RTD Budget Cuts May Isolate Broomfield's Vulnerable Residents

Proposed service reductions could leave disabled riders without nearby paratransit access

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:13am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph shot through condensation or rain-streaked glass, depicting a blurred, warm-toned scene of a public transit bus stop or paratransit vehicle, conveying a sense of isolation and disconnection.As RTD budget cuts threaten to limit paratransit access, the Grove at Cottonwood's new disabled residents face the prospect of increased isolation.Broomfield Today

Residents with disabilities moving into the new Grove at Cottonwood complex in Broomfield may be left without nearby paratransit service after RTD refused to extend Access-a-Ride to the new development. The decision comes as RTD tackles a $215 million budget deficit, weighing further cuts and fare changes that disability advocates warn could further isolate vulnerable riders across the metro area.

Why it matters

The potential loss of paratransit service to the Grove at Cottonfield highlights the broader impact RTD's budget-balancing efforts could have on disabled and disadvantaged residents in Broomfield and beyond. As the city's population grows and diversifies, ensuring equitable access to public transportation is crucial for supporting the community's most vulnerable members.

The details

RTD has decided not to extend its Access-a-Ride paratransit service 1,800 feet to the new Grove at Cottonwood complex in Broomfield, leaving residents with disabilities in the new development potentially without nearby transportation options. This comes as RTD grapples with a $215 million budget deficit, weighing additional service cuts and fare changes that disability advocates warn could further isolate vulnerable riders across the metro area.

  • RTD has refused to extend Access-a-Ride service to the new Grove at Cottonwood complex in Broomfield.
  • RTD is tackling a $215 million budget deficit and considering further service cuts and fare changes.

The players

RTD

The Regional Transportation District, the public transit agency serving the Denver metropolitan area.

The Grove at Cottonwood

A new residential development in Broomfield, Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

Broomfield city leaders will decide on April 21 whether to extend the deadline for the long-planned $300 million Broomfield Town Square project, a move that could determine if the city finally gets the downtown core many residents have wanted for years.

The takeaway

RTD's budget-balancing efforts could have a disproportionate impact on Broomfield's most vulnerable residents, highlighting the need for the city and transit agency to work together to ensure equitable access to public transportation as the community continues to grow and evolve.