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Boards vote to support term sheet with BNSF to deliver starter passenger rail service from Denver to Fort Collins | After months of negotiations between the Joint Service Executive Committee and BNSF Railway, all governing boards have voted in support of the term sheet agreement with BNSF and made needed appropriations to advance to the design phase of the project. This term sheet establishes the key terms for a 25-year access agreement, which would be the contract to deliver three round trips of passenger rail service between Denver and Fort Collins, with no new taxes, at nearly half the cost of previous studies. RTD and the Transportation Investment Office also included an initial appropriation to proceed the project into the design phase for the needed capital improvements. |
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Jimmy Vigil named Acting Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance/Chief Safety Officer | | | | |
Jimmy Vigil has been named as the Acting Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance/Chief Safety Officer due to the recently created vacancy with the immediate past incumbent’s departure. Vigil has served RTD since 2021 as Manager of Rail Safety, supporting operations, facilities, and frontline teams across the agency.
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In his previous role, Vigil led investigations using root cause analysis, advanced federal compliance efforts, implemented Federal Railroad Administration regulations and fatigue risk programs, and coached employees to strengthen safety culture across Bus and Rail Operations.
His new position, which reports to the Deputy CEO with a dotted line to the General Manager and CEO, is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of RTD's employees, customers, facilities, and transit network. This role oversees all aspects of safety and environmental compliance across the agency, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations and maintenance of a safe and secure working environment. This individual also leads RTD’s safety programs, conducts comprehensive safety and environmental audits, and coordinates closely with regulatory partners.
RTD has begun the recruitment process to identify a highly qualified and experienced leader to permanently step into the Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance/Chief Safety Officer role, which is a critical agency position. Additional details will be shared as the process moves forward.
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With approval last week by the Board of Directors, RTD has updated its Drug and Alcohol Policy following the 2025 FTA audit and has adopted a new three-section structure separating RTD, FTA, and FRA requirements.
Key updates include new RTD post-accident criteria, revised reasonable suspicion standards, limits on voluntary self-referrals, and the addition of a management referral process.
The full, updated policy can be viewed by clicking the link below. For questions, call the Drug and Alcohol Hotline at 303.299.2002.
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RTD, Colorado Minority Business Office introduce training resource for small, disadvantaged businesses | |
RTD, in partnership with the Colorado Minority Business Office (MBO) within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, is introducing a training module on the Colorado Business Learning Platform, a new online training resource created by MBO to help small and disadvantaged businesses navigate and compete for government contracts.
The training module, developed by RTD’s Small Business Opportunity Office (SBO), offers on-demand courses that guide entrepreneurs through the RTD procurement processes, certification pathways, and strategies for competing for public sector work. Content is available in English and Spanish to better serve Colorado’s diverse business community. The launch comes as public agencies across the state expand infrastructure investment, therefore increasing opportunities for businesses to participate in government contracting.
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At last night's monthly meeting, the Board of Directors voted to approve a resolution to allow staff to assess ways to integrate new technologies to enhance service delivery; authorized contracts for Access-on-Demand services with five providers across the service area; and approved a contract extension with Masabi for continued support of the agency's account-based ticketing functionality, as well as a new contract with Allied Universal for systemwide security services. The Board approved a Board of Directors Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Policy. In addition, the body approved a summary scope of work for a solicitation of services for an executive recruitment firm to support the Board in identifying a successor General Manager and CEO to Debra A. Johnson, whose employment agreement with RTD extends through May 8, 2027.
During the meeting, the Board heard remarks from the Front Range Passenger Rail District and Adams County Commissioners regarding separate proposals to support projects that would help fulfill unfinished portions of the FasTracks plan.
Related to Front Range Passenger Rail, the Borad voted to contribute $5.58 million in funding to complete 90% conceptual design Joint Service rail along the northwest corridor from Denver to Fort Collins. In the same vote, the Board indicated its support for non-binding terms outlined in a term sheet negotiated by the Joint Service Executive Oversight Committee with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad. While these steps are important for the coalition of governmental entities seeking to bring intercity passenger rail to the Front Range, the Board has not voted on whether to commit fully to the project. That vote is anticipated in November or December and will be informed by cost estimates obtained from the completion of 90% conceptual design, as well as whether Front Range Passenger Rail is successful in obtaining voter support for a tax to fund a larger expansion of intercity passenger rail.
