Type Light Rail Stations 12 | Status Operational | |
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Termini Union StationLittleton/Mineral Opened April 5, 2002 (2002-04-05) Locale Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Statistical Area Operator Regional Transportation District | ||
The C Line – also referred to as the Orange Line, because the line is colored orange on maps – is a light rail line which is part of the light rail system operated by the Regional Transportation District in the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area in Colorado. The line was added to the system on April 5, 2002, to coincide with the opening of the Central Platte Valley Spur. Initially, C trains operated seven days a week, but ran to Mineral Ave. only during peak hours and sporting events. At all other times, C service operated to I-25/Broadway. On May 3, 2003, C trains began operating to Mineral Ave. at all times. With the opening of the Southeast Corridor on November 17, 2006, weekend C service was discontinued except for certain sporting events, with the new E line operating seven days per week. On January 11, 2009, the midday service pattern between Union Station and I-25/Broadway was resumed and evening service discontinued. Midday weekday service was discontinued on January 19, 2012 and was reinstated on August 17, 2014 over the entire route.
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Stations
The C Line's northern terminus is at Union Station in Denver, runs on a railroad right-of-way south to its junction with the D Line at 10th & Osage Station, and shares track with the D Line until both lines reach their southern terminus at Mineral Avenue in Littleton.
In addition, the C Line provides access to the sports venues of Denver – Coors Field, Pepsi Center, and Sports Authority Field at Mile High – Six Flags Elitch Gardens, and LoDo, as well as access to the western portion of the Auraria Campus.
FasTracks
The 2004 voter approved FasTracks plan will add 2.5 mi (4.02 km) to the Southwest Corridor (C Line and D Line). It will also add a station with 1,000 parking spots at C-470 and Lucent Boulevard in Highlands Ranch. There may also be a station at C-470 and Santa Fe Boulevard. This extension may open as soon as 2017.