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January 31, 2024

De-escalation training for frontline colleagues begins in February

In a perfect world, there would be no conflict or undesired interactions between people. Unfortunately, that world does not exist, and everyone experiences interpersonal conflict in their lives. For RTD employees, it is even more important to know how to safely navigate these interactions so all parties walk away unharmed. That is why, starting in late February, all RTD operating divisions will host mandatory de-escalation training for frontline employees.

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MallRide seats are being converted to vinyl

It’s not just light rail making the transition from cloth to vinyl seats – the 36 buses that constitute the agency’s MallRide fleet will also undergo this change. One of the vehicles already has been fitted with the seats, which are easier to clean and will enhance the overall customer experience.  

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Diversity Spotlight: RTD commemorates Black History Month

Black History Month is observed throughout February to celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans to our nation. Public transportation and Black History Month are connected in many ways. The leadership and advocacy of African American people during the civil rights movement were and are integral in shaping public transportation into what it is today. 

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Board of Directors monthly meeting recap

At yesterday's monthly meeting, the RTD Board of Directors approved a proclamation for former Director Kate Williams. In her report to the Board, General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson spoke to the Jan. 24 incident (starting at 1:46:00) on the E Line. The Board approved amendments to the agency’s drug and alcohol policy. Employees with questions can contact Edin Memic, Manager of HR DOT Compliance, at Edin.Memic@rtd-denver.com or 303.299.2005. Additionally, the Board took action on an amendment to the General Manager and CEO’s contract, reviewed the current policy for naming stations, and considered an accessibility policy for in-person Board and committee meetings. Click the video image to watch the meeting in full.

RTD celebrates largest graduating class of bus operators in two years

Say hello to RTD’s 19 newest new bus operators – who constitute the largest graduating class in two years! These new colleagues completed training on Jan. 26. Starting with the top row, they are: Patrick Rannigan, Thomarius Murray, Raysean Bauer, Dominic Piedra and Michael Workcuff; middle row: Wondwosen Meharie, Andrea Woolfork, Chad Bucy, Gearald Thomas, Steven Dukes and Thierno Barry; and bottom row: Anton Espinoza, Anmut Adam, Semereab Weldemichael, Albert Ferguson and Vivian Campos. Not pictured are Vikas Ahuja, Jeremie Kakule and Johnathon Craig.

Travel training program builds familiarity with RTD system

Bus operator trainers Marie Johnson and Rich Kenyon led travel training on Jan. 20 for Domino Service Dogs, a Lakewood-based organization that assists people with disabilities who are training their own animals. For this session, RTD brought two vehicles to the group’s facility for a bus orientation, followed by a short trip to Alameda Station, where 25 trainers and their dogs could become accustomed to the train platforms. RTD's travel training program has been offered for decades to public schools, hospitals, therapy groups, police departments and other community groups. Sessions are complimentary and tailored to individual needs. To learn more, contact Bus Operator Training Manager Loradeane Clinkenbeard at Loradeane.Clinkenbeard@rtd-denver.com.

Employee Spotlight

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.

Dispatchers' close eyes on Olde Town Arvada Station saves woman's life

On Jan. 15, public safety dispatchers Corey Mitchell and Autumn Schoepflin demonstrated outstanding situational awareness and keen observation skills. While actively surveilling the Olde Town Arvada commuter rail station, they noticed a female in the right of way. She was not dressed for sub-zero temperatures and was observed falling twice.

> Read more <

A message of gratitude for Lex Nast, RTD's print shop wizard

Reproduction clerk Lex Nast has always gone above and beyond to create and distribute training material that our department needs. He takes what you've envisioned and puts it into a tangible teaching unit. He provides a way for me and other trainers to put our creation or product into the hands of the people who need these items.

> Read more <

Kids learn about transit at Boulder Public Library story time

On Saturday, Jan. 27, RTD hosted a transit-themed story time at the George Reynolds Branch of the Boulder Public Library. Community Engagement Manager Brandon Figliolino read one of his favorite books, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” by Mo Willems, to nearly 70 young transit enthusiasts and parents. He also shared the benefits of using the bus to travel around town, and provided families with information about RTD’s Zero Fare for Youth pilot program and new reduced fares. Following story time, attendees visited the local bus stationed in the library parking lot. Fourteen-year bus operator Mark Laba distributed transfer tickets and activity books to the youth as they explored the bus with parents and guardians. The George Reynolds Branch is close to several RTD bus routes, including the 204, 206, SKIP and FF1.

Applications are now open for Employee Ownership Task Force

Interested in actively participating in efforts related to the agency’s strategic initiatives: back to basics, people power and welcoming transit environment? Employee Ownership Task Force (EOTF) applications are open! Submit your application by Feb. 14 to serve on EOTF. Applications can be submitted online and via paper copy, the latter available from all supervisors.

