February’s Community Connections shares how RTD is making transit safer, more reliable, and investing in the customer experience, with continued momentum for 2026. In this issue, RTD highlights key 2025 achievements and 2026 recognition of its Transit Police. A growing number of customers are embracing Tap-n-Ride – the new, time-saving fare payment option that lets customers skip the ticket vending machine and makes taking transit easier. While it’s only February, RTD is already planning for June service changes. You're invited to join one of three upcoming virtual meetings and share your feedback. See more quarterly updates below!

RTD wrapped up 2025 with Top 10 improvements

RTD wrapped up 2025 with improvements for customers and the community.

One achievement is that customer satisfaction increased last year with double-digit gains for safety and on-time performance. The agency also completed its lightrail reconstruction at Kalamath, replacing 2,400 feet of track as part of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project – a key example of the Building a Better RTD initiative to protect the community’s rail system investment for the long term. View the full list of achievements by clicking below.

Transit Police recognized by Boulder Police Department for assistance after Pearl Street attack

The Boulder Police Department recognized RTD’s Transit Police (RTD-PD) officers in a pinning ceremony on Jan. 20 for their assistance in the immediate aftermath of the June 1, 2025, Pearl Street attack. RTD deployed nine police officers, including three K-9 units, to assist the Boulder Police Department with the investigation of the incident.

RTD Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano said of the support RTD-PD provided to Boulder last year: "At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what patch is on the side of our arm. We are all going to come out and assist the public, and that’s what’s needed."

Above: this short video recognizes Transit Police officers for their help in the aftermath of the Pearl Street attack on June 1, 2025.

Customers embrace Tap-n-Ride for fare payment

Tap-n-Ride is convenient for customers short on time who can bypass a ticket vending machine and pay through a simple tap of a Mastercard, Visa card, or mobile wallet at any validator.

RTD's new Tap-n-Ride fare payment method is seeing growing usage since its Nov. 25 launch. Roughly 13,305 customers took advantage of the quick payment method in January 2026, up from 9,153 customers in December 2025. 

Tap-n-Ride is more secure than payment methods that require swiping a bank card and are vulnerable to traditional skimming. Tap-n-Ride processes payments without storing card numbers giving customers peace of mind.

RTD announces Transit Assistance Grant awards for 170 area organizations 

RTD is awarding $1 million in Transit Assistance Grant (TAG) funding to 170 nonprofit and community organizations across the Denver metro area.

In its third year, the TAG Program helps remove transportation barriers by providing no-cost fare to individuals with urgent or immediate needs, supporting access to jobs, education, health care, housing, and essential services.

In 2025 alone, the program distributed more than 287,000 passes and served over 76,000 individuals – a 35% increase from 2024.

Welcoming new Chief People Officer Lili Tran

RTD hosts first-of-its-kind forum on drug use in transit

In December 2025, RTD hosted a groundbreaking conference addressing drug use in public transit—bringing together more than a dozen transit agencies from across the U.S. and Canada, along with Colorado first responders and health care professionals.

The forum centered on the Transit Cooperative Research Program’s report, “The Impacts of and Response to Drug Use on Transit,” published in August 2025. The study reflects findings from five U.S. transit agencies, including RTD.

Click below for insights into tackling the complex societal issue that requires collaboration among transit agencies and communities for solutions.

Calling all Aurora residents: The City of Aurora is now accepting applications for the 2026 Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program, offering up to $5,000 for community-driven projects that make neighborhoods near transit cleaner, greener, and more welcoming.

Eligible projects include community cleanups, gardens, and shared amenities that encourage community-gathering.

Schedule a meeting with a Community Engagement Coordinator by March 20 to apply for funding.

Read-n-ride: transit and literacy campaign earns RTD an APTA AdWheel award

Books on board: The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) awarded RTD a first place AdWheel award in February for the agency’s transit and literacy campaign.



RTD hosted storytime events on the L Line, promoting the Zero Fare for Youth program to encourage those 19 and younger to read, ride, and repeat on no-cost transit. 

RTD worked with Boulder, Broomfield, and Denver libraries, as well as Adams 12 and Boulder Valley schools, to host the storytime events focused on reading transit-themed books and sing-alongs.



Over 530 individuals attended the nine events. 

RTD financial strength affirmed with stable outlook

The three major credit rating agencies – Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch Ratings – affirmed RTD’s strong credit ratings. These reflect confidence in RTD’s proactive financial management and recognize the need for its essential role as a transit provider across the Denver metro area. 

Together, RTD and customers can help avoid preventable accidents and create a safer transit experience for everyone. Here are some ways you can help prevent slips, trips, and falls. 

Avoiding distractions to stay safe

• Stay alert: Put away your phones while boarding and exiting vehicles to avoid distraction and watch your step when climbing onto a bus or train as well as at platform edges 
• Hold handrails on stairs, ramps, and inside vehicles, especially when it’s crowded or during rainy, icy, or snowy weather 
• Keep aisles and doorways clear by stowing your bags beneath seats to prevent trips 
• Be kind and aware by offering space near stairs and elevators, and avoid sudden stops on crowded platforms 

Be in the know on Fridays

Every thank-goodness-it's-Friday brings a new “3 Things to know” – a recap of the week’s top stories and updates. Visit News Stop on RTD’s website or follow RTD on social media to never miss the latest 3 Things to Know.

Thanks for reading and being a part of the RTD community!