Click the thumbnail above to watch the full meeting.
| | Every day across the Denver metro area, RTD employees are making lives better through connections. The agency is proud to spotlight our exceptional workforce who go above and beyond in their roles and embody RTD’s core values. Join us in celebrating colleagues who personify the values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. | | Information specialist helps customer reach doctor’s office using FlexRide | I just spoke to information specialist Linette Guiterrez-Lam. She was very professional in getting my son and me to the doctor's and back on FlexRide. | | Bus operator helps elderly customer carry bags onto bus | My operator, Emniel Tessema, offered his help right off the bat, seeing that I, as an elder, had many bags to carry onto the bus. He is a good driver, friendly and helpful. | | Welcome to RTD's newest employees! | | Nine employees joined the agency at Monday’s orientation. Welcome aboard! | | |
Robert McGee
Manager, Service Planning & Scheduling
Jack Colvin
Video Investigation Specialist
Miranda Rose
Property and Records Technician
Michael Swanson
Facilities Maintenance Mechanic
Julianna Bauer
Train Operator
Jonathan Futa
Train Operator
Travis Henson
Train Operator
Jesse Opp
Train Operator
Lorraine Barela
Train Operator
Marcus Cosby
Train Operator
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Katayoun Khanzadeh
Lead, Database Administration
Cliff Maki
Custodian/Public Facilities Maintenance
Armando Martinez Jr.
Seasonal Landscaper
Sergio Giovanni Rico
Seasonal Landscaper
Dolores del Carmen Camargo Lozada
Seasonal Landscaper
Mario Escalona Ramirez
Seasonal Landscaper
Armando Martinez
Seasonal Landscaper
Joseph Wilder
Seasonal Landscaper
Caleb Fitzer
Facilities Maintenance Mechanic
| | Best Dressed Operator of the Week: Ian Ballie | | This week’s best dressed operator is Ian Ballie from Boulder Division. Congratulations, Ian, and thanks for representing RTD in style! | | |
Final reminder: Cybersecurity training is due tomorrow | |
The window to complete this year’s cybersecurity training closes tomorrow. Eligible employees who have not yet taken the 45-minute course, please set aside time to finish it.
This training gives employees simple, practical ways to stay safe when using agency technology. Participants will learn how to use agency devices safely, protect their digital identity, recognize cyber threats, and report incidents quickly. The training also explains RTD’s data classification levels and provides guidance on approved AI tools and requirements to use AI the right way. These skills help keep the RTD system secure, reliable, and connected for the people we serve.
Learn more and find training links on the Cybersecurity Awareness and Training page on the Hub.
Have questions or need help with the training? Please email CSAware@Training.RTD-Denver.com.
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| Track surfacing work underway along N Line | |
Crews began resurfacing work Friday along the N Line. The routine maintenance, which began at Eastlake•124th Station in Thornton, aims to correct rail alignment for a smoother ride and is essential for delivering safe and reliable transit service.
The work will continue through late May, weather permitting, during overnight hours. Impacts to N Line service are not anticipated, but train horns will sound as trains pass crews and equipment.
| | Learn how to shine as an internal candidate at Facts-n-Snacks | |
Join members of the Talent Acquisition team today and tomorrow as they share tips, resources, and advice on how to apply for a new role within RTD.
Two sessions are available: today at 2 p.m. and tomorrow at 10 a.m., both available via Microsoft Teams. Click the links below to register for a session. Please email Senior Specialist, Public Relations Austin Nettleton (austin.nettleton@rtd-denver.com) with questions about the sessions.
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From Wellbeing: Enroll in a mental health first aid course to support well-being in the workplace | |
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the Wellbeing team is offering a new course to employees. The Adult Mental Health First Aid program is a skills-based course that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older. Whether supporting a coworker, a friend, or a family member, or even navigating one’s own stress, this course provides practical tools that help participants feel confident offering support.
All RTD employees are welcome to participate. Those interested in enrolling should discuss registration with their supervisor or manager. Staff may request PDP funds to cover the $19.95 registration fee.
Click the link below to register for course offerings in May and July.
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| | Thanks to all employees who attended initial training event | |
The Contracts and Procurement team thanks everyone who attended the first Contracts and Procurement informational session, “Navigating Procurement: Types, Timelines, and OpenGov.” The team was pleased to see nearly 50 participants engage in discussions about procurement types, expected timelines, and the critical role of OpenGov in supporting agency needs. Survey feedback showed that attendees left the session feeling more informed and better equipped to find procurement resources on the Hub.
For those who missed the session, the team will host another virtual session 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 12. Please use the following link to attend: C & P Virtual Session, Navigating Procurement Types, Timelines, and OpenGov.
These sessions are the first of several upcoming procurement training, support, and guidance sessions. Please continue to check future Procurement Pulse segments for notices of new information as the team makes it available. The Contracts and Procurement team appreciates the opportunity to support staff procurement needs with greater clarity and efficiency.
Please send any questions or comments to purchasing.help@rtd-denver.com.
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| RTD has a number of solicitations currently underway at the agency or planned for the near future. To view and download current solicitations, see upcoming opportunities, and review pending and awarded contracts, follow the links below. | | | | Debra's Quote of the Week | |
"Everything you make is being made by every single experience you’ve ever had in your whole life, and on top of that, things you were born with."
— Maya Lin
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| What did you think of this edition of Inside Connections? | | | | |
Need to report a concern with a vehicle, bus route, rail line or customer facility? Fill out the OneRTD Care Reporting Form by clicking the link below. |
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