August service changes include adjustments for upcoming Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project

Beginning Sunday, Aug. 31, RTD will roll out its latest round of bus and rail service changes. The updates are designed to support the next phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project, as well as the expansion of Downtown Boulder Station, and aim to improve reliability through schedule improvements, extended hours of service and service frequency.

RTD reviews and adjusts its services three times a year based on ridership trends, customer feedback and operational needs. Customers are encouraged to check the complete list of changes. Sign up for Service Alerts and use the Next Ride app to plan your next trip.

EcoPass sales rise as more customers take transit to work again

RTD’s EcoPass is making a strong comeback, with nearly 600 local employers now offering unlimited rides on fixed-route services – reaching almost 75% of the pre-pandemic participation. A recent community survey shows commuting to work is now the top reason customers use RTD transit.

With new flexible options and digital access, RTD is making it easier than ever for metro Denver workers to skip the parking hassle and choose public transit.

35 Years of Progress: ADA Past, Present, and Future

RTD honored 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a community event Aug. 1. The celebration highlighted the ADA’s profound impact on transit accessibility and featured an exhibit detailing the agency’s ongoing journey toward equity for Denver’s disabled community.

The agency also unveiled a special 35th anniversary bus wrap designed by a local artist to commemorate the vital role people with disabilities continue to play to make public transit more inclusive.

RTD's planning efforts for large-scale events begin several weeks in advance

From concerts and sporting events to citywide celebrations, RTD’s planning for large-scale events begins weeks in advance. Coordination across light rail, bus and commuter rail ensures the agency can handle massive crowds like the 150,000 fans who packed Empower Field for Metallica’s record-setting shows. Through real-time monitoring, standby trains and strategic teamwork, RTD keeps riders moving safely and efficiently, even when everyone leaves at once.

New RTD/ATU 1001 agreement raises starting pay for bus and train operators  

RTD’s Board approved a three-year contract with ATU Local 1001, boosting wages by 16.3% for nearly two-thirds of agency workers, while also enhancing benefits like vacation accruals for tenured employees. The agreement is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025.

RTD CEO and General Manager Debra Johnson says the decision emphasizes RTD’s commitment to "competitive, market-based wages."

Two buses, one lost purse, and a lot of hope in humanity

When Jennifer Corkern lost her purse between two buses, she assumed it was gone forever until RTD’s Lost and Found team returned it, fully intact. Her story, now shared widely online, highlights the behind-the-scenes work of employees like Tonia White, who help reunite thousands of lost items with their owners each year. It’s a reminder that honesty and hope are still riding alongside us.

Creating beauty from tragedy: RTD rehabs US 36•McCaslin Station Park-n-Ride after Marshall Fire

Rebuilding efforts continue more than three years after the Marshall Fire destroyed hundreds of homes and structures in Boulder County. Now, RTD’s US 36•McCaslin Boulevard Station Park-n-Ride has been fully restored – with a focus on fire-wise, climate-conscious design.

RTD’s team rebuilt with drought-tolerant plants, improved irrigation and cooling shade trees to create a safer, more resilient space. The redesigned Park-n-Ride now stands as proof that recovery can be sustainable, thoughtful and rooted in lessons learned.

RTD announces three appointments for key leadership positions

Greg Smith

Deputy Chief Operations Officer of Bus Operations

Brett Feddersen

Chief Information and Technology Officer

Timothy Tyran

Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance and Chief Safety Officer

RTD has appointed three new leaders with more than 70 years of combined, diverse experience to help steer the agency's strategic priorities through its long-term OneRTD vision. Greg Smith, has been promoted to New Deputy COO of Bus Operations, while Brett Feddersen steps into the newly created role of Chief Information and Technology Officer. Timothy Tyran, who was selected after a national search, is the agency's new Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance and Chief Safety Officer.

RTD seeks members for volunteer citizens committee to collaborate on transit

RTD is accepting applications for four open seats on its Citizens Advisory Committee. The 17-member volunteer group is responsible for advising the agency on transit strategies and community priorities.

Applicants must reside within the RTD service district and meet other eligibility requirements. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 5. 

RTD expands digital customer service hours 

Starting Aug. 4, RTD’s Digital Customer Relations Team is expanding weekday hours to 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and adding Saturday service from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The team handles real-time customer messages via social media and the RTD website, aiming to improve access to service alerts and support, especially during disruptions.

Important Dates

Board of Directors meetings

• No meetings scheduled this month

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 — William Reiss

Boulder Division's William Reiss is August's Operator of the Month. Reiss was selected for his courtesy, professionalism and punctuality. As an operator for the Route AB2, he is responsible for getting his customers to and from the airport on time, something he does very well. His customers commend him for his willingness to listen to their questions and concerns and provide helpful solutions to make sure their needs are met.

#DYK: Zero Fare for Youth: Back to school, back to no-cost rides!

RTD is helping students and families during the back-to-school season with its ongoing Zero Fare for Youth program. All RTD services are no-cost for youth ages 19 and under, simply by showing a valid student or government-issued ID.

Whether heading to class, after-school activities or a part-time job – this program removes transportation barriers and lets students ride toward success. Let the learning (and zero fare rides) begin! 

Safety tip: Transportation tips for back to school

August is National Back to School Month, and it also coincides with Traffic Safety Awareness Month. As students return to class, it’s important for families, drivers and pedestrians to focus on back-to-school safety. A few key reminders: 

1. Stay aware at stations and stops. Watch for increased foot traffic near bus stops, light rail stations and school zones. Avoid distractions like phones while walking or waiting. 
2. Cross streets safely. Use marked crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals. Never cross in front of a bus or train where visibility is limited. 
3. Give yourself extra time. Buses and trains may be busier before and after school. Allow for delays and avoid rushing to prevent accidents. 
4. Help kids learn safe transit habits. Parents should review public transportation safety with students. This includes standing back from platform edges, holding onto handrails and waiting for vehicles to come to a full stop before boarding. 

Stay in the know each Friday!

In case you missed it, every Friday RTD shares its news highlights for the week. Check out Three Things to Know on the News Stop page or follow RTD on social media (@ridertd).