April's Read-n-Ride shines a light on the people, projects, and milestones shaping transit across the region. This month, RTD marks 10 years of A Line service between downtown Denver and the airport, continues system investments with improvements at Table Mesa Park-n-Ride, and expands language access for customers with new "I Speak" buttons. Together, these updates reflect RTD’s commitment to building a system that’s more reliable, accessible, and responsive to the communities it serves.

In addition to the A Line, RTD offers other easy, convenient connections to DEN through five SkyRide bus routes, and six Park-n-Ride locations.

From Boulder and Brighton to Aurora, customers can connect to DEN with a $10 Airport Day Pass. Whether it's hopping on the A Line at Union Station or catching SkyRide closer to home, RTD is here to help make travel season simple — no driving or parking required.

RTD recently began an 18-month improvement project at Table Mesa Park-n-Ride to complete key structural repairs. Upgrades include the stair tower, plaza awning, roofing, and sections of the parking garage. During construction, bus gates B and C will temporarily close, and boarding locations for Flatiron Flyer and Airport routes will shift nearby.

Service remains available along Table Mesa Drive and the south ramp plaza, with pedestrian bridge access in place. The project is scheduled to continue through 2027, and RTD encourages customers to plan ahead and stay aware of temporary adjustments.

Planning the future of transit together

RTD is launching a districtwide Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA), an 18-month review of how transit service should adapt to current travel needs across the Denver metro area. The study will examine the entire network, with community feedback playing a central role.

This summer, RTD will share its performance findings and introduce service scenarios that explore tradeoffs between frequency, coverage, and access. The COA will culminate in a long-term service roadmap in 2028, built with public input and a commitment to transparency.

RTD has refreshed its online newsroom, News Stop, to make it simpler to find the latest agency updates on one convenient page. The redesigned site pulls together service alerts, community project updates, customer stories, and original videos in one location.

With a cleaner layout and improved search, News Stop is built to help customers, media, and stakeholders find what they need, when they need it.

Multi-agency K-9 training strengthening emergency response and safety

RTD Transit Police recently hosted a full-day K-9 training alongside local, state, and federal safety partners from across Colorado to prepare for real-world emergencies. One exercise involved vehicle sweeps designed to test how well handlers read their dogs' cues, reinforcing trust in the K-9's ability to identify threats.

This training has a real impact. In one recent case, an RTD K-9 helped locate a gun tied to a homicide investigation while assisting another agency.

RTD's K-9 teams regularly patrol stations, vehicles, and major hubs. By training in different environments and alongside partner agencies, the teams stay ready to respond whenever they are called and directly support a safer transit system for the entire region.

Safety tip: See something suspicious? RTD wants to know

Public awareness plays a key role in keeping RTD’s bus and rail system safe. Customers who notice suspicious or unwanted behavior can now access a digital form to make a real-time report to Transit Police.

Here are ways to report a safety or security issue:

1. Submit an incident online via new reporting form.
2. Call (24/7): 303.299.2911
3. Text (24/7): 303.434.9100
4. Blue-light emergency phones at rail stations
5. For emergencies or active threats, always call 911.
6. For safety hazards, contact RTD Customer Care by phone at 303.299.6000, or visit the online customer comment form.

Frontline staff now wear “I Speak” buttons showing the languages they speak, and QR code decals give customers instant access to translated transit information on their phones. These updates support RTD’s ongoing commitment to improving language access and making the system more welcoming for all customers. From trip planning to fares and customer assistance, RTD is connecting customers to vital information in the language that works best for them.

Resilience in action: women shaping transit at RTD

To mark Women’s History Month, RTD hosted a panel featuring leaders from across the agency to discuss how adaptability defines leadership.

CEO and General Manager Debra A. Johnson moderated the conversation, “Resilience and Reinvention: Women Shaping the Future of Transportation,” which connected personal experience to professional development and highlighted the value of diverse perspectives. As RTD looks ahead, the discussion imparted a clear takeaway: when more voices are part of the journey, the entire system benefits.

Funding local solutions to meet transit needs

RTD is opening the fourth round of its Partnership Program, continuing efforts to strengthen mobility through collaboration. The program provides $6 million in annual funding over the next three years to support community‑driven projects across the district. Local governments and transportation organizations are invited to propose services that complement RTD’s network or fill gaps in access to jobs and essential services.

Previous funding cycles have delivered strong results, expanding access and generating more than 300,000 annual boardings through on‑demand and fixed‑route partnerships. Selected projects will be announced in July.

Operator of the Month — Michelle Coates

April's Operator of the Month, Michelle Coates, is being recognized for making a customer's stressful situation much easier. While driving near Boulder, Coates noticed someone stranded with a broken-down car, far from the nearest bus stop. She safely pulled over and welcomed them on board. It's a simple act of support that demonstrates awareness and care can positively shape every customer's trip.

Coates joined RTD in 2024 after working 17 years in health care and says connecting with customers is what she enjoys most about the job. Now driving out of Boulder Division, she brings that same people-first mindset to the road each day. That includes whether she's operating routes like FF1 or LD1, or helping customers navigate unexpected challenges along the way.

Board of Directors meetings

• Executive Committee - April 2, noon

• Special Board Meeting - April 7, 5:30 p.m.

• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee - April 8, 5:30 p.m.

• Performance Committee - April 9, noon

• Audit Committee - April 9, 2:00 p.m.

• Finance and Planning Committee - April 21, 3 p.m.

• Special Board Meeting - April 21, 5:30 p.m.

• Executive Committee - April 23, noon

• Board of Directors monthly meeting - April 28, 5:30 p.m.

• Performance Committee - May 4, 8:30 a.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.