Inside Connections - May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

RTD lifts final light rail speed restriction following accelerated preventative maintenance improvement effort

RTD has lifted the last of 31 light rail speed restrictions put into place last year on D, E, H and R light rail lines as the agency implemented more rigorous standards for regularly inspecting its more than 120 miles of light rail track.

The final speed restriction, an approximately 400-foot southbound segment north of Southmoor Station, was removed yesterday morning after crews completed the repairs during regular maintenance hours.

Out-Of-Office: Bill Bradford, Senior Manager of Information Governance and Management, and farm animal commander

During the workweek, Senior Manager of Information Governance and Management Bill Bradford can be found in his office at RTD headquarters, ensuring the safety and security of critical agency information. But once he’s off the clock, he trades office attire for overalls and boots, ready to tend to his show goats and race donkeys.

Read more on the Hub

RTD to operate bus shuttle service June 3-5 for E and R lines during wire replacement at County Line Station

RTD will operate bus shuttle service for E and R lines Tuesday through Thursday, June 3-5, between Lincoln and Arapahoe at Village Center stations as crews replace overhead wires at County Line Station. Customers traveling between these stations can expect longer travel times during the three-day planned maintenance window while crews replace the overhead wires that provide power to RTD’s light rail trains.

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.

Off-duty bus operator helps pedestrian with stuck vehicle

Your operator, Ron Carpenter, was my hero today! My car got stuck on MLK Boulevard, and he and his friend immediately stopped, pulled their car over, and helped push my car to a safer spot along Elizabeth Street. I'm not sure if he was even on duty for RTD at the time, but I’m so grateful for his assistance. I'm submitting this in the hopes that he can receive some praise and recognition for being such a good Samaritan!

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Bus operator skillfully navigates articulated bus through dense traffic

The operator, Ryan Sullivan, moved his big bus into the fast lane. I don't know how he did it, but he got me to work on time. His skills were outstanding. He is a delightful man and a terrific bus driver. Today, it was bumper to bumper, and I started feeling my anxiety flare up because of it. I thought I was going to be late for work, but thanks to him, I was on time.

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RTD welcomes newest class of bus, light rail operators at new OneRTD joint graduation ceremony

Last Friday, RTD celebrated its most recent class of new bus and light rail operators at a joint graduation ceremony at the agency’s headquarters. Seven light rail and 12 bus operators graduated from training at the ceremony. Graduates were congratulated by RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer Stuart Summers, Assistant General Manager of Rail Operations Dave Jensen, and Acting Assistant General Manager of Bus Operations Greg Smith, as they received their certificates and a special lapel pin commemorating their achievement.

In the first photo, from left to right and starting with the front row, RTD’s newest bus operators are: Ruben Cuellar Martinez, Maria Kalay, Henok Balcha and Atenafu Tige; middle row: Muhammedsead Nuriye, Ashenafi Wolde, Cydney Rose and Sam Fini; and in the back row: Walter Palmgren, Drew Seleski, Jaime Sanchez and Simon Misgun.

In the second photo, from left to right and starting with the front row, RTD’s newest light rail operators are: Kira Burch and Alkerria Jones; and in the back row: Princess Williams, Joe Ortega, Saeed Jamshidinezhad, Brad Igler and Jayshon Gleason.

Beginning with June’s graduation ceremony, employees, family and friends will be able to watch the commencement event via a livestream. Be on the lookout for more details in early June.

Welcome to RTD's newest employees

Thirty-four employees joined the agency at Monday's orientation. Welcome aboard! We are glad you are here and look forward to meeting you.

This week’s best-dressed operator is Da-Aushena McCoy from Boulder! Thank you, Da-Aushena, for adhering to dress code standards and looking sharp while doing it.

