Transportation options to and from the DU campus will increase next week with the grand opening of the University of Denver RTD light-rail station Nov. 17.

The station is located near Centennial Towers at the intersection of East Buchtel Boulevard. and South Race Street.

The new station is part of the Transportation Expansion (T-REX) project begun in 2001 for southeast Denver.

The $1.67 billion venture adds four light rail lines, 13 light-rail stations and 11 bus routes to the Regional Transpiration District (RTD) system.

The four southeast light-rail lines – E, F, G, and H – connect to the already existing C and D lines at the I-25 and Broadway station. For DU students, faculty, and staff, this means easier access to LoDo, downtown, 16th Street Mall, and numerous other locations.

The addition of a light-rail station at the DU is a “potentially life changing opportunity” said Neil Krauss, assistant vice chancellor of business and financial affairs at DU.

It will save many people money and the hassle of trying to find parking on or around campus, he said.

“We expect it to be a tremendous asset to the university,” said Krauss.

The new station will make it easier for staff, faculty and students to travel to and from campus as well as provide easier access for visitors to the DU campus.

Several grand opening celebrations are being held at various southeast light-rail stations.

On Nov. 17, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the new Lincoln Station.

At the Colorado Boulevard station, there will be a station celebration featuring a free concert by Walker Williams among other events from noon to 3 p.m.

As well, free rides will be offered on the southeast line from 11 a.m. to midnight.

The University of Denver station celebration is Nov. 18, and will feature food from local vendors, carnival games, and live broadcast music.

Free rides will be offered on the southeast and southwest lines from 6 a.m. to midnight. Regular fare service begins Nov. 19.

Each of the new light-rail stations, with the exception of Louisiana and Pearl, offer free parking.

The DU station parking structure will be open to all RTD users, closing only from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. each evening to prevent overnight parking.

The lower level of the garage provides bus access.

All students and eligible faculty and staff receive free service on all RTD buses and light rail with an RTD Eco Pass, a small sticker affixed to the Pioneer ID Card.

Eco Passes can be obtained at the Transportation Center in Driscoll University Center South.