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RTD sees growth in revenue and increased ridership through Q2 2026 | |
RTD closed the second quarter of 2026 with year-over-year revenue growth and increased ridership, reflecting progress across the agency. Key improvements from Q2 included:
- An increase of $98 million, or 19.3%, in revenue year-to-date compared with the same period last year
- An increase of $10 million, or 2.3%, in sales tax revenue compared with the same period last year
- $124 million in grant revenue generated year-to-date, up $107 million from last year
- A 4.2% increase in overall ridership compared to last year
- Bus ridership increased by 1.2% with 20.8 million boardings
- Commuter rail ridership increased by 17.5% with 4.5 million boardings
Continue reading to see more statistics and data.
| | Aurora Fire Department partners with RTD to train firefighters about how to handle fires on buses | | Pictured from left-to-right are: Manager, Emergency Management Diana Rawles, AFR public information officer Eric Heart, AFR Lieutenant Cody McGinnis, AFR Battalion Chief Justin Julian, AFR Lieutenant Paul Shoemaker, and Bus Maintenance Trainer Jon Paul Mitchell. | | On Monday, RTD was joined by firefighters of the Aurora Fire and Rescue (AFR) to learn how to respond to fires on board the different types of buses RTD uses. | | Around 9 a.m., Battalion Chief Justin Julian, Lieutenants Paul Shoemaker and Cody McGinnis, and AFR public information officer Eric Heart joined Bus Maintenance Trainer Jon Paul Mitchell and Emergency Management Manager Diana Rawles at the Platte Division to learn how to safely disable a bus and practice rescue scenarios. | | The 2026 Bus Roadeo is Saturday | |
Bring the family out for a day in the September sun at the 2026 Bus Roadeo, happening this Saturday at District Shops! More than 50 bus operators will compete for this year’s title by navigating a challenging obstacle course designed to mirror real-world conditions they face on the roads -- while racing to complete it as fast as possible. There will be plenty of activities for families to enjoy, such as games, massage tables provided by RTD’s Wellbeing team, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a DJ, and more.
The competition begins at 7 a.m. and continues until all participants have finished, followed by an award ceremony. The winning bus operator and maintenance team will be invited to represent RTD at next year’s APTA International Bus Roadeo in Seattle.
| | 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. | | Electro-mechanics spot safety issue in the Elati yard, move quickly to resolve it | |
On Aug. 27, electro-mechanics Rob Finoia, Craig Petzinger, and Jovaughn Mestas were parking a train in the Elati yard when their attentiveness turned an ordinary movement into a potentially critical intervention.
The three employees noticed that part of a disconnect switch associated with the overhead catenary system (OCS) had broken and was leaning dangerously close to the energized high-voltage system.
| | TV reporter praises bus operator for attentive nature, initiative to keep her safe | |
I'm a reporter with FOX 31 covering a story at the Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park between the Capitol and Civic Center Park. While I was waiting for my live shot, a man, clearly under the influence of drugs, came up and acted a little weird next to me.
One of your drivers, Devonnaiye Maurice Alexander, called my name and came over.
| | VIDEO: RTD begins bus-only lane operations along East Colfax BRT Sept. 27 | |
Revenue service "Bus-Only Lane Operations” (BOLO) are set to begin Sept. 27 serving the new center-running Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations along East Colfax in Denver. Routes 15 and 15L will operate in the dedicated bus-only lanes between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard, serving the following center stations:
- Pennsylvania Station
- Downing Station
- Franklin and Park Station
- Josephine and York Station
- Fillmore Station
- Madison Station
Outside of the BOLO lanes, Routes 15 and 15L will continue as side-running services along East Colfax Avenue until the entire project is completed and open for service as a BRT in late 2027. Click the thumbnail above to learn more about bus-only lane operations.
Click the thumbnail above to watch the video
| | Welcome to RTD's newest employees | Thirteen new employees joined the agency, and five employees completed their represented-to-non-represented transfers at Monday’s employee orientation. Welcome aboard! | | |
Kelly Garcia
Bus Operator (30 years)
David Merritt
Controller, Regional Operations Center (Bus) (35 years)
| | Best Dressed Operator of the Week: Ray Lopez | This week’s best dressed operator is Ray Lopez from Platte Division. Looking fresh, Ray! | | From Wellbeing: Walktober registration is now open | |
Step into improved health by joining the Wellbeing team’s Walktober program, a 31‑day walking challenge designed to promote increased daily activity. Participants will record their steps each day and earn leaves based on their progress. Those who meet both weekly and overall goals will be eligible for prizes.
Registration opens Monday and closes Oct. 11. The challenge runs from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31. Use the link below for additional details and to register.
| | The next OneRTD Graduation Ceremony is Friday | Nine bus and 11 light rail operators, and three mechanics are expected to graduate at Friday’s ceremony, taking place at noon in the atrium at Blake Street! Colleagues, family, and friends of graduates are welcome to attend in person. Everyone else can tune in to the livestream of the ceremony by clicking the link below. | | 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 | |
"Sometimes carrying on, just carrying on, is the superhuman achievement."
— Albert Camus
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