Inside Connections - December 4, 2025

December 4, 2025

RTD's 2026 budget will balance transit delivery with navigation of fiscal challenges

RTD's Board of Directors on Tuesday approved a $1.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, an amount that includes appropriations for operating expenses, state of good repair work before carryforwards, and debt service. The budget aligns expenses with RTD’s Strategic Plan, minimizes impacts to transit service delivery, and retains the agency’s people power needed to deliver its mission. The 2026 budget was first made available on Oct. 10 for public inspection.

Inside the Snow Desk: Meet the team that keeps buses moving in winter storms

When winter weather hits Denver, most people notice icy roads, snow piling up on the sidewalks, or the cold wind at the bus stop. What they don’t see is the storm unfolding inside RTD’s dispatch, where Street Operations works around the clock to keep the system moving.

Update on fuel tanker crash impacting light rail service on Southeast Corridor

RTD is working to complete emergency repairs to the Yale Street light rail bridge after a fuel tanker crashed into the structure on Thanksgiving. The non-RTD crash damaged the bridge’s retaining wall and is impacting E and H line service.

RTD mourns the death of Sen. Faith Winter

The RTD community was saddened to learn of the passing of Sen. Faith Winter, a dedicated transportation advocate in Colorado. Winter diligently worked to enhance mobility options for all Coloradans and was especially focused on transit in the Denver metro area.

She served as chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee and was a lead co-sponsor of SB21-260, which modernized transportation revenue sources. Winter also championed policies to expand statewide transit access and make it a more effective mobility option.

RTD extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to her family, especially her fiancé, two children, friends, colleagues, and all who are mourning her loss.

An update on the transition of personnel, leadership in HR

In preparation for the Dec. 15 departure of Chief People Officer Charlene Polege, the Human Resources Department will undergo a temporary shift as a national recruitment occurs for a successor CPO. A memo sent yesterday by General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson outlines this transition plan.

Effective close of business Dec. 15, Dr. Melissa McDowell, current Director of Talent and Organizational Development, will serve as Acting Chief People Officer. Click the link below to view the full memo.

Read the memo

Tonia White, Sales/Information Representative (10 years)

“I work in Lost and Found. I really like my job because I like helping people. I help people find stuff that they have lost on the bus or the train. It is sometimes challenging, but it's a fulfilling job for me, because I like to help people get their stuff back. It is never the same. Every day is a learning experience for me. Every day is different."

Meet Tonia

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Directors approved the budget for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, with 12 directors voting in approval, one voting in disapproval, and one absent. In discussing the budget before the vote, the Board approved an amendment to eliminate the purchase of cutaway vehicles, decreasing the budget by $20 million. The Board will reconsider approving the purchase of cutaway vehicles should grant funding be identified.

In addition to the budget’s approval, the Board also approved the appointments of Bill Sirois, Senior Manager of Transit-Oriented Communities, and Brendan Morgan, Treasury Director, to the Salaried Employee Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Salaried Employee Defined Contribution Retirement Plan trusts.

Other items the Board approved:

The Title VI Equity Analysis report for the proposed addition, reduction, and replacement of ticket vending machines
A resolution to set forth certain exploratory and planning efforts related to the agency’s budgets for fiscal years 2026 and 2027
The incorporation of RTD and Customer Shared Commitments into the Respect the Ride Customer Code of Conduct campaign
The appointment of Directors Michael Guzman and Matt Larson to the Independent Audit Committee through Dec. 31, 2027
General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson’s performance approval, indicating she met expectations
Amendments to the Board of Directors Expense and Reimbursement Policy
A reduction in Board director expense allocations in 2026
A pilot program for a digital public-facing board collaboration tool
The January 2026 service changes, which will go into effect Jan. 4
Defeasances of 2026 debt service for both the FasTracks bonds and Certificates of Participation (COP)
Long-range financial plan for the agency after amending the document to indicate that the plan includes a five-year financial forecast, which has not been approved by the Board

Click the thumbnail above to view a recording of the 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.

Operator checks in on health of customer having difficulty breathing

I would like to commend operator Christi Ballance who was observant of my well-being. She noticed I was having trouble breathing and checked up on me to make sure I was OK. I just want to thank her.

Information specialist assists customer with Thanksgiving schedules

I was trying to plan a trip for Thanksgiving, and I needed assistance with the schedules. Information Specialist Valerio Recinos-Interiano was able to provide an itinerary that worked for me and got me to my destination right on time.

