The City of Boulder, with the support of the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and CU Boulder, is set to expand the local HOP bus service starting September 2, directly connecting the Boulder Junction area with other transit routes. According to the City of Boulder, the HOP will now include stops along Pearl Parkway, between 30th and Junction Place, and Walnut, connecting densely trafficked areas like the CU Boulder campus, University Hill, and downtown to the rejuvenated Boulder Junction Depot Square Station.
New bus stops and signage are slated for installation along the modified route, which aims to bridge communities and enhance access to the core of Boulder Junction's Transit-Oriented Development. The depot's reopening marks a significant development in Boulder's transit landscape and commits to a resurgence of services that knit together liveable neighborhoods. Interim Director of Transportation & Mobility Valerie Watson highlighted the importance of this service: “The HOP bus has been a community staple for over 30 years, and we are tremendously proud to continue to evolve its route to provide Boulder Junction with centralized local transit service,” the City of Boulder states.
Moreover, the Boulder Junction station will serve as a nexus, providing routes to Denver International Airport and the Denver Civic Center. RTD Board Director Lynn Guissinger expressed excitement about the initiative and its role in enhancing transit services for Boulder customers. The effort echoes local demands for the reinstatement of transit facilities at Boulder Junction, a sentiment that has been heard and acted upon by city officials and RTD alike.
In line with Boulder's transportation objectives, the city will take delivery of seven battery-electric buses this fall, funded by CDOT grants, to replace diesel buses and push towards a fully electrified HOP bus fleet by 2030. This shift underscores Boulder's commitment to safe, equitable, sustainable, and reliable travel options. The full map of the updated HOP service route can be found on the HOP Bus webpage, where residents and visitors can also sign up for updates from the city's Transportation and Mobility Department newsletter.
