RTD saw a 52% drop in security-related calls in February as more officers continue to be deployed in high-visibility transit locations

RTD is seeing measurable results after a year-long focus on bolstering law enforcement, upgrading facilities, and adding bus and train enhancements to improve the personal safety and security of its customers and employees. At the top of the agency's list of strategies is an increased number of RTD Transit Police officers patrolling the system, an effort that has now resulted in both a month-over-month and year-over-year decrease in security-related calls.

RTD shares year-over-year improvements in safety metrics, highlighting transparent reporting and cultural progress

RTD reported several year-over-year improvements and incident decreases in the agency’s annual safety metrics provided to the federal government. In 2024, RTD reported improvements in the number of light rail events, a decrease in commuter rail trespassers, a slight improvement in the overall number of on-the-job injuries, and adopted a Vision Zero resolution.

Meet Angel Peña, RTD's new Deputy CEO

RTD’s new Deputy CEO Angel Peña understands that transit is a lifeline connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare and other opportunities. Peña grew up in Venezuela which influenced his view of transit along with his leadership roles at other public transit agencies in the U.S. Read on to learn what he views as RTD’s greatest opportunity over the next year.

RTD and Fraternal Order of Police finalize three-year agreement representing Transit Police

The RTD Board of Directors authorized the agency’s General Manager and CEO, Debra A. Johnson, to enter into a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #72 to represent the RTD Transit Police force. The three-year agreement will raise the pay of Transit Police officers and Transit Police corporals 5% for 2025, retroactive to January 1, 4% percent for 2026, and 4% for 2027.

Hundreds of bus operators recognized in RTD's 5280 Safe Driving Program

RTD is recognizing hundreds of bus operators who maintained accident-free driving and avoided preventable incidents in 2024 as part of its 5280 Safe Driving Program. Twelve of the 436 bus operators who are members of the program maintained their accident-free record for 20 years or more. RTD launched the program in 2021 to commend its operators for keeping transit safe for customers who rely on RTD services to make connections.

Important Dates

Board of Directors meetings

• Finance and Planning Committee (virtual) – April 8, 5:30 p.m.
• Operations and Safety Committee (virtual) – April 9, 5:30 p.m.
• Audit Committee (virtual) – April 10, 2 p.m.
• Performance Committee (virtual) – April 14, 8:30 a.m.
• Study Session (virtual and in-person) – April 22, 5:30 p.m.
• Executive Committee (virtual) – April 24, 11:15 a.m.
• Board of Directors meeting (virtual and in-person) – April 29, 5:30 p.m.

Check the Board of Directors calendar for current information and a full list of Board events. 

Join RTD Board meetings via Zoom, YouTube

The RTD Board's committee meetings, study sessions and monthly meetings are available live on Zoom, using a Chrome or Firefox browser. Meetings are also streamed via RTD’s YouTube channel. For links, agendas and more, visit the Board’s meeting portal.

Operator of the month — Haile Fitwi

Haile Fitwi from the East Metro Division is April’s Operator of the Month. Fitwi was chosen for his heroic efforts to provide assistance and request emergency services for a customer who was attacked by a stranger minutes before the bus arrived at the stop. Thanks to Fitwi’s actions, the customer was able to receive medical attention and begin recovery.

#DYK: FlexRide provides RTD customers neighborhood connections

Luxury train rolls into Denver Union Station

A new train is rolling into Denver Union Station (DUS) for an inaugural run on April 9. The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train experience that has operated from Denver since 2021 but soon will arrive and depart from DUS. The Rocky Mountaineer's two-day route travels between Denver and Moab, Utah. Guests can enjoy views through the glass-domed train as it traverses through the scenic Rocky Mountains.

Safety tip: Stay safe at RTD rail stations

Prioritize safety when using rail services by paying attention to surroundings, avoiding distractions and making smart choices to keep safe when around railroad tracks. Here are some tips:

• Stand behind the yellow warning lines on rail platforms until the train stops and the doors open
• Never walk or bike along train tracks
• Never skateboard, skate or ride a bike on the platform, stairs or escalators

• Trains are quiet, be on high alert
• Avoid distraction from headphones and cell phones when you are near train tracks
• When a train is approaching, wait for it to pass then look for a second train in the other direction
• Never walk, bike or drive across rail tracks when you see a moving train or red traffic signals
• Stay away from the overhead train power line
• Follow traffic rules and cross only at designated crossings
• Always look both ways before crossing rail tracks
• Never climb between train cars