Inside Connections - September 3, 2026

September 3, 2026

Along East Colfax Avenue, 'Route 15' brings RTD’s role as a community connector to the stage

Every day, RTD connects people to work, school, family, essential services, and opportunities across the Denver metro area. Along East Colfax Avenue, the 15 and 15L routes provide important access to destinations through one of the region’s most diverse and vibrant corridors.

This September, that familiar journey will take center stage.

RTD’s Civil Rights Division is proud to support Roshni Healing Arts Sanctuary’s production of “Route 15.” The immersive theater experience draws inspiration from people, stories, and experiences along East Colfax and offers a creative look at the role transit can play in our everyday lives.

Read more on the Hub

RTD announces ‘Building a Better RTD’ initiative to strengthen infrastructure and improve customer experience

The effort focuses on continuously renewing, enhancing, and expanding the agency’s bus and rail systems. This initiative supports a safe, reliable, accessible, and resilient transit network for customers today and for years to come.

As part of RTD’s Strategic Plan, Building a Better RTD is guided by two customer-focused principles: minimizing service impacts and enhancing transparency. By carefully planning the timing and sequencing of key infrastructure investments, and combining work in the same locations whenever possible, RTD works to reduce the frequency and duration of service disruptions.

Click the link below to learn more. Click the thumbnail above to hear Deputy CEO Angel Peña describe RTD’s work this year in advancing 65 infrastructure investments across bus, light rail, commuter rail, and systemwide assets.

Newest service changes take effect Sept. 27

The next round of adjustments, which take effect later this month, will continue to provide rail options to support customers during the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project.

Notable changes include:

The T (Temporary) Line will operate from Lincoln Station to Alameda Station, replacing some service formerly offered by the suspended H Line. The T Line will continue to run at regular intervals of every 15 or 30 minutes during peak periods of customer demand.
New SkyRide service, Route AL, will travel hourly between Longmont and the Denver International Airport. The route will start at 8th and Coffman and include stops at the Niwot and Lafayette Park‑n‑Rides, among others.
Initial East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service will begin.
Route 15 and Route 15L will use the new center bus-only lanes between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard. Customers will board and exit at the new stations in the center of Colfax Avenue.

Click the link below to familiarize yourself with all the latest changes.

Transit Police reports sustained reductions in reports of drug activity, security calls from prior year

The downturn in reports show that the department's actions to prioritize a welcoming and secure customer experience are continuing to deliver meaningful results.

RTD is seeing a steep reduction in reports of illicit drug activity, by more than 50% in most months through July 2026 compared with the same time in 2025. Notably, April 2026 saw a 69.3% drop in reported drug activity, followed by a 59% decrease in May. These decreases build on significant progress throughout 2025, when Transit Police recorded an 81.9% decline in reports of drug activity in February and a 72.9% decrease in May.

Don’t miss your chance to compete against your colleagues in friendly competition at the 2026 Bus Roadeo! The event, taking place Sept. 19 at District Shops, will put operators’ skills to the test as they navigate a winding course containing numerous obstacles that require precision and speed. The highest-scoring maintenance team will join the winning operator at the APTA International Bus Roadeo in Seattle next year. To enter, click the link below, print the relevant form, fill it out, and return it to the designated contact by the specified deadline.

Volunteers for the event are still needed. Click the link below to sign up.

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.

Information specialist's skills are recognized twice in one day

I wanted to give a commendation for information specialist Tahjeau Evans. She went above and beyond when helping me earlier today. I had some questions about several routes. She took the time to look up multiple routes/trips for me.

I called a few times today, and the information specialist, Tahjeau Evans, provided great customer service. I had some complicated trips that I needed itineraries for. They walked me through it and did an excellent job.

FlexRide operator combines safe driving, strong de-escalation skills

I had a FlexRide reserved for this morning, which was driven by operator Olivia Velarde. She was very professional and a good driver. She had to deal with a situation with another customer, and she handled it very well. I just wanted to compliment her.

Best Dressed Operator of the Week: Binod Sharma

This week’s best dressed operator is Binod Sharma from East Metro. Looking sharp, Binod!

See all Best Dressed nominees

Media outlets learn about NextRide app at event last week

The Public Relations team hosted a media availability on Aug. 27 for the launch of NextRide – RTD’s new app that combines trip planning, fares, and security reporting in a single tool. General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson and Deputy Chief of Police Sean Faris answered questions about the app and spoke to its capabilities when planning a trip, buying fares, and reporting incidents. Digital Communications Manager Andrea Sucherman demonstrated the app’s functionality. The event was covered by KOA Radio and television outlets that included CBS Colorado and 9News.

Welcome to RTD’s newest employees

Four colleagues joined the agency at Monday’s orientation. Welcome aboard!

Terian Turner

Safety Management Systems (SMS) Program Development Specialist (formerly Specialist, Assessment & Simulation Rail Training (O&M))

Katelyn Dunham

Human Resources Business Partner (formerly Labor Relations Specialist)

Crystal Kirklin

Principal Compliance Officer, Operations (Bus and Microtransit) (formerly Compliance Officer, SBO)

Tyler Frazier

Transit and Support Systems Supervisor (formerly Work Assignments Supervisor (Bus))

Emily Lueck

Document Controller (formerly Work Assignments Supervisor (Bus))

Solomon Dejene

Supervisor, Transit and Support Systems (formerly Bus Operator)

Christopher Espinoza

Supervisor, Transit and Support Systems (formerly Bus Operator)

Sarah Boettcher

Technical Writer (O&M) (formerly Continuous Improvement Specialist)

Jeff Stroud

Supervisor, Transit and Support Systems (formerly Lead Division Supervisor, Bus Transportation)

Daniel Finch

Trainer, Bus Maintenance (formerly Supervisor, Work Assignments (Light Rail))

Urvashi Shrestha

Compliance Officer, SBO (formerly Compliance Specialist, SBO)

Any employees interested in similar opportunities in the future should visit RTD's Careers page.

September is Self-Care Awareness Month

Self‑Care Awareness Month is a reminder to prioritize the habits that support well-being, and Walktober is the perfect way to put that commitment into action. This 31‑day walking challenge encourages participants to move more each day, track steps, and celebrate progress with red, orange, or gold leaves based on activity levels.

By registering between Sept. 14 and Oct. 11, employees are choosing a simple, accessible form of self‑care that boosts energy, reduces stress, and strengthens physical wellness. Plus, meeting weekly and overall goals enters participants into prize drawings for Fitbits, a Walktober T‑shirt, and even a Yeti cooler, adding some fun motivation to stay consistent.