The Regional Transportation District expects a significant increase in bus and train ridership Sunday as thousands of fans head to Empower Field at Mile High for the Denver Broncos’ AFC championship game against the New England Patriots.

The 1 p.m. kickoff Sunday positions public transit as a practical option to avoid downtown traffic and parking hassles, with multiple rail lines and bus routes serving the stadium area.

Additional Transit Police officers and security personnel will deploy systemwide, including heightened presence near Empower Field at Mile High, to manage the anticipated crowds, according to a news release from RTD.

Fans can plan trips using the agency’s Next Ride tool by entering “Broncos” as the destination, which displays all available train and bus options, departure times and routes from their starting point.

Rail service to the game includes the E and W lines, which stop directly at Empower Field at Mile High station. The A, B, G and N lines connect to Denver Union Station for easy transfers. The agency will add extra rail cars to the E, W and N lines to handle the higher passenger volumes.

Customers should check the RTD website or Next Ride app for exact service times and allow extra time for large crowds, particularly after the game ends.

Several bus routes serve the stadium vicinity, including Routes 30 and 31 along Federal Boulevard, as well as Routes 1, 15L and 16. For transfers to the E or W lines at Union Station, options include the Flatiron Flyer and local Routes 0, 9, 10, 15, 20 and 32.

Park-n-Ride locations across the metro area offer convenient access to rail and bus connections, with a complete list available online.

Officials advised patience amid expected crowds on platforms, trains and buses. Auraria West Station will close at 11 a.m. to accommodate the influx, with riders directed to the nearby Empower Field at Mile High Station; it will reopen about one hour after the game.

To skip ticket vending lines, download the MyRide app for Day Pass purchases or use Tap-n-Ride contactless payment with a Visa or Mastercard credit, debit, prepaid card or mobile wallet.

Service Alerts provide updates on any detours, delays or cancellations, and the Transit Watch app allows riders to report safety or security concerns in English or Spanish.