RTD’s January service changes went into effect earlier this month, restoring regular travel patterns for several rail lines and making targeted schedule updates across the system. The L Line was reinstated, and the D and H lines returned to their regular routes following completion of the latest phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project. RTD encourages customers to stay informed by signing up for Service Alerts for the latest route and schedule information. | | Access-on-Demand program changes take effect | | 16th Street FreeRide boardings surge | | RTD’s 16th Street FreeRide reported strong ridership gains in October 2025, the first full month after end-to-end service returned to the corridor, signaling renewed momentum for mobility in downtown Denver. | | Boardings climbed to about 252,000 that month, nearly double the levels seen during the height of construction detours. Travel times improved by more than 10 minutes per round trip. RTD leaders and downtown partners say the growth reflects rising activity along 16th Street and the FreeRide’s continued role as a vital, zero-fare connection for workers, visitors, and residents. | | RTD expands MyRide with cash payment option | | RTD expanded fare payment access by allowing customers to load cash onto the MyRide platform, making electronic fares easier to use for customers without bank cards or those who prefer cash. The new option, powered by VanillaDirect, lets customers make deposits at RTD sales outlets and participating retailers across the metro area, then pay fares by tapping or scanning a MyRide card or app. RTD says the change improves accessibility, boarding times, and supports ongoing efforts to modernize fare collection while keeping transit convenient for all. | | | Top 10 milestones that improved customer service, reliability in 2025 | | RTD swears in new Board member, elects 2026 leadership | | |
RTD welcomed newly appointed District N Board Director Cindy Arcuri during a special Board meeting on Jan. 6. The 15-member, publicly elected Board represents districts across the RTD service area and oversees agency policy and direction.
Board members also elected officers to serve on the executive committee for 2026, including Patrick O' Keefe, District H, as chair.
| | | Lili Tran named new chief people officer | | | | RTD selected Lili Tran as its new chief people officer following a nationwide search, bringing more than three decades of human resources leadership across public service, public safety, and nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Tran has extensive experience in unionized, public-facing environments and a track record of strengthening workforces and labor partnerships. | | Security Enhancements and Public Safety | | Top 5 safety wins of 2025 | | |
RTD Transit Police marked a year of measurable progress in 2025, with declines in security-related calls and illicit drug activity, expanded fare enforcement, and the launch of a fully operational detective bureau. Investments in technology, training, and transparency strengthened customer confidence while supporting a visible, consistent presence across the system.
These top five achievements highlighted how focused strategies advanced safety and supported a more welcoming transit environment.
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RTD’s Transit Watch app offers a quick, easy, and anonymous way to report safety concerns directly to Transit Police.
Customers can call or text Transit Watch anytime. The app is also available in Spanish. Download the app for free from Google Play or Apple App Store.
| | Inside the snow desk: keeping buses moving in winter | |
When snow and ice hit the region, RTD’s Snow Desk becomes the nerve center for bus operations. Activated before conditions deteriorate, the Snow Desk coordinates dispatch, maintenance, and recovery teams to quickly respond to stuck buses, protect customers, and prevent systemwide delays.
With accident prevention top of mind, this behind-the-scenes operation helps ensure winter storms do not turn into service shutdowns.
| |  | Winter rail prep: how RTD keeps trains running | |
A small amount of ice can interrupt the train’s power connection. Similar to how buses rely on the Snow Desk, it takes coordinated efforts across rail operations, maintenance, and facilities help keep trains moving safely, even in heavy snow and extreme cold.
Rail service depends on constant motion, proactive maintenance, and rapid response to get ahead of major storms. That's why RTD crews prepare months in advance; monitoring forecasts, and running sweep trains to prevent ice buildup.
| | | How RTD protects the digital tools powering public transit | | |
Whether it's trip planning and fare payment or service alerts, RTD’s digital tools are essential for daily travel across the region. But behind the scenes, RTD’s cybersecurity team works around the clock to protect these systems from growing cyber threats facing public agencies nationwide.
