It's officially summertime in the Denver metro, and the living is easy. While soccer fans from around the world packed stadiums during the FIFA World Cup, RTD Transit Police officers are helping support safety efforts behind the scenes in Atlanta. Closer to home, customers have an opportunity to help shape the future of transit by weighing in on proposed September service changes. Plus, a new mobile history tour is turning a ride on the 16th Street FreeRide into a journey through more than a century of Denver history. Whether it's a new way to experience downtown Denver or simply getting to your destination safely, every trip has a story to tell. This month's Read-n-Ride shows how RTD is making its next chapter more connected, convenient, and meaningful for customers. | | |
RTD is recommending a new round of service improvements aimed at making transit more reliable, convenient, and responsive to customer travel needs. The proposed September Service Changes include enhancements designed to strengthen connections and better align service with how customers are using the system today. Before any changes are finalized, RTD is seeking public feedback.
Customers have until July 8 to give feedback on the proposed changes. Review the proposals, share your thoughts, and help shape the future of transit service across the region.
| | Explore Denver’s history with 16th Street FreeRide | | A ride on the 16th Street FreeRide can now double as a trip through Denver’s past. RTD’s new mobile history tour invites customers to scan a QR code located on FreeRide buses and explore the stories, landmarks, and transit innovations that helped shape downtown Denver. Featuring a narrated audio tour, interactive map, historic photos, and links to local history resources, the no-cost experience offers a new way to discover the city while traveling along one of its most iconic corridors. | |
Latest phase of Downtown Rail Reconstruction kicks off | | |
Work in the Downtown Loop Midblocks and Colfax Avenue Alignment areas began on June 7 as a part of the ongoing, multi-year Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project.
Watch this video to see demolition at Seventh Street crossing, which is now reopened after crews worked around the clock to complete reconstruction in just 10 days.
| | | | East Colfax preparing to reopen between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard this fall | Construction on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project remains on schedule and on budget, with a major milestone approaching this fall as East Colfax reopens between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard. Customers will begin seeing future BRT improvements take shape, including dedicated center-running bus lanes and new station platforms that will serve today's Route 15 and 15L service before full Bus Rapid Transit operations launch in 2027. | | Learn what to expect when the corridor reopens, how transit service will operate, and how the project is transforming one of the region's busiest travel corridors. | | Security Enhancements and Public Safety | | RTD Transit Police support safety operations during FIFA World Cup | | As hundreds of thousands of visitors travel through Atlanta for the FIFA World Cup, RTD Transit Police officers are helping support safety and security operations alongside local transit police in Atlanta. Through a long-standing tradition of assisting transit agencies during major events, RTD officers are providing patrol support, sharing public safety expertise, and helping ensure travelers can move safely and confidently through one of the world’s largest sporting events. Learn how RTD Transit Police are contributing to a global event while bringing valuable experience back to the Denver region. | |
Building a RTD-PD culture of accountability | | |
RTD Transit Police is implementing the nationally recognized Active Bystander Law Enforcement (ABLE) program, a training initiative designed to help officers prevent mistakes and strengthen accountability across the department. The program gives officers practical tools to step in when concerns arise and promote de-escalation.
Backed by research and adopted by hundreds of law enforcement agencies across North America, ABLE supports RTD’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe, Welcoming Transit Environment for all.
| |
| | | Safety tip: Safety starts before anyone boards | | |
Every RTD trip begins long before the doors open. Behind the scenes, buses, trains, and track infrastructure undergo thousands of inspections each year to identify and address potential issues before they affect service.
Between daily bus inspections to routine track and rail maintenance, RTD's proactive approach helps keep customers moving safely and reliably every day.
| | |
- Bus operators inspect their vehicles after every shift to identify potential maintenance
- Vehicles requiring repairs are removed from service.
- Light rail tracks are inspected year-round
- Teams perform inspections daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually across the system
- Preventive maintenance helps reduce service disruptions and support a safer ride for every customer
| | | Building a More Equitable System | | Diversity Spotlight: Advancing equity through transportation | | More than 60 years after it became law, the Civil Rights Act of 1964's principles continue to guide how RTD serves communities across the region. Learn how affordable fare programs, language access resources, equity planning, and community engagement help connect more people to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunity while supporting a more accessible transit system for everyone. | | Celebrating 36 Years of the ADA | On July 26, RTD joins communities across the country in celebrating the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The landmark civil rights law helped expand access and opportunity for millions of Americans, reinforcing the importance of accessible public transportation and equal access to the places, services, and opportunities that connect our communities. | | | Stories from Our Communities | | Students explore future transit careers through EV Academy | A group of Denver Public Schools students recently got a behind-the-scenes look at how RTD keeps the region moving as part of the EV Academy summer career program. Students had the chance to tour light rail maintenance facilities and train control systems to learn about careers in rail operations. Witnessing emerging transportation technologies firsthand, students saw how innovation powers public transit. The visit highlights RTD’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of transportation professionals and connecting students with real-world career opportunities. | |
Landscaping at Denver Union Station complete | | |
RTD crews recently transformed Denver Union Station with newly planted trees, refreshed landscaping, upgraded irrigation, and other improvements designed to create a more welcoming environment for customers and the surrounding community.
Watch the video to see how enhancements provide additional greenery and visual appeal at Denver Union Station.
| | | | Pedaling through Arvada's past | |
Biking and transit can work together to connect people with destinations, history, and one another.
Cyclists and transit enthusiasts recently explored Arvada's transportation history during a community ride hosted by Colorado History Rides, DRCOG, and RTD. Participants traveled between RTD stations along local trail networks while learning how transportation in the area evolved from horse-drawn carriages and streetcars to today's commuter rail system.
| |  | Bike to Work Day celebration across the region | |
Thousands of residents across metro Denver took part in Bike to Work Day, an annual event that shows the growing role active transportation plays in helping people move around the region.
RTD joined regional partners at Denver Union Station to connect with cyclists and share resources that make combining bike trips and transit easier, including onboard bike access and secure parking options at stations.
| | |
Operator of the Month — Eric Worthington
| | July’s Operator of the Month is paratransit operator Eric Worthington of MTM Transit. While driving his route, Eric spotted a vehicle engulfed in flames and immediately pulled his bus to safety before rushing to help. His quick thinking and extraordinary courage helped rescue a man and his daughter trapped inside the burning vehicle, saving both of their lives. Eric's selfless actions exemplify the dedication and compassion RTD’s operators demonstrate every day. | |
Board of Directors meetings
• Finance and Planning Committee - July 14, 5:30 p.m.
• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee - July 15, 5:30 p.m.
• Executive Committee - July 23, noon
• Board of Directors monthly meeting - July 28, 5:30 p.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 July | July may come around every year, but America's 250th birthday only happens once. Denver is celebrating independence in a big way, with fireworks and Rockies baseball, plus enough concerts, festivals, and events to fill every weekend on the calendar. Whether you're planning a Fourth of July tradition or looking for something new, RTD can help make getting there part of an easy day out. | | |
Enjoy this issue?
Share it with other transit fans.
| Help RTD keep our transit community informed. Share this newsletter with a colleague, family member, or neighbor who's interested in staying connected to what's happening across the system. | |
| | | | |
