What You’ll Spend on Transit in Littleton
Do you really need a car to get around Littleton, or could public transportation work for your budget and lifestyle? Let’s break down the numbers. Public transportation costs in Littleton are relatively affordable compared to car ownership. A standard one-way bus fare is $2.50, while a 30-day pass runs about $99. A 30-day bus pass in Littleton typically costs $99.
Of course, your total monthly transit spend depends on how often you ride. A weekday commuter taking two buses per day might spend around $100 a month, while an occasional rider using transit on weekends could get by on just $20-$40 in fares. The more you ride, the more a monthly pass makes sense to cap your costs.
Still, these figures are much lower than the hundreds you’d likely spend each month on car payments, insurance, gas, maintenance, and Littleton parking. For some households, going car-free or car-light and switching to transit can unlock major savings. Plus, with an extensive bus and light rail network, Littleton’s public transportation is a viable option for many residents.
Transit Options Available
Littleton is served by multiple public transportation providers, offering several ways to get around town and connect to the wider Denver metro area:
- Regional Transportation District (RTD) buses, with over a dozen routes across Littleton
- RTD light rail trains, including the C, D, and E lines that run through Littleton
- Access-a-Ride paratransit service for riders with disabilities
- FlexRide, an on-demand RTD shuttle serving parts of Littleton
RTD’s network map shows solid coverage in Littleton, with buses and trains connecting major destinations like Aspen Grove, downtown Littleton, Littleton Adventist Hospital, and the Mineral light rail station. Many routes run every 15-30 minutes on weekdays, with less frequent service on evenings and weekends.
With a bit of planning, RTD makes it possible to reliably get around Littleton and reach key points across the Denver area without needing a personal vehicle. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on exactly where you live and work. But Littleton residents have a good mix of transit options at their disposal.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
To give you a clearer picture of what you might spend on transit each month in Littleton, here are some common scenarios:
| Rider Profile | Monthly Transit Costs |
|---|---|
| Rush hour commuter (5 days/week) | $99 (local 30-day pass) |
| All-day commuter (5 days/week) | $171 (regional 30-day pass) |
| Weekend-only rider (8 days/month) | $40 (8 day passes) |
| Occasional rider (4 roundtrips/month) | $20 (8 one-way fares) |
🏆 Winner: For most Littleton commuters, the $99 Local 30-day pass is the best deal. It offers unlimited rides on any local RTD bus or train at a much lower cost than single fares. If you take more than 40 one-way trips per month, a pass makes financial sense.
Keep in mind that these are full fares. You may qualify for discounted passes if you’re a senior, student, or low-income rider. And your employer might offer an EcoPass or other transit benefits to lower your costs even more.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Littleton?
With fares as low as $2.50 per ride and monthly passes under $100, Littleton public transportation costs are very competitive with driving. Consider that the average monthly car loan payment in the U.S. is over $700 alone. Then factor in Littleton gas prices, insurance, maintenance, and parking fees that can easily add hundreds more.
Meanwhile, the average bus commute in Littleton takes about 35 minutes — only 10-15 minutes more than driving in typical traffic. Light rail is even faster. And with many employers located near major RTD stations, the time difference may be negligible for some commuters.
Of course, transit requires some extra planning and walking compared to driving. Littleton is somewhat walkable, but not every neighborhood has easy access to bus stops. However, if you live and work near major RTD lines, using transit can be a reliable, affordable alternative to spending thousands a year on car ownership.
Ways to Save on Transit
While Littleton transit is already quite affordable, there are ways to save even more on your fares:
- Buy a monthly pass instead of single fares if you ride regularly
- See if you qualify for discounted fares as a senior, student, or low-income rider
- Ask your employer about transit benefits like EcoPass or pre-tax commuter cards
- Combine transit with walking, biking, or carpooling to lower your total trips
Families in particular can save a lot by ditching one car and switching to transit, walking, and biking for some trips. Even if you still need a car sometimes, using transit strategically can help trim your overall transportation costs in Littleton.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Littleton?
Walking and biking are the cheapest ways to get around Littleton, followed by public transit. A single bus fare is just $2.50, while monthly passes start at $99. Driving is much more expensive when you factor in car payments, gas, insurance, and parking.
Are there monthly transit passes in Littleton?
Yes, Littleton riders can choose from several RTD monthly pass options. A Local 30-day pass ($99) covers unlimited rides on any regular RTD bus or train. A Regional 30-day pass ($171) adds airport and suburban express routes.
Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
Many Littleton residents find public transit like RTD to be a reliable commuting option. Buses and light rail trains run frequently during peak hours, and many large employers are located near major transit hubs. Your commute may be a bit longer than driving, but will likely cost much less.
Getting Around Smarter in Littleton
As you can see, public transportation costs in Littleton are very reasonable, especially compared to the high costs of owning a car. While transit may not be the best fit for every trip, strategic riders can save a lot by replacing some driving with buses and trains.
Of course, transportation is just one part of the cost-of-living picture in Littleton. Families here also have to budget for housing, food, healthcare, and other essentials. For more insights on how real residents make the numbers work, check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Littleton Residents.
At the end of the day, Littleton transit offers a reliable, affordable way to get around town and beyond. With a little planning, using RTD could put hundreds back in your pocket each year to spend on what matters most to you.