Cybersecurity at RTD is a shared responsibility. Through constant monitoring, and detecting threats before they have a chance to escalate, the team helps safeguard customer data and support safe, dependable service.
| | | Building a More Equitable System | | Diversity Spotlight: Dr. King's legacy in motion at RTD | | As RTD observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026, the agency reflects on Dr. King's vision of justice, community, and nonviolent change, as well as how public transportation brings that vision to life. | | Whether it's Colorado's pioneering role in establishing the federal holiday or RTD's ongoing initiatives to promote more equitable transit, this month's Diversity Spotlight shows how these efforts connect people to opportunity and strengthens the "beloved community." | | | #DYK: Zero Fare for Transit Equity Day | |
| RTD is once again encouraging customers to ride RTD's bus and rail services at no cost on Wednesday, Feb. 4 in recognition of Transit Equity Day. The day honors the legacy of civil rights leader Rosa Parks and the role public transportation plays in advancing equity and opportunity | | | |
As part of the agency's mission to make lives better through connections, the zero-fare day reflects RTD's commitment to ensuring access to jobs, education, healthcare, and community connections for all customers.
| | Stories from Our Communities | | A decade of connection: Flatiron Flyer marks 10 years on US 36 | | | | |
For 10 years, RTD’s Flatiron Flyer has served as a vital link between Denver, Aurora, and Boulder along the US 36 corridor. As one of the first FasTracks expansion program projects to open in January 2016, the bus rapid transit service has helped redefine regional travel by offering reliable connections between major job centers, universities, and communities.
With more than 10 million boardings since its debut, and more than 1.3 million customers in 2024 alone, the Flatiron Flyer continues to be one of RTD’s most used and trusted services, proving the power of regional partnerships and intentional transit investment.
| | Connect to the slopes without the drive | | During the 2025–26 ski season, RTD is helping customers skip winter driving and crowded parking by connecting them to multiple transit options serving Colorado’s most popular ski destinations. From the NB1 bus to Eldora, and bus and rail connections to the Winter Park Express and Snowstang at Union Station, customers used RTD as the front door to the mountains. | | | These connections offer a safer, more relaxed way to reach the slopes while reducing traffic and stress during the busiest travel months of the year. | | | ICYMI: Five RTD moments that made 2025 memorable | | Beyond schedules and service, 2025 delivered moments that reminded the region why transit matters. There were everyday acts of kindness and connection, competitions allowing operators to blow their own horn for once, and even an emu that gave Transit Police a run for their money! | | | Check out five stories that proves transit can bring people together in so many ways beyond the daily commute. | | | Operator of the month — Wednesday Fair | | January’s Operator of the Month is Wednesday Fair of Transdev, who is being recognized for her professionalism and quick thinking during a critical situation involving children. While operating her route near the busy intersection of Alameda Avenue and Federal Boulevard, Fair noticed two kids left unattended. With their safety top of mind, Fair brought them onto her bus and staying with them until law enforcement and social services arrived to help reunite the pair with their family. | |
Board of Directors meetings
• Executive Committee - Jan. 8, noon
• Performance Committee - Jan. 12, 8:30 a.m.
• Finance and Planning Committee - Jan. 13, 5:30 p.m.
• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee - Jan. 14, 5:30 p.m.
• Executive Committee - Jan. 22, noon
• Board of Directors monthly meeting - Jan. 27, 5:30 p.m.
• Performance Committee - Feb. 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.
| | Rad Things (to) Do in January | |
A new year brings a fresh slate of can't miss events across the Denver metro area that are all easy to reach by RTD buses or rail. This month's highlights include the National Western Stock Show, the Martin Luther King Jr. Marade, plus everything from major professional and college sports to a packed concert calendar at venues small and large!
Check out the new updated format that puts the biggest events front and center, including quick summaries and detailed listings. It's never been easier to skip scrolling and plan a fun night out.
| | Safety tip: Test what you cannot see | | | | Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you cannot see or smell, but long-term exposure can be deadly, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. January is National Radon Action Month, a national effort led by the Environmental Protection Agency and public health partners to encourage testing and simple steps that can save lives. | |
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Test your home: Radon test kits are inexpensive, easy to use, and available at most hardware stores. Testing is the only way to know your exposure.
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Fix high levels: If results come back elevated, sealing foundation cracks and improving ventilation can significantly reduce radon.
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Spread the word: Talk with family, friends, and neighbors about radon risk and encourage them to test.
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Support safer building: When buying or building a home, look for radon-resistant construction techniques that help prevent gas from entering in the first place.
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