Centennial residents and others in the Denver area have reason to celebrate; the new transit hub, which will handle all types of transportation, including Amtrak trains, commuter rail, light rail, taxis, buses, shuttles, pedestrians and bicycles, is set to open.
Perhaps the most striking part of the hub is its white canopy, which will shelter Amtrak's trains, as well as a new commuter line that will be built to take passengers to Denver International Airport. The canopy was designed to resemble those at the airport. The planned commuter rail line is known as the East Rail Line, and will run to the airport (a 35-minute journey) every 15 minutes. The line is slated to go into service in 2016.
The hub also features a transit center that has 22 bays for buses in an underground concourse. The new bus area replaces the bus station at Market Street.
Renovations to Union Station itself include ground floor space for restaurants and retail shops that comprises some 22,000 square feet. It also includes a great hall, a public common area, 110 hotel rooms, and a sizable outdoor plaza.
Transit officials could work with a banner printing company to create flags to hang on the canopy and other locations to celebrate the opening, which takes place on May 9 at Union Station.
