Transit Inequality in the Denver Metro Area: A Quantitative Analysis of Job Accessibility and Service Equity

This study investigates structural inequities in the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) network by quantifying job accessibility and service frequency across 657 residential census tracts. Using GTFS schedule data, Census LODES employment statistics, and American Community Survey demographics, we find a strong positive correlation (r = 0.61) between transit dependency (zero-vehicle households) and job accessibility. Service gaps remain meaningful: 32% of tracts have no nearby service, representing 34% of residents but only 13% of zero-vehicle households.