Read more on the Hub

January's new hires

Mark Beckwith

Transit Police Officer


Lourdes Bernal

Transit Police Officer


Stephen Curran

Transit Police Officer


Andrew Gilbert

Transit Police Officer


Naim Hamitouche

Transit Police Officer


Stephanie Johansson

Transit Police Officer


Allen (Scott) Kelm

Transit Police Officer


Manuel (Joe) Perry

Transit Police Officer


Daniel Salazar Jimenez

Transit Police Officer


Karen (Rebecca) Sinclair

Transit Police Officer


Netrisha (Trisha) Stutson

Transit Police Officer


Dimitri Williams

Transit Police Officer


Cecilia Martinez

Transit Police Officer


Griffin Ralston

Transit Police Officer


Jose Marquez

Transit Police Officer


Jeremy Sagner

Transit Police Officer


Ian Galgano

Transit Police Officer


Brett Hunt

Transit Police Officer


Young Son

Engineer III (Construction)


Christian Martinez

Senior Network Engineer


Michael Robinson

Technical Support Analyst II


Swade Hendrix

Body Mechanic, Body Shop


Nerijus Baniukevicius

Bus Operator


Alicia Faunce

Bus Operator


Simon Gebreyohannes

Bus Operator


Gebeyo Gutu

Bus Operator


Markice Hall

Bus Operator


Jada Holloway

Bus Operator


Maurice Johnson

Bus Operator


Alexandria Ortega

Bus Operator


Sarah Puaoi

Bus Operator


Jeffrey Reich

Bus Operator


Xavier Reutzel

Bus Operator


Nyoki Taylor

Bus Operator


Annelise Wright

Bus Operator


Felix Bocanegra

Bus Operator


Gregory Burke

Bus Operator


Josue Cobos

Bus Operator


Christopher Espinoza

Bus Operator


Ian Johnson-Ko*

Bus Operator


Ender Martinez Zuniga

Bus Operator


Joel Pashby

Bus Operator


Christy Rideaux*

Bus Operator


Solomon Sane

Bus Operator


Roselee Senegal

Bus Operator


Ngan Lieu

Custodian/Public Facilities Maintenance


Melisa Rivera

Custodian/Public Facilities Maintenance

Anthony Pacheco

Rail Laborer, Commuter Rail Transportation


Troy Hulstrom

Service Person


Michael Burd

Service Worker


Jonathan Dominguez

Service Worker


Adam Garcia

Service Worker


David Rose

Service Worker


Joslynne Jones

Service Worker


William Taylor

Service Worker


Timothy Dean

Civil Rights Administrator


Spencer Sedbrook

Public Safety Dispatcher


William Luck

Land Surveyor


Richard Bach

Supervisor, Equipment Maintenance


Joni Hardy

Business Program Manager


Nicholas Novack

Train Operator


Aaron Tarver

Train Operator


William Fitzgerald

Train Operator


Skylar Forslund

Train Operator


Camila Valle Lacerda

Communications Intern


Meseret Gebreyohannes

Service/Vault Puller


Jasmine Walls

Information Specialist


Billy Brub

Rail Laborer


Niles Ludwig

Rail Laborer


(*) denotes rehire

Discounted tickets available for Avalanche, Nuggets games

Avalanche game inside Ball Arena

RTD has partnered with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment to offer discounted tickets to select Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche home games at Ball Arena this season.

Nuggets tickets
Avalanche tickets

In honor of National Pizza Day, share your cravings

pepperoni_pizza.jpg

National Pizza Day is next week, and we know this food inspires strong feelings. Tell us: Are you loyal to a particular style? What’s your favorite memory over a pie or a slice? Are there certain topping combinations you swear by? Send your thoughts to insideconnections@rtd-denver.com, and we will share them in next week’s edition of Inside Connections.

Spread the love: Help customers thank an RTD employee

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for all the terrific bus and train operators who make lives better through connections. RTD is making it easy for customers to let agency employees know how important they are by completing a transit-themed valentine. All cards will be distributed to employees.

 

Help collect Valentine’s Day cards at the following dates, times and locations:

 

  • Feb. 2, 8-10 a.m.: Union Station (light rail platform)
  • Feb. 5, 8-10 a.m.: Civic Center Station
  • Feb. 7, 8-10 a.m.: Union Station (commuter rail platform)
Sign up

Learn how to use PDP funds at Facts-n-Snacks tomorrow

Join Eryn Grover, Learning Administrator, Learning and Organizational Development; and Dr. Melissa McDowell, Manager, Development and Training, as they break down what Professional Development Program (PDP) funds are and how to use them to further your education. One final session will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams tomorrow. Can’t make it? Swing by the Hub on Friday to view a recording of one of the sessions.

Debra Johnson

Debra's Quote of the Week

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”


Helen Keller

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