February 5, 2025

RTD colleagues support custodian as she pursues citizenship

Francis Padilla Baca’s heart beat in her throat as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer approached, the results of her naturalization test in his hand. His face wore no expression. Her worst fear was confirmed, Padilla Baca realized: She didn’t pass. He slid the paper across the table toward her. 

“Read it,” he said. 

You’re out of here, the Honduran native was told. You now have a blue passport. Welcome to the United States. 

RTD lifts speed restrictions following shutdown last week

As of Friday, RTD removed all speed restrictions on northbound and southbound E and H lines between the University of Denver and Yale stations, with light rail trains back to operating at normal speeds along this section of the Southeast Corridor. Customers immediately began noticing significant improvements in their overall travel time along these lines.

RTD extends a huge thank you to the dedicated Maintenance of Way employees who poured their heart and soul into repairing and replacing the tracks during last week’s shutdown. Your work has made our light rail network safer and more reliable for our colleagues and customers.

RTD honors legacy of civil rights leaders at news conference

On Monday, RTD staff, civil rights activists and community partners gathered around the “I Have a Dream” statue in City Park to launch Zero Fare for Transit Equity Day, honor the contributions of Rosa Parks, and remember other leaders who dedicated their lives to the advancement of civil rights and equality for all.

Providing remarks were Carl Green Jr., Director of RTD’s Civil Rights Division; General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson; Board of Directors Chair Julien Bouquet; Sondra Young, immediate past president of the Denver branch of the NAACP and Chief Vision Officer of Colorado Council for Urban Development; and Jacob Smith, Executive Director of National Organizations for Youth Safety. Attendees enjoyed a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice” by Cha’Rel Wright, Lead Community Advocate and Chaplain at Mile High Ministries, and a poem by spoken word artist Kenya Mahogany.

Click the links below to view a photo gallery of the event and to watch the entire news conference on YouTube.

Welcome to RTD's newest employees!

Eighteen employees joined the agency at Monday’s orientation. Welcome aboard! We are glad you are here.

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.

Bus operator assists with parade bus during news conference Monday

Thanks to operator Arryon Brown for driving the wrapped bus commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to Monday’s Zero Fare for Transit Equity Day media event in Denver. Arryon skillfully maneuvered the bus to the designated location, which made it the perfect backdrop to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial at City Park.

> Read more <

Dispatcher exhibits professionalism during intense situation

Saul Romero is a very competent dispatcher who keeps their cool in difficult situations. On Jan. 10, Saul answered a call from an operator who was assisting a customer who had just been assaulted and needed immediate attention. Saul calmly collected the information from the operator, quickly passing it along to the police while still gathering it from the operator.

 > Read more <

February’s Operator of the Month is Sonam Tenzin from Platte Division. Tenzin was selected for demonstrating exceptional care when a non-RTD vehicle accident blocked Broadway near Louisiana Street. Unable to reach a bus stop, he was safely rerouted, noticed two waiting passengers and pulled over to pick them up, sparing them from a long wait in freezing temperatures. “Tenzin exemplifies RTD’s commitment to customer excellence and mobility leadership,” said Kalee Wallace, Assistant Manager of Platte Division. “His dedication to passenger safety and service is truly commendable.”

David Campos

Video Investigation Specialist (formerly Public Safety Dispatcher)

Robert McNamara

Budget Analyst IV (formerly Budget Analyst III)

Mark Krone

Assistant Manager, East Metro Division (formerly Lead Division Supervisor)

Christopher Blanchette

Lead Integrated Security Systems Administrator (formerly Systems Administrator, Integrated Security)

Kristopher Stevenson

Transit Police Lieutenant (formerly Transit Police Sergeant)

Fabian Navarette Rodriguez

Transit Police Lieutenant (formerly Transit Police Sergeant)

Roberto Patino

Certified Train Engineer (formerly Dispatcher, Commuter Rail)

Nicholas Willis

Equipment Maintenance Supervisor (formerly General Repair Mechanic)

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

Colorado Supreme Court will not review DTP appeal

The Colorado Supreme Court on Monday issued an order denying a petition for certiorari by Denver Transit Partners (DTP), bringing RTD’s years-long litigation with the commuter rail concessionaire to a close. DTP sued RTD in 2018, claiming approximately $111 million in damages tied to crossing gate issues. A four-week bench trial began in September 2020, and in February 2023 the district court issued an order and judgment finding in RTD’s favor on those claims. DTP appealed that judgment to the Colorado Court of Appeals. In May 2024, the panel ruled in RTD’s favor.

The order issued this week means that the Colorado Supreme Court will not review DTP’s appeal, and that the district court’s original judgment in RTD’s favor will stand.

Volunteers needed for Winter Bike to Work Day

RTD’s Community Engagement team is still seeking volunteers to assist with Winter Bike to Work Day at three locations on Feb. 14.

Greet cyclists on Valentine’s Day while enjoying the outdoors at the following locations and times:

Boulder

2440 Pearl St., Boulder

7-9 a.m.

Civic Center Park

1400 Bannock St., Denver

6-10 a.m.

Stanley Marketplace

2501 Dallas St., Aurora

6:30-9 a.m.

To view available shifts at RTD’s Civic Center Park breakfast station, click here.

Take the Dialogue with Debra survey today

General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson wants your opinion on Dialogue with Debra! To ensure RTD’s all-hands forums are a worthwhile use of time for all involved, employees are encouraged to provide responses to several questions about these events. The survey is open through Feb. 12.

Salaried benefits survey open through Feb. 12

Salaried employees: Don’t forget to complete the 2025 Employee Benefits Survey. Your feedback is essential in helping the Benefits team understand what is working well and where they can improve.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts by Feb. 12. The survey is confidential and takes only a few minutes, and your input can influence the future of RTD’s benefits program. Please contact the Benefits Team at benefits@rtd-denver.com with any questions.

From Wellness: Check your heart health this month

February is recognized as American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for in the United States, but it can often be preventable. Take time this February to check in on your heart health.

RTD Solicitations

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

"I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes the fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."

— Rosa Parks

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