GDT > RTD Rider’s Guide > Routes > 16th Street FreeRide
RTD’s 16th Street FreeRide (formerly the Free MallRide) is a convenient and free bus service operating in downtown Denver. As its name suggests, the 16th Street FreeRide travels along 16th Street, a bustling pedestrian mall that stretches approximately 1.25 miles from Union Station on the west end to Civic Center Station on the east end. This route provides access to numerous shops, restaurants, hotels, and cultural attractions, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
Map & Schedule
Buses on the 16th Street FreeRide route run frequently, typically every 4 to 5 minutes, ensuring minimal wait times for passengers. The service operates seven days a week, with slightly reduced hours and frequency on weekends and holidays.
The midday frequency was reduced from every 1.5 minutes to 3 minutes in August 2018.
Due to construction on 16th Street, the 16th Street FreeRide is currently detoured on to 15th & 17th streets.
Vehicles Used
The 16th Street FreeRide uses zero-emission battery electric BYD K10MR transit buses, made by Chinese firm BYD. Buses are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs.
Ridership
| Year | Total |
| 2018 | 9,451,000 |
| 2019 | 10,076,000 |
| 2020 | 3,600,000 |
| 2021 | 3,425,000 |
| 2022 | 3,800,000 |
| 2023 | 1,753,000 |
| 2024 | 1,509,000 |
Route Renaming
In May 2025, as part of its efforts to revitalize the 16th Street Mall, the City of Denver announced that it would be renamed to ’16th Street’. As part of this, RTD agreed to change the name the Free MallRide to ’16th Street’ FreeRide’. The rebranding effort is expected to comprise of changing over signage and the text on the buses, which will retain their red and blue colors.
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