RTD-hosted drug forum draws industry leaders, employees

Dozens of leaders from U.S. and Canadian transit agencies, as well as first responders and health care professionals from across Colorado, convened in Denver this week for a mini-conference on Tuesday centered on “The Impacts of and Response to Drug Use on Transit,” the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) report published earlier this year reflecting findings from five U.S. transit agencies, including RTD.

At the event, which was hosted by RTD, attendees heard a summary of the research from the team that gathered the information in summer 2024, as well as updates from five U.S. transit agencies about their efforts to address drug use. Also featured was a panel discussion about Narcan distribution and use. In the afternoon, conference-goers broke into small groups to discuss barriers and ideas around topical areas that included training and clarity in procedures and responses, safety impacts on frontline staff and contractors, enforcement of existing illicit drug laws and codes, and taking ownership and information sharing across organizations.

On Wednesday, forum attendees took part in a half-day agency tour led by Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano of the Transit Police Communications Center and Denver Union Station. Several colleagues assisted from Police and Emergency Management, Civil Rights, Market Development, and Communications and Engagement.

Two sessions also took place yesterday, at Elati and Platte, that enabled employees to ask questions of the research team and take part in a guided discussion from the report findings. Dozens of employees, including many not housed within Bus and Rail Operations, participated in these events.

The research team plans to draft a report summarizing all that was heard and learned during the event. This document will be shared with RTD staff when it is available. Click the link below to view a photo gallery on the Hub, and keep an eye on Inside Connections in the days ahead for a video recap of the forum.

Photo gallery on the Hub

Denver metro area receives nearly a foot of snow during first meaningful snow event of the season

Yesterday, the Denver metro area received its first true sampling of winter. Downtown Denver received half a foot of snowfall, while other areas of the region, such as Arvada, saw totals of up to nearly 10 inches.

Denver's climate is not for the faint of heart this time of the year. However, RTD's employees are a different breed of tough, and they do not shy away from the region's challenging weather conditions. Thank you to every colleague who worked hard yesterday to ensure stations remained free of ice and snow. To the many operators working in frigid conditions, thank you for your commitment, safety, and dedication to making sure customers get to their destinations safely.

Finance employees participate in internal hackathon

On Tuesday, Chief Financial Officer Kelly Mackey and Chief Information and Technology Officer Brett Feddersen hosted a hackathon for employees to explore how generative artificial intelligence can enhance financial analysis, reporting, forecasting, decision support, and day-to-day workflow efficiency.

Participants had the opportunity to ideate, build, and test solutions to deepen their technical fluency and conceptualize how the agency could leverage artificial intelligence in making financial decisions in the future.

Impact team assists with kickoff of Holiday Train service

On Friday, RTD employees volunteered their time to welcome customers back to the Downtown Loop as the Holiday Train began its limited-time service through the previously closed section of track, following the successful, on-time completion of the latest phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project. Staff at I-25•Broadway and Colfax at Auraria stations handed out maps, provided wayfinding support, and answered customer questions as the new special service went into effect. Assisting colleagues included Taylor Curtis, Vivian Morales, Cory Schmitt, Elizabeth Gallegos, and Betsy Hinojosa.

Learn more about the Holiday Train by clicking the link below.

December's Operator of the Month is Frank Sintas from Boulder Division! Sintas was chosen for his willingness to coordinate with Bus Dispatch to request an overflow bus for customers who were left behind due to the bus being at maximum capacity, making sure they were able to get to their destinations with little delay.

Meet Frank

As 2025 comes to a conclusion, take a look back at this year's Operators of the Month and learn more about their dedication, commitment, and service to making lives better through connections.

January: Frank Aguirre
February: Sonam Tenzin
March: Jeffrey Wilson
April: Haile Fitwi
May: Leann Neverdahl
June: Jorge Munoz

July: Getachew Jiru
August: William Reiss
September: Macario Aguilar
October: Kyle Evans
November: Mike Burgoa
December: Frank Sintas

Operator of the Month

Judy Alcantara

Procurement Specialist I (formerly Buyer)

Devin Bruecken

Contract Performance Analyst (formerly Financial Technician)

Everett Chavez

Telecommunications Supervisor (formerly Telecommunications Analyst)

Jan Bump

Procurement Contract Administrator (formerly Business Support)

Niconor Garcia

Transit Police Officer (formerly Contracted Services Technician)

Any employees interested in similar opportunities in the future should visit RTD's Careers page.

