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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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.
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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. | |
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 <
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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 <
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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. | |
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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. | |
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
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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
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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
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Discounted tickets available for Avalanche, Nuggets games | |
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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. | |
In honor of National Pizza Day, share your cravings | |
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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)
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Learn how to use PDP funds at Facts-n-Snacks tomorrow | |
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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. | |
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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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