An annual rite of spring — today's Rockies home opener — will once again be accompanied by RTD's RockiesRide express bus service.

RockiesRide is a direct bus service to and from Coors Field from Park-n-Ride locations in the metro area and Boulder High School. RockiesRide buses can get fans to Coors Field 30 to 60 minutes before the first pitch.

RockiesRide has been around since the Rockies first came to Denver and has proven to be a popular feature for baseball fans, said Regional Transportation District spokeswoman Darie Serna.

"It's something we've done on special days and on weekends and sometimes if there is a popular team coming to town," Serna said.

There were 3,121 passengers who boarded RockiesRide buses and trains in 2010, according to RTD. The agency didn't have 2011 numbers immediately available.

"RTD's RockiesRide is a community service that RTD is very proud to provide the region," Serna said, "and ridership is almost directly proportional to the attendance of the games."

RockiesRide is also offered for all weekend games, as well as for the 6:10 p.m. game May 28, Memorial Day, and the annual fireworks games June 29 and June 30.

RockiesRide one-way fares range from $4 to $5, depending on the trip's origination. Passengers pay cash as they board.

For information on RockiesRide routes and schedules, go to rtd-denver.com or call 303-299-6000.