RTD has updated its Competitive and Discretionary Grant Applications procedure to ensure alignment with the agency’s fiscal policy. The revised procedure provides guidance and requirements for evaluating new or renewal grant funding opportunities, including their applicability to planned events, financial impacts, administrative and reporting needs, and concurrence among affected RTD departments prior to submitting an application to the awarding entity.

Click the link below to view the updated procedure.

Read more on the Hub

Next operator graduation ceremony is Wednesday

Seventeen bus and six light rail operators are expected to graduate at December’s OneRTD Operator Graduation Ceremony, taking place at noon Dec. 10 in the atrium at Blake Street. Graduates are welcome to invite friends and family to the ceremony. For those who cannot attend, the ceremony will be streamed live via the agency’s YouTube channel, accessible by clicking the link below.

Livestream

Santa Claus is coming to (Littleton•Down)town!

Santa is making a special stop at the Littleton•Downtown Station, and the RTD team will be there to help him spread holiday joy. On Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., bring loved ones to the station for photos with Santa, giveaways, and an afternoon filled with holiday cheer. Click the link below to learn more.

Salaried 2025-2026 performance assessment launches

The annual performance assessment cycle, which ends June 30, 2026, sees changes to how performance is assessed for goal-eligible salaried employees. Such employees will be assessed on their performance on two SMART performance priority goals with a three-point rating scale, a reduction from five points in the previous cycle. In addition to these changes, performance will also be evaluated taking into consideration RTD’s six values independently rather than collectively.

Both goal- and non-goal-eligible employees have been assigned tasks in Workday to complete their performance expectations, with goal-eligible employees required to detail two performance priority SMART goals by Dec. 15.

Click the link below to view a memo from Human Resources detailing the annual performance assessment cycle, and email rtdperformance@rtd-denver.com with questions.

Memo

Reminder: New WiFi networks will be activated Dec. 10

On Dec. 10, RTD is launching new WiFi networks designed to make connecting faster, more secure, and simpler for everyone.

Employees who have been issued an RTD laptop will automatically see their device connect to the new TransIT_Corp network.

Employees who have been issued an RTD phone or use a personal device can use the new TransIT_Personal network. When prompted, enter the following password: TransIT!D3pt (no period). Devices will automatically connect to the network after successfully logging in without needing to re-enter the password again.

For RTD guests, such as customers or visitors, the MOBILE network remains available. When prompted, enter the following credentials.

Username: limited
Password: wifiuser

As a reminder, the SCRMBL and BRKRM networks will be retired Jan. 9. The IT Service Desk is available for any questions.

IT Service Desk

Jargon of the Day: SCADA

Those around light rail are familiar with the term “SCADA.” This is an acronym for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, which is a system of software and hardware that allows teams to monitor and control different processes. In the public transit world, specifically with RTD’s light rail operations, SCADA refers to how light rail controllers monitor train locations, activate switches, and manage signal lights and many other aspects of the light rail network. SCADA provides controllers with the information they need to make split-second decisions to ensure employees and assets are in a safe and working condition.

From Safety and Environmental Compliance: RTD first aid kits

Beginning in early January, RTD’s Safety and Environmental Compliance Department will take ownership of the agency’s first aid kits, transitioning away from Cintas. This change comes as a result of the department shifting to an in-house model to standardize first aid kits based on the actual hazards of each work environment instead of the items provided by Cintas.

Safety and Environmental Compliance will be responsible for all servicing and restocking of first aid kits across the agency. It is important to note that some kit locations may change as part of this transition, as the department reevaluates where they are placed and optimizes locations for the easiest access possible. Employees will be notified if kits in their workplaces are relocated. This transition will take place throughout the first half of 2026. Please direct questions to Safety Management Systems Program Development Manager Sky Mott (sky.mott@rtd-denver.com).

Missed Chat with the Chief? View a recording on the Hub

Earlier today, Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano hosted a virtual Chat with the Chief session for all agency colleagues. Employees heard an overview of the department's efforts from the chief and asked questions about the Transit Police Department, safety, and security. Click the link below to view a recording of the session.

Watch here

From Benefits and Well-Being: ‘Tis the season to practice gratitude

During this season of gratitude and appreciation, physical therapist Momoko Cordova highlights how gratitude is a key influence in enhancing one’s well-being. Gratitude can amplify positive emotions, improve mental health and sleep quality, enhance resilience and self-esteem, and even support physical health by lowering blood pressure, and improving functionality of the immune system. Click the link below to learn how to create a habit of cultivating gratitude.