Summer travel across the metro area is ramping up, and RTD is making big adjustments behind the scenes to help customers stay connected through a busy construction season. In this month’s Read-n-Ride, learn how June service changes are expanding travel options during the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project, what customers can expect as crews rebuild some of the system’s oldest rail infrastructure, and why recent customer feedback points to encouraging progress across the transit system. | | |
Getting around the region will look a little different starting June 7, with RTD rolling out service changes designed to keep customers connected during the next phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project. New and restored rail service, more frequent trains, and bus schedule improvements will help customers continue making trips across the metro area while construction is underway.
Highlights include the return of the C Line to Denver Union Station, the launch of the temporary T Line in the Southeast Corridor, an extension of the R Line to RidgeGate Parkway Station, and more frequent service on the B and G lines. Customers will also see improvements on 12 bus routes to strengthen connections and support more reliable travel. Check out what’s changing and plan ahead before the new schedules take effect.
| | Provide feedback on September 2026 proposed service changes | September 2026 service changes are just around the corner. RTD is hosting several public meetings to gather the general public's view on proposals. Check out dates below. | | | |
Ask a Service Planner #1
Monday, June 22, noon
Click here to join
Meeting ID: 275 703 000 807 363
Passcode: nV6RS35y
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Public Meeting #1
Monday, June 22, 5:30 p.m.
Click here to join
Meeting ID: 250 495 323 893 586
Passcode: Kc9xS3Ty
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Ask a Service Planner #2
Tuesday, June 23, noon
Click here to join
Meeting ID: 223 902 812 322 999
Passcode: bR24EP3L
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Public Meeting #2
Wednesday, June 24, 5:30 p.m.
Click here to join
Meeting ID: 254 826 249 308 77
Passcode: kK7Ba785
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| Downtown rail reconstruction enters next phase June 7 | | RTD is beginning the next phase of its Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project on June 7, replacing some of the oldest light rail infrastructure in the system to support safer, more reliable service for years to come. Crews will rebuild track along Colfax Avenue and portions of the Downtown Loop as part of the agency’s historic, multi-year investment in the region’s rail network. | |
| While construction is underway, RTD is adding alternative travel options to help customers stay connected. Learn how the project is improving long-term reliability and what service options are available during construction. | |
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What rising costs mean for RTD's future | | |
Between aging infrastructure and keeping bus and rail services running every day, RTD is facing the same rising costs impacting households across the region.
Watch this new video that breaks down the financial challenges facing transit today, and how RTD is working to balance long-term investments, daily operations, and the future of public transportation across the Front Range.
| | | | State funding boosts bus service across the region | | A new $9.3 million state grant is helping RTD deliver more frequent bus service, restore routes, and improve connections for customers across the metro area. The funding supports June service changes, including increased frequency on several routes, and additional service for high-demand events. All of these expansions are aimed at making transit more convenient, reliable, and accessible. | |
| | Customer Care hours changing June 7 | |
| Security Enhancements and Public Safety | | Customers report growing confidence in RTD system, safety, and progress | | 82% of bus customers, 87% of rail customers reported satisfaction with RTD. | | |
RTD’s latest customer and community survey results show more customers are noticing improvements across the system, particularly when it comes to safety, reliability, and the overall transit experience.
The results reflect progress on initiatives aimed at creating a more Welcoming Transit Environment. More than 70% of bus and rail customers said they feel safe while riding, and 89% said RTD vehicles are mechanically safe. Customers also rated RTD above the national transit industry averages in key areas such as helpful operators, community value, and fare affordability.
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Results also reflected satisfaction with bus and rail service which increased significantly compared to the last year, with some of the strongest gains tied to on-time performance. Perceptions of timely arrivals improved 15% for buses, 10% for commuter rail, and 26% for light rail.
Read more about what customers had to say about how RTD is using feedback to guide future improvements.
