Summer may be winding down along the Front Range, but things are about to get a whole lot busier in August! Backpacks are getting dusted off, school buses are getting ready to hit the streets, and Broncos Country is already counting down to kickoff. As the Denver metro gets ready to shift into a new rhythm, RTD is reminding customers 19 and under they can get a ride to class, practice, or work at no cost. Meanwhile, a simple safety improvement involving station elevators is already delivering big results. Check out this month's Read-n-Ride to learn how RTD is working behind the scenes and on the road to help make customers' journeys a little easier.

Elevator upgrade delivers major safety improvements

A simple change is making a big difference at RTD stations. By reprogramming elevator doors to remain open when not in use, RTD has reduced reports of unwanted activity, maintenance issues, and calls for service by as much as 77% at participating locations. Following the program’s success, RTD has expanded the initiative to now include 17 total stations, with plans to add more later this year.

The Customer Experience Elevator Program is one of many efforts RTD is using to create a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming transit environment. Read more about how the program works, where it’s expanding next, and the results customers are already seeing across the system.

When millions of fans traveled to Atlanta for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, 21 RTD Transit Police officers were there to help keep transit moving safely. Working alongside the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department, RTD officers supported one of the largest sporting events ever held in the United States while gaining valuable experience managing high-volume transit operations.

The deployment strengthened partnerships with transit agencies across the country and provided lessons RTD can bring back to the Denver metro area for future major events. Hear directly from the officers about what they learned, what surprised them, and why the experience will help shape transit safety at home.

Safety tip: A better ride starts with respect

RTD believes every trip is a shared experience, and a little consideration can go a long way. The agency's Respect the Ride Code of Conduct helps create a secure, welcoming environment for customers and employees across buses, trains, stops and stations.

Here are a few simple ways everyone can help:

1. Treat operators with kindness. Stay patient during delays, follow posted rules and remember that operators are working to keep the community moving.
2. Respect fellow customers. Keep music and other audio in headphones or earbuds and be mindful of the shared space.
3. Respect transit spaces. Follow fare rules and safety guidelines, including staying behind yellow lines while waiting for vehicles.
4. Speak up about unsafe behavior. Report concerns through an emergency call box at select platforms, by calling Transit Police at 303.299.2911 or texting 303.434.9100. In an emergency, call 911.

Visible progress taking shape after a major milestone was reached on the CO 119 Safety, Mobility, and Bikeway Project. Crews recently installed a 50-ton bikeway overpass at 63rd Street that will provide a safer connection for people walking and biking while improving access to RTD’s future Park-n-Ride and the upcoming CO 119 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service between Boulder and Longmont.

The project continues to make steady progress toward creating safer, more connected travel options along the corridor. Watch the video and learn how the new bridge supports the future BRT line, plus read more details about a temporary closure at 63rd Street as construction continues.

With students returning to Auraria Campus this month, there’s plenty happening along the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project corridor. Crews made major progress in July, from installing underground duct banks and preparing for new track in the Downtown Loop to pouring embedded track concrete and improving drainage along Colfax Avenue.

Hit play for the July update before heading back to campus.

East Colfax BRT training hits the road

The future of transit on East Colfax is getting a test run. This month, more than 200 RTD bus operators are undergoing training in the new center, bus-only lanes ahead of Bus-Only Lane Operations launching this fall. People may notice buses marked “Instruction Bus” using the new lanes and practicing stops at the future Pennsylvania, Downing and Franklin stations as operators get familiar with the new setup.

For now, 15 and 15L customers should continue using their existing stops, while drivers, pedestrians and cyclists should follow posted signs, signals and designated crossings through the training area. Get the details on what to expect and how to navigate the corridor while training is underway.

Welcoming a new director to RTD’s Board

Nine local investments to better connect communities

RTD is investing in local solutions to make it easier for customers to get around. The latest round of Partnership Program funding will support nine mobility pilots across the Denver metro area, including new and expanded on-demand services, extended hours, and improved connections to RTD stations. Together, the projects are designed to address local transportation needs while helping more people connect to jobs, services, neighborhoods, and the broader transit system.

Since launching in 2023, the Partnership Program has supported 19 projects designed by local communities. The latest funding round represents the largest investment in the program’s history with $6 million available annually through 2029. See which communities are receiving funding and what each pilot will bring to the region.

Operator of the Month — Calvin White

August’s Operator of the Month is Calvin White from East Metro Division. White was chosen for his quick reaction to helping a customer who began experiencing a medical emergency. While on his route, he noticed the customer near the stop fall to the ground. He immediately called dispatch to request medical assistance, enabling emergency services to respond quickly and transport the customer to a nearby hospital. White’s rapid response upon witnessing this event is another testament to RTD operators' willingness to continue making lives better through connections.

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.