports 17,500 jobs across the Denver region
Service Delivery
RTD economic impact study: agency generates $2.1 billion in economic value and supports 17,500 jobs across the Denver region
Pauline Haberman
Transit delivers strong return on investment while helping customers save money, access jobs, and reduce congestion
DENVER (Nov. 12, 2026), A new economic impact study shows the Regional Transportation District (RTD) is a major contributor to the region’s economy, supporting approximately 17,500 jobs, generating an estimated $2.1 billion in annual economic activity, and providing roughly $1.6 billion each year in community and mobility benefits.
Conducted by EBP, a Boston-based research and consulting firm specializing in transportation, energy, and economic development, the study evaluated the economic value generated by RTD’s operations and capital investments along with the mobility benefits transit provides to residents, businesses, and communities throughout the region.
The Economic Impact of the Denver Regional Transit District compared current conditions with a hypothetical scenario in which RTD transit service did not exist. Researchers found that every $1 invested in RTD generates $2.42 in economic value for the region, demonstrating a strong return for residents, employers, and communities.
"RTD isn't just moving people. It's helping power the regional economy," said RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. "This study confirms what many residents and employers already know: transit connects people to opportunity, supports business growth, and provides benefits that reach far beyond our customers."
RTD commissioned study to quantify the value transit delivers across the region. The findings provide leaders and stakeholders with compelling, data-driven insights into how transit supports employment, business activity, mobility, and quality of life, helping inform future investment and planning decisions.
RTD’s economic impact extends beyond broad regional benefits to the everyday mobility that keeps the region moving. By providing reliable access to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services, transit helps residents participate in the workplace and remain connected to their communities.
RTD connects workers to jobs across the region, particularly in essential industries such as hospitality, healthcare, education, retail, and service occupations. The study found that nearly one in five RTD trips would not occur if transit were unavailable, underscoring the critical role transit plays in helping residents reach essential destinations such as jobs, school, and medical appointments.
Without RTD, the study estimates the region would lose approximately 4,500 jobs and more than $1 billion in economic activity. Workers without reliable transportation would face additional barriers to employment and economic opportunity.
The study also found that RTD helps customers save money by providing an affordable alternative to driving, ride-hailing services, and taxis. Transit customers collectively avoid:
- More than $211 million annually in vehicle ownership costs, including insurance, registration, depreciation, and financing expenses
- Approximately $445 million annually in fuel, parking, vehicle operating, taxi, and ride-hail costs. The average RTD standard fare for a three-hour pass costs $2.75, compared with approximately $5.38 for driving and more than $22 for a taxi or transportation network company trip.
RTD also helps reduce congestion. Without transit service, researchers estimate the region would experience an additional 464 million vehicle miles traveled annually, resulting in an estimated $56 million each year in lost time and productivity.
Beyond its economic benefits, RTD contributes to public safety and environmental quality. The study found transit helps prevent an estimated:
- 19 fatalities annually
- 778 injuries annually
- 1,955 vehicle crashes and property-damage incidents annually, resulting in an estimated $464 million annual safety benefit
RTD also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 125,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, equivalent to the annual energy use of about 26,000 homes or the amount of carbon absorbed bv approximately two million trees over 10 years.
The study found that communities served by high-capacity transit service account for a substantial share of the region’s economic activity, jobs, and property value. In counties served by RTD's rail system and Flatiron Flyer service, approximately 40% of commercial property value and 11% of residential property value are located within one-half mile of high-capacity transit, despite those areas representing a much smaller share of total land area.
The findings highlight transit's role in supporting economic development, attracting investment, and creating vibrant, connected communities throughout the region.
RTD's annual operating, maintenance, and capital investments support approximately 9,300 jobs and generate more than $1 billion in community and mobility benefits. The agency's spending supports workers, suppliers, contractors, and local businesses throughout the Denver metropolitan area.
"As the region continues to grow, transit remains essential infrastructure that supports mobility, economic opportunity, sustainability, and quality of life," said Johnson. "The benefits of RTD extend well beyond our buses and trains. They help strengthen the entire region."
To obtain a copy of the Economic Impact of the Denver Regional Transit District, click here.
Written by Pauline Haberman