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Try Tap-n-Ride for secure fare payment on the go | RTD's Tap-n-Ride system lets customers pay fares with a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or smartwatch. Transactions are quick and processed through a secure payment system that doesn't store card numbers. Click the link to learn more about how the fast and easy way to pay is also protecting your financial information. | | | | | More trains, same rules: Stay alert around tracks | | With rail service frequencies increasing across parts of RTD’s system this month, the agency is reminding customers and community members that safety near tracks and crossings starts with staying aware. | Trains can approach from either direction, move faster and quieter than many expect, and cannot stop quickly. Whether walking, biking, or driving near tracks, always use designated crossings, obey signals, and avoid distractions. A few seconds of awareness can help prevent a life-changing accident. | | Safety tip: Good habits are essential in an emergency | | |
While emergencies on transit are uncommon, knowing what to do can help you respond quickly and confidently if one occurs.
RTD operators train year-round to handle unexpected situations. Customers can support a safe environment by staying aware and following safety guidance when needed.
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Quick safety tips
- Know where the nearest emergency exits are located
- Keep aisles and walkways clear of personal items
- Stay alert near stations, platforms, and vehicles
- Listen for operator announcements and follow instructions
- Report suspicious or unsafe activity to Transit Police
| | | Building a More Equitable System | | Multilingual decals provide access to customer information | |
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Diversity Spotlight: Pride Month celebrates community, inclusion, and connection
| | June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, a time to celebrate the individuals, communities, and advocates who advanced equality, visibility, and belonging. It's also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of creating welcoming spaces where everyone can participate fully in community life. | |
| At RTD, this commitment means building an inclusive workplace and ensuring equitable access to transportation that connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunity. Explore the history of Pride, local events across the Denver region, and the leaders whose advocacy continues to shape a more inclusive future. | |
| Stories from Our Communities | | New shuttle connects rail customers to Red Rocks and beyond | |
| Exploring the foothills just got easier. After launching Memorial Day weekend, the free Westracks shuttle connects RTD customers from Jefferson County Government Center•Golden Station to popular destinations like Red Rocks, Morrison, and more. | |
Running every 15 minutes, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends and holidays through Labor Day, the seasonal shuttle offers a convenient, car-free way to reach some of the region’s most top outdoor spots. Whether you’re heading to a museum, local restaurant, or hike, Westracks makes it easy to turn a rail trip into a full day of adventure. | |
| Westracks was made possible through RTD’s Partnership Program, which helps local communities develop mobility solutions that complement existing transit service and expand access across the district. | |
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Operator of the Month — Sadibou Drammeh
| | RTD has named East Metro Operator Sadibou Drammeh June’s Operator of the Month after his fast action helped a customer experiencing a stroke receive immediate medical attention. While driving his route, Drammeh quickly pulled over near a fire station and alerted firefighters, who responded right away to assist the customer. His calm demeanor and awareness of his surroundings made it possible for emergency crews to provide care — demonstrating the professionalism and dedication RTD operators bring to customers every day. | |
Board of Directors meetings
• Finance and Planning Committee - June 9, 5:30 p.m.
• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee - June 10, 5:30 p.m.
• Audit Committee - June 11, 2 p.m.
• Study Session - June 16, 5:30 p.m.
• Executive Committee - June 18, noon
• Performance Committee - June 22, 8:30 a.m.
• Board of Directors monthly meeting - June 23, 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 June | |
June in Denver doesn’t believe in taking it easy. From Denver Pride and the Juneteenth Music Festival to the Red Bull Soapbox Race, Rockies baseball, huge concerts, wrestling smackdowns, and the inspiring Transplant Games, the metro area is stacked with reasons to get out and explore.
Whether customers are heading downtown for a parade or watching someone launch a homemade vehicle down a hill with questionable judgment ... RTD can help get them there all month long. Check out June’s Rad Things (to) Do and start planning the summer fun.
| | DYK: FreeRide detours support monthly downtown market | | The recurring market brings local artists, makers, and small businesses to downtown, creating a lively destination for shopping and community gathering. Customers are encouraged to check Service Alerts and allow extra travel time when traveling through the area on event days. | | |
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