RTD releases report outlining capital, operating costs needed to complete FasTracks program | | The 2025 Finishing FasTracks Report outlines the $1.6 billion capital and operating costs needed to complete the 2004 voter-approved transit expansion program, as well as the revenue and ridership projections for the four unfinished corridors. The draft report also examines the challenges that are impacting the project’s full completion, highlights potential new funding sources, and points to statewide collaboration focused on intercity passenger rail. | |
Key facts from the report include:
- RTD has completed approximately 75% of FasTracks projects since 2004
- RTD has spent $5.5 billion on the program to date, $800 million more than the $4.7 billion budgeted for FasTracks in 2004
- RTD estimates $145 million would be available for FasTracks completion from the FasTracks Internal Savings Account by 2030, based on the agency’s proposed 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Forecast
Click the links below to read a news release, learn about the FasTracks projects and download a copy of the full draft report.
| | Board approves program updates for Access-on-Demand services | Changes will include establishing a $4.50 standard fare/$2.25 fare for LiVE eligible customers per trip. The agency has been subsidizing service for up to $25 a trip for up to 60 trips a month, and customers pay any amount exceeding $25. With the program updates, RTD will reduce the subsidy to $20 and customers will still be able to take as many as 60 trips a month. | | On-time performance for light rail exceeds 90% in under a year | Rail maintenance completion and focused hiring efforts contributed to a 30-point increase in light rail service reliability. Completing both the Coping Panels Project and first phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project, along with expedited operator hiring, positively affected service reliability for customers. | | |
Diversity Spotlight: National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Celebrating Value and Talent | |
Diversity Spotlight celebrates the diversity of RTD employees and the larger community that RTD serves and fosters an appreciation of our social and cultural similarities and differences. Diversity Spotlight supports RTD’s values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration and ownership.
Since 1945, the United States has marked October as a time to reflect on and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce. Originally launched as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week” under President Harry Truman, the observance evolved over decades into National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), broadening its focus and affirming that disability employment is not about charity or compliance — it is about equity, talent and human rights.
| | Level up your cybersecurity knowledge during Cybersecurity Awareness Month | | | | Much like a role-playing video game, being cyber-aware means always staying one step ahead of the enemy. Through preparation, training and a thorough understanding of how the game works, players can overcome any challenge or opponent that comes their way. | | During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which takes place in October, RTD employees will have the opportunity to arm themselves with the tools and knowledge needed to defend against cybercriminals. Each week in Inside Connections, RTD’s Cybersecurity team will share tips, tricks and resources for employees to add to their inventory, gaining the experience they need to level up. | | As this year’s theme is centered on video games, Cybersecurity is taking this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month to the next level with the first-ever RTD “Phishing” Tournament. Each week, employees who correctly identify and report a simulated phishing email will advance through the knockout rounds. Employees who make it through the championship round, Oct. 22-31, will be entered for the chance to win prizes! Continue reading Inside Connections for this week’s message. | | Oct. 8 college fair will feature 18 institutions and groups | | Have you been thinking about going back to school or pursuing a professional certification? Did you know that RTD’s Professional Development Program (PDP) can help employees cover the cost of furthering their education? If you’re looking for more information, circle next Wednesday, Oct. 8, on your calendar: Eighteen colleges, universities, trade schools and professional development organizations will be represented at the agency’s next college fair. | | In memoriam: Sam Maertins, Bus Operator and Non-Revenue Instructor | | | | |
RTD mourns the recent loss of Sam Maertins. Operating buses for the agency for just over a decade, the past five years as a trainer, Maertins was well-respected and loved by her colleagues.
In a Sept. 26 memo to all employees, Chief People Officer Charlene Polege noted that Maertins was known for having a remarkable talent for driving. Not only did she showcase her skills on the roads, but she backed them up by frequently placing in the top 10 overall finishers in the annual Bus Roadeo, with her highest placement being among the top three in 2023.
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It wasn’t just her skills that set Maertins apart, but also her passion for showing new operators the ropes. She served as a non-revenue instructor, third-party commercial driver’s license examiner and certified Smith instructor, teaching hundreds of new operators how to safely operate their buses while providing service in a timely manner.
In June, when Maertins was featured in the bi-weekly Inside Connections series, “Why I Work For RTD,” she spoke to how her role at the agency allowed her to find herself and her voice while also discovering and pursuing a newfound passion for teaching. She said she loved “the opportunity to teach and show somebody that RTD is a good place to be. You learn so much, you interact with so many people. Half of them have become family."
