In an effort to boost fare compliance, RTD Transit Police and contracted security officers conducted nearly 5 million fare checks across the rail system in 2025. The effort recovered fare from more than 200,000 customers and supported a safer, more welcoming environment on trains and platforms systemwide.

With expanded officer staffing, new payment options like Tap-n-Ride, and increased patrols planned for 2026, RTD expects fare checks to continue rising as part of a broader approach to safety, fairness, and system sustainability.

RTD Transit Police dispatchers began the new year in an upgraded Security Command Center, bringing the full communications team back together at a single RTD-operated site for the first time in years. The long-planned move improves collaboration, streamlines emergency response, and strengthens coordination across the district’s bus and rail network.

Updated workstations, expanded capacity, and enhanced video monitoring support 24-hour dispatch coverage for the entire system, reinforcing RTD’s OneRTD approach to safety while improving training, efficiency, and workplace well-being for the agency’s first responders.

RTD’s Transit Police Department received the prestigious Agency Trilogy Award from FBI-LEEDA in 2025, highlighting the people behind RTD’s ongoing work to keep customers and employees safe.

The award recognizes the department’s commitment to leadership and reflects a rare achievement, with the entire command staff completing all three levels of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership series. The department also marked the occasion by recognizing team members whose dedication and expertise made a meaningful impact throughout the year.

Crews successfully raised the Cherry Street Station arches last week, marking a major milestone for the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and the halfway point for station arch installations along the corridor. That means after another arch was raised the following week on Hudson St., 17 of 32 arches are now in place across Denver and Aurora and the project is beginning to take on its permanent form.

Public meetings for proposed service changes in June

ART Route shows strong first-year growth

RTD’s ART District Connector is gaining momentum in its first year, with steady month-over-month ridership growth since launching in January 2025. Monthly boardings rose more than 34% through September, highlighting the route’s growing role in connecting customers to jobs, arts, education, and entertainment across downtown Denver.

Serving neighborhoods from Baker to Elyria-Swansea, the ART Route links major cultural districts including Santa Fe, downtown theaters, and RiNo. Strong community response supports the trend, with customer surveys showing overwhelming support and positive feedback for the route’s convenience, access, and value.

A Century of Movement: Black leaders who shaped transit equity

Stronger neighborhoods help create better transit experiences. The City of Aurora is now accepting applications for its 2026 Neighborhood Improvement Grants, offering funding for small, community-led projects that enhance neighborhood pride, connection, and shared spaces. From clean-up events to gathering places like little free libraries, these projects help improve the places RTD customers live, walk, and travel through every day.

RTD encourages customers and community partners in Aurora to explore this opportunity and take part in shaping neighborhoods that feel welcoming, connected, and vibrant. Applications are due April 17. Projects must be located within Aurora city limits and completed by Oct. 30. Questions can be emailed to engagecec@auroragov.org.

Operator of the Month — William Gonglach

February’s Operator of the Month is William Gonglach, a bus operator from East Metro Division. Gonglach was recognized for going the extra mile to reunite a customer with a laptop left behind on his bus. After finding the device, he kept it secure and personally delivered it to the customer at Union Station, turning a stressful situation into a welcome relief.

Board of Directors meetings

• Finance and Planning Committee - Feb. 10, 5:30 p.m.

• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee - Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m.

• Audit Committee - Feb. 12, 2:00 p.m.

• Executive Committee - Feb. 19, noon

• Board of Directors monthly meeting - Feb. 24, 5:30 p.m.

• Performance Committee - March 2, 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.

Feb. 13 is Winter Bike to Work Day. Trade four wheels for two and brighten your commute by biking to work, running errands, or riding to a Winter Bike to Work Day station.

RTD buses, light rail, and commuter rail all support Bike-n-Ride with onboard racks or designated spaces, making it easy to combine biking and transit, even in winter.

Safety tip: Safety keeps service moving

Most injuries on buses and trains happen during everyday moments like boarding, walking through stations, or exiting vehicles, not during crashes. A few simple choices can make a big difference in keeping you safe and helping service stay reliable for everyone.

1. Hold the handrail when boarding, riding, and exiting.
2. Take your time, especially on stairs, platforms, and moving vehicles.
3. Do not run for buses or trains. Another one is on the way.
4. Watch your step to avoid slips, trips, and falls.
5. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow posted safety signs.