DENVER — The Regional Transportation District intends to end an agreement with Greyhound that allows the intercity bus service to use the underground bus concourse at Union Station.
RTD said issues including loitering and buses abandoned overnight "have negatively contributed to RTD's operations," leading them to terminate the five-year agreement when it ends on Aug. 31.
"Over the past four years, on multiple occasions, Greyhound has abandoned buses and its customers in the bus concourse overnight," RTD said in a statement. "Greyhound's operations also necessitate long waits for transferring passengers, which causes crowding and loitering around Greyhound gates in the concourse. These issues have negatively contributed to RTD's operations and made it more difficult for Transit Police and contracted security personnel to effectively patrol and secure the facility."
"RTD recognizes that Greyhound has made good faith efforts to address many of the agency’s concerns related to personal safety and security challenges, but it is in RTD’s best interest not to renew the agreement," the statement said.
RTD and Greyhound entered into the agreement in August 2020. Greyhound previously operated from a standalone facility at 19th and Curtis streets in downtown Denver.
In March 2022, RTD announced they would make changes to address "unwelcome activity" at the bus concourse. The moves came after transit workers and others expressed concerns about illegal activity and unsafe conditions in the area.
RTD said that last year, the agency "redoubled its efforts to create a welcoming transit environment for all bus and rail customers, with a specific focus on bolstering security at Denver Union Station."
"RTD recognizes that Greyhound has made good faith efforts to address many of the agency’s concerns related to personal safety and security challenges, but it is in RTD’s best interest not to renew the agreement," the agency said in the statement.
"We appreciate that RTD acknowledges our eagerness to address any concerns surrounding our operations at Union Station," Greyhound said in a statement Thursday afternoon. "We are waiting to receive specific information about any recent operational issues. Our goal is to preserve intercity bus service in downtown Denver—an area that enables people from all walks of life to access affordable long-distance transportation."
Greyhound said the lease expires in less than a year, which they said is not enough time to secure an alternative location.
"Relocating a major intercity bus station typically takes several years to consult with local communities, obtain necessary planning and zoning approvals, secure conditional or special use permits, conduct traffic studies, environmental reviews, and complete construction-related activities," the Greyhound statement said. "As we’ve communicated to RTD recently, we are open to exploring alternative RTD locations that meet the needs of intercity bus passengers—many of whom cannot afford other transportation options or need to reach communities not served by planes or rail."