Douglas County Expands Free Rideshare Service Into Parker Starting 2026

I have so much independence now that it's been a breath of fresh air," said Zach Stone, a Douglas County resident who relies on Link On Demand for his daily transportation. Next month, thousands of Parker residents will get their first chance to feel the same way.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 24 to approve a $4.4 million contract extending the free Link On Demand rideshare service east through Stonegate and into northern and central Parker, with service beginning in April 2026. The Town of Parker is contributing $250,000 toward services within its boundaries. The remainder of the funding comes from Road and Bridge Sales and Use Tax revenue allocated for Transit and Mobility projects.

The program launched in Lone Tree before expanding into Highlands Ranch in 2025, accumulating 72,000 trips and a 4.9 out of 5-star rider rating across those two service areas. The $4.4 million contract covers continued operations in both Lone Tree and Highlands Ranch alongside the new Parker and Stonegate territory.

Stone, who doesn't drive, called the service transformative. "It's something that I truly have been wanting for years is just the independence," he said. He's already eyeing the next horizon: "As a resident of Douglas County, I'd even like to see it go all the way out to Castle Rock." Douglas County confirmed that discussions about a Castle Rock expansion are underway, and the Board of County Commissioners anticipates further expansion throughout 2026.

The service runs six days per week with Sundays off and is free to all users. Branded, wheelchair-accessible shuttles driven by professional drivers handle pickups. The shared-ride model pairs passengers traveling in the same direction, functioning, as the county describes it, like "a bus route that's always changing based on who needs a ride." The shuttle may detour to collect additional passengers during a trip, and wait times can vary.

Link On Demand is designed for those with mobility issues, older adults, students, and anyone without reliable access to a personal vehicle. Popular stops in the existing service area include Sky Ridge Medical Center, Park Meadows Mall, the Lone Tree Arts Center, Highlands Ranch Library, Civic Green Park, and both the Littleton/Mineral and Lincoln RTD stations.

To use the service, download the Link On Demand app on Android or iOS, create an account, and enter a pickup and drop-off location. The county says drivers typically arrive within minutes of booking. Riders can also schedule by calling 719-212-2430.