I tried Douglas County's free rideshare
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The Link on Demand van after dropping me off in Lone Tree. Photo: Robert Sanchez/Axios
Growing up in Douglas County, there were two things my mother said never to do:
- Visit East Colfax Avenue.
- Use public transportation.
Why it matters: I broke the rules and recently tried Link on Demand — the free "microtransit" service Lone Tree launched about a decade ago that now serves much of northern Douglas County.
- It expanded into Highlands Ranch last year, delivering more than 95,000 trips there so far.
The latest: Link on Demand came to Parker in April.
How it works: It's like Uber or Lyft — open the app and enter pickup and drop-off locations.
- Since it's a shared ride, the driver might have stops along the way.
Fun fact: My dogs only take their medicine wrapped in cheese.
- Target in Lone Tree is 8 miles away.
Zoom in: I load the Link app and enter Target as my destination. My booking takes about 15 seconds.
- Since it's free, there's no credit card request.
What they're saying: A text says my ride will arrive in 26 minutes, and I'll be at Target by 1:52pm.
- My driver, Berkis, is in a Chrysler Voyager.
- There's also a license plate number.
Caveat: The map shows Berkis is picking up or dropping off more riders than expected.
Yes, and: Link texts update me when the van is 15 minutes away, then five, then one and finally as it arrives.
Behind the scenes: Berkis say "Hello," and I jump in the back seat.
- The Link van's clean, though a little creaky.
She's playing KOSI 101.1 — very softly. We don't talk much.
- The Link app allows me to text to my wife, letting her know I'm on my way to Target.
Zoom out: Berkis is a safe driver.
- Speed up, Berkis!
By the numbers: The 8-mile ride takes 22 minutes.
- Total wait, plus trip: 56 minutes.
Berkis delivers me to Target's front door and wishes me a nice Memorial Day weekend.
The bottom line: Safe. Clean. Easy. Free.
- I'll take my mom next time.