Yisak Adago

Bus Operator

Muhamedamin Biftu

Bus Operator

Joseph Deighan

Bus Operator

Hugh Evans

Bus Operator

Mussie Gebrekirstos

Bus Operator

Kinfe Habete

Bus Operator

Justin Jacobs

Bus Operator

Isaac Kabore

Bus Operator

Tadi Kidanu

Bus Operator

Destiny Moreno

Bus Operator

Douglas Nelson

Bus Operator

Ian Baillie

Bus Operator

Yezihalem Belay

Bus Operator

Bernard Celestin*

Bus Operator

Jermain Gilkey

Bus Operator

Latisha Godfrey

Bus Operator

Terell Hughes*

Bus Operator

Tyler Lanoue

Bus Operator

Rachel McCoy

Bus Operator

Anthony Morales*

Bus Operator

Eddie Stathum*

Bus Operator

Tesfa Yehualashet

Bus Operator

Craig Butler

Seasonal Landscaper

Armando Martinez Jr.

Seasonal Landscaper

Diaz Willis

Facilities Maintenance Mechanic

Matthew Stebbins

Parts Clerk

Jakob Barber

Train Operator

Randy Bath

Train Operator

Eric Bonesteel

Train Operator

Rene Jozell Castillo

Train Operator

Jarian Coleman

Train Operator

Paola Correa

Train Operator

Jeffery Joiner

Train Operator

Kikko Maes-Nuanes

Train Operator

Torrian Regester

Train Operator

Caleb Rimer

Train Operator

Matthew Rogers

Train Operator

Emilio Montoya

Conductor

Emmanuel Carrisalez

Transit Police Officer

Leonard Duran

Transit Police Officer

Devan Mohr

Transit Police Commander

Nicole Mendoza

Transit Police Cadet – Intern

Christopher Kotzian

Division Supervisor

Kelly Mackey

Chief Financial Officer

Jacob Meyer

Senior Information Security Analyst

Alexzandria Thompson

Civil Rights Specialist – EO

Teffera Regassa

Street Supervisor

Claudia Abbruzzi

Communications Intern

(*) denotes rehire

Volunteers wanted for the 2025 Light Rail, Bus Ro(a)deos

Help make the 2025 Light Rail and Bus Ro(a)deos the best yet! Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions, including concessions support, greeters, guides, judges for all competitions, check-in, scorekeepers and more.

Employees interested in volunteering for the Light Rail Rodeo can contact Erika Lane (erika.lane@rtd-denver.com) or Lisa Merrifield (l isa.merrifield@rtd-denver.com). Those interested in volunteering for the Bus Roadeo can click the link below.

See Something, Say Something: How RTD employees can safely respond to human trafficking

RTD employees are the eyes and ears of the system. Whether an employee is operating a vehicle, assisting customers at a station or supporting operations behind the scenes, staying aware matters. While out on duty, keep a close eye out for the following signs of a victim being trafficked:

Look for red flags. Signs may include fearful behavior, avoiding eye contact, visible injuries, or someone not in control of their money, ID, or travel plans. Be alert for signs of commercial sex, forced labor or suspicious recruitment.
Do not intervene directly. Employees may ask someone privately if they need help, but never confront a suspected trafficker. Not all victims are ready to accept help. A kind, nonjudgmental interaction can still have an impact.
Document what has been seen. Note physical descriptions, behavior, time, location, direction of travel, vehicle numbers and anything else that stands out.
Report immediately. Contact Dispatch, and they will alert the proper authorities and the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

If something feels off, it is always better to report it and let trained professionals respond. The quick actions of employees could help protect someone or interrupt a trafficking operation. To learn more, complete Truckers Against Trafficking’s free, half-hour training, designed specifically for transit professionals. Click the link below to enroll.

RTD's next career fair is Friday

RTD is inviting individuals interested in joining the agency to attend its Bus and Rail Career Fair at the Platte Division 3-6 p.m. Friday. The event is for a variety of roles including bus and rail operators for full- or part-time opportunities as well as maintenance, technical and supervisors and manager positions within the bus and rail operations teams.

From Cybersecurity: Staying safe online while on-the-go

In today’s digital world, people can stay connected to each other almost anywhere in the world thanks to smartphones. However, staying connected can lead to potential security threats. Keep reading to learn ways to stay safe while on the go.