If you would like to speak with someone about this loss, please call RTD’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1.877.237.3954. Employees in Bus Operations can contact Boulder Division Manager Winona Rivera at 303.299.5010 or Bus Operator Training Manager Loradeane Clinkenbeard at 303.299.2525. Additionally, all impacted employees are encouraged to reach out to their supervisor, mentor or another member of management for assistance.
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At last night’s Board of Directors meeting, the Board voted to approve modifications to Access-on-Demand service, as well as to enter into six-month contract extensions with the agency’s existing Access-on-Demand providers through June 30, 2026. Additionally, the Board adopted a scope of work summary for a consultant to assist with the development of the five-year strategic plan for 2026-2031; authorized RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson to enter into a contract with Rhinotrax Construction for the renovation of nine in-ground hydraulic bus hoists at District Shops; and adopted the Title VI Fare Equity Analysis report for the introduction of tap-to-pay fare payments.
The Board also voted to authorize the agency to enter into a three-year contract with Transdev, with the option to extend the initial contract one year at a time up to two times. In regard to the 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Forecast, the Board voted to send the item back to the Finance and Planning Committee for further discussion.
Click the thumbnail above to watch a recording of the meeting.
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| | Last week, RTD inspectors completed subgrade quality assurance testing on the west side of Kalamath Street. On Monday, crews began removing ballast from the east side. As this week progresses, crews will begin preparations to weld rail at the west end of the work area. Crews have adjusted the traffic detour to a double left-lane closure to complete demolition on the east side of Kalamath Street. These lane closures will ensure the safety of demolition crews, commuters and pedestrians in the area while also allowing traffic to safely pass around the work zone. | Project Lookahead: Week of Sept. 30-Oct. 6 | This week, crews will begin to weld rail, place geotextile fabric and remove existing ballast. RTD anticipates Kalamath Street will shift back to a double right-lane closure by the week’s end. | Access Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project reports, progress updates, photos, videos, news and resources about the latest happenings with the project. Click the links below to access the webpage and project Linktree. | | 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. | | N Line engineer, dispatcher work together to report diesel spill at Union Station | On Friday, Sept. 19, train engineer Jennifer Handgen observed a diesel spill at Denver Union Station. She reported this fuel spill immediately to dispatcher James Wheat, who relayed this information to RTD’s Safety and Environmental team. | | Bus operator gets customers to destinations safely despite heavy rush hour traffic | Your operator Marcey Martinez was amazing. The weather was rainy and the traffic on I-25 near I-225 was terrible, causing the bus to be about 30 minutes behind schedule. Marcey did an excellent job navigating the traffic and getting us to our destination. | | |
Transit Equity Specialist, Board directors attend Shared-Use Mobility Center’s 2025 Mobility Summit in Chicago | | Transit Equity Specialist Dani McLean, at center, recently attended the Shared-Use Mobility Center’s 2025 Shared Mobility Summit in Chicago, alongside RTD Board Directors Ian Harwick and Michael Guzman (second and fourth from left, respectively). The summit brought together teams from 10 U.S. metropolitan regions to explore how communities can shift from auto-centric systems to more shared, equitable and sustainable mobility. Unlike a traditional conference, the event emphasized collaboration and peer learning, challenging participants to workshop solutions to complex transportation issues. The Denver Change Team – including staff from the Downtown Denver Partnership, Lyft, and the City and County of Denver, among others – left energized about building a community-led movement that prioritizes public transit, walking and biking as the Mile High City continues to grow and evolve. | | Staff competes in Tough Mudder, a grueling obstacle course | | What is a Tough Mudder? For 13 colleagues who took on the challenge Saturday at Fort Carson, the world-renowned 5K and 15K events provided an opportunity to demonstrate their endurance and tackle a dozen or more obstacles together. Completing the 5K were Joycina Huff, Gabriel Rubio and Shane Smith. Ten employees finished the 15K: John Lopez, Jesus Encinas, Francisco Martinez, Ken Waters, Adamo Framarini, Yasha Demchenko, Thomas Cervantes, Gaffee Dolley, Bryan Alvarez and Marta Lovato. Congratulations to each of these colleagues and athletes! | | Want to re-live the Ro(a)deo season? Watch this recap video | |
RTD’s annual Ro(a)deo events are some of the agency’s most anticipated of the year, with operators and employees competing in obstacle courses, buses and snowplows maneuvering through a weaving path of cones and barrels, and mechanics tasked with identifying and resolving planted maintenance issues on vehicles. These events demonstrate how RTD operators and maintenance teams keep their skills sharp to provide safe and reliable services to the agency’s customers.
Light rail holds its annual Park on the Pit event, also known as the “egg crack” competition, in which employees attempt to park a train as close as possible to an egg without breaking it. RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson joined in, and managed to keep her egg intact, though many others left theirs scrambled.
The days were also filled with face painting, chalk drawings, Lego building contests, basketball tournaments, an Auto and Bike show and so much more. Click the thumbnail above to watch the video, which recaps all three events.
| | Welcome to RTD's newest colleagues! | Sixteen employees joined the agency at Monday's orientation. Welcome aboard! | | |
Mickey Hilton
Equipment Maintenance Supervisor (formerly General Repair Mechanic)
Jude Thieme
Equipment Maintenance Supervisor (formerly General Repair Mechanic)
Chris Barry
LRV Maintenance Supervisor (formerly Equipment Maintenance Supervisor)
Richard Morrison
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer (formerly System Administrator)
Heidi Hansen
Transit Police Lieutenant (formerly Transit Police Sergeant)
Any employees interested in similar opportunities in the future should visit RTD's Careers page.
| | October’s Operator of the Month is East Metro Division’s Kyle Evans. Evans was selected by East Metro leadership for exemplifying what it means to remain vigilant and safe while driving, putting that into practice during a perilous situation in early September. Evans was performing traffic checks at an intersection after the traffic light turned green, as required by standard operating procedures. As he was going through the traffic check, a skateboarder crossed directly in front of the bus against the red pedestrian light. Evans realized the skateboarder was inches away from the front of his bus and made sure to stop before coming into contact with the skateboarder, preventing a potentially serious accident. |
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Best Dressed Operator of the Week: Joe Archuleta | Bus Transportation has selected Boulder Division’s Joe Archuleta as this week’s best dressed operator! Way to go, Joe! |
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OneRTD Operator Graduation Ceremony is here to view | Twenty-seven bus and light rail operators graduated from training during the latest monthly graduation ceremony, held earlier today in the atrium at Blake Street. Graduates were celebrated with pomp and circumstance, with congratulatory remarks by General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson and Chief Operations Officer Patrick Preusser. Click the link below to view today's ceremony, and be sure to congratulate our newest operators on their momentous achievement! |
| RTD employees name their favorite transit routes | | Ever wondered what your colleagues’ favorite routes are, such as those of Human Resource Specialist II Aliya Gregory (first photo), Marketing Communications Specialist Josh Opat (middle) and Director of Civil Rights Division Carl Green Jr. (last image)? Communications and Engagement is sharing the results with RTD employees! Click the link below to check out a special playlist on the agency’s YouTube channel. | | Volunteer sports are available to assist with winter programming events | Help customers get into the holiday spirit by volunteering to participate in a variety of winter programming opportunities starting next month. To learn more and sign up, click the link below. | | Few spots remain for marchers in the 9News Parade of Lights | Don’t miss out on the once-a-year opportunity to march in one of the Denver region’s biggest parades! Walk alongside your colleagues and a special parade bus down Colfax Avenue while taking in the sights and sounds of the Mile High City’s most festive experience. | | Wellbeing Connection: Breast Cancer Awareness Month and women’s health | | | | October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to honoring and supporting those affected by the disease, including men, and promoting early detection of breast cancer through regular screenings. | | |
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, outside of skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one out of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States is found in a man.
This October, take a moment to reach out to someone who is living with or has been affected by breast cancer. Ask how they’re doing. Schedule annual mammograms and encourage loved ones to do the same. Remember, early detection saves lives. Click here to access a variety of free educational guides provided by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and continue reading to learn about resources available to RTD employees.
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Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Level 1: Build your human firewall and outsmart social engineering | |
In the never-ending battle against cyber attackers, employees are on the front lines.
Cyber attackers often use social engineering to trick people into giving up sensitive information and break into computer networks. These scams usually start with something simple — like clicking a link or sharing a password — and can lead to serious damage. That’s why learning to spot these tricks is one of the most important steps in protecting oneself and RTD.
Continue reading on the Hub to accept the quest to level up your cybersecurity skills, and click the link below to play an interactive trivia game testing participants' defenses against social engineering and phishing.
| | Reminder: Horns to sound along N Line for routine maintenance | N Line Maintenance of Way began routine track resurfacing work Monday at Union Station. This maintenance will proceed north to the end of the line at Eastlake•124th Station. No impacts to service are anticipated as a result of this work, which is expected to be completed by the end of the month, weather permitting. | | Bus shuttles will replace a portion of G Line Oct. 4-5 during track surfacing | |
RTD is set to begin routine track surfacing work along the G Line from Wheat Ridge-Ward Road and Clear Creek-Federal stations. On Saturday and Sunday, buses will provide service between the affected stations.
| | 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 | |
"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
— Christopher Reeve
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| What did you think of this edition of Inside Connections? | | | | |
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