March's Read-n-Ride presents progress RTD customers can see and feel across the system. This month, Transit Police are expanding their presence with two new substations to improve response times; new safety data shows continued decreases in security-related incidents; and customers are embracing easier travel with DTC FlexRide and Tap-n-Ride contactless payments. Read on for the latest updates, community stories, and ways RTD is working to make every trip safer and more convenient. | | |
RTD Transit Police are placing officers closer to the communities they serve, thanks to two new substations at Downtown Boulder Station and the Elati light rail facility in Englewood. The move is designed to increase visibility on platforms and along corridors while improving response times. That means more officers starting their shifts closer to the stations customers use every day.
The expansion builds on the department’s sector-based policing model and reinforces RTD’s focus on a Welcoming Transit Environment. By starting shifts within their assigned areas, officers can spend more time on proactive patrols and directly engage customers and local partners.
| | Southeast FlexRide zones combine into DTC FlexRide | | | | RTD has combined eight southeast FlexRide service areas into one larger zone, now operating as DTC FlexRide between Belleview and Sky Ridge stations on both sides of I-25. The change removes previous service boundaries and makes it easier for customers to travel throughout the Denver Tech Center area without worrying about zone limits. | | FlexRide is RTD’s shared, first- and last-mile service, connecting customers to stations, Park-n-Rides, workplaces, medical centers, and shopping destinations. Trips can be booked up to 10 minutes before pickup through the RTD website, mobile app, or Customer Care, and fares match regular RTD service. Youth 19 and under continue to ride at no cost. | | Customers quickly embrace Tap-n-Ride payments | | |
RTD customers are tapping in.
Since launching Nov. 25, the agency’s new Tap-n-Ride contactless payment option has seen steady growth. More than 13,000 customers used Tap-n-Ride in January, tapping credit cards or mobile wallets directly at bus and rail validators with no ticket machine required.
| | | Tap-n-Ride builds on RTD’s account-based ticketing system and is now available on nearly 1,000 buses and at rail stations across the district. As electronic payments continue to grow, the added convenience gives customers another fast, flexible way to pay their fare. | | Security Enhancements and Public Safety | | RTD officers recognized for rapid response during Boulder emergency | A group of RTD Transit Police officers were formally recognized by the Boulder Police Department during a ceremony for their immediate response to the June 1, 2025, attack on Pearl Street. Nine RTD officers, including three K-9 units, assisted with securing the scene and supporting the investigation in the critical hours that followed. | The recognition underscores how Transit Police help keep communities safe by working alongside local agencies when it matters most. | |  | New data shows continued decline in security-related incident calls | |
RTD’s latest safety metrics show continued progress across the system. Security-related incident reports continued to decline year-over-year (-2.5%), with double digit drops in reports of of illicit drug activity (-21.8%).
The data reflects ongoing investments in 24/7 patrols, targeted deployments and a visible officer presence across the district.
| | | DYK: Celebrate National Transit Employee Appreciation Day | |
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Mark the calendar for Transit Employee Appreciation Day on Wednesday, March 18, and take a moment to thank the dedicated employees who keep RTD moving.
Recognized nationwide by the American Public Transportation Association, the day is a chance to show some love to the operators, mechanics, and staff who make transit possible. Share a note of thanks in person or online using #TransitEmployeeAppreciationDay.
| | Building a More Equitable System | | RTD awards transit assistance grants to 170 organizations | |
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RTD will provide $1 million in Transit Assistance Grant funding to 170 nonprofit and community organizations across the district. For the third year in a row, the agency is supplying 10-ride ticket books at no cost so partners can help people with urgent transportation needs.
For many recipients, the tickets mean getting to a job interview or medical appointment they otherwise couldn't reach. Grants range from $400 to $45,000 per organization and must be distributed to clients free of charge.
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In 2025, the program helped more than 76,000 people, a 35% increase from the year before. Nearly all applicants for 2026 funding received awards, reflecting strong demand from community partners.
TAG is designed to provide short-term help while connecting eligible customers to LiVE, RTD’s income-based fare discount program, for longer-term support.
| | Women’s History Month highlights leadership across RTD | | Panel discussion to spotlight women shaping the future of transit | |
RTD is marking Women’s History Month panel featuring leaders from cybersecurity, rail, Transit Police, and talent development.
Moderated by General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson, the discussion will explore how women across the agency are navigating change, leading teams, and strengthening public transportation for the communities RTD serves. Keep an eye out for a highlight video of the panel after the event.
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RTD is recognizing Women’s History Month by celebrating the women who help power public transportation across the region. From cybersecurity and rail compliance to Transit Police and talent development, employees across the agency are advancing equity, strengthening operations, and supporting customers every day.
Through its Diversity Spotlight series and agencywide initiatives, RTD is showing how resilience, reinvention, and public service shape the future of transportation. The observance connects today’s workforce to the broader legacy of women who have helped move communities forward.
| | | Stories from Our Communities | | Neighbors turn out for Fillmore arch lift and Colfax small business night | | | | Community members gathered March 2 to watch crews raise the next East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit station arch at Fillmore Street, marking another visible step forward for the project. The arch lift offered a front-row view of construction progress and highlighted continued momentum along the corridor. | | RTD earns national award for transit and literacy campaign | RTD received a First Place AdWheel Award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for a campaign that introduced hundreds of families to riding transit together last summer. | Watch video from previous Storytime on the Train | | | Working with local libraries and schools, RTD hosted story times, train rides, and silent book clubs to introduce families to public transit and promote Zero Fare for Youth. More than 500 people attended story time events, and two silent book club rides drew nearly 300 participants. | | |
Operator of the Month — Gregory Nelson
| | March’s Operator of the Month, Gregory Nelson of Platte Division, is helping customers stay on schedule on the busy Shoppers Special route. Known for his calm presence and steady driving, Nelson navigated heavy traffic and ongoing construction while keeping service moving smoothly and customers informed along the way. Nelson's professionalism and focus on safety reflect the everyday commitment RTD operators make to deliver reliable service. | |
Board of Directors meetings
• Finance and Planning Committee - March 10, 5:30 p.m.
• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee - March 11, 5:30 p.m.
• Study Session - March 17, 5:30 p.m.
• Executive Committee - March 19, noon
• Board of Directors monthly meeting - March 24, 5:30 p.m.
• Performance Committee - April 6, 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 March | |
March is bringing the madness to the Mile High City and the bracket is stacked with can't-miss events across the metro! From the highly anticipated Denver Summit FC inaugural home match at Empower Field at Mile High to buzzer-beating showdowns at Ball Arena, the action is tipping off all month long.
If sports aren't of interest, downtown is getting into the spirit with the annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade in LoDo, while foodies can feast their way through Denver Restaurant Week. Including film festivals, concerts, and world-class comedians, there is plenty to keep the crowds roaring.
No matter which event makes the championship lineup, RTD is the MVP for getting there. Skip the parking madness, ride towards excitement, and let RTD deliver customers straight to the celebration.
| | ICYMI: Celebrate America's 250th and Colorado's 150th anniversaries with RTD and History Colorado | | Transit plays an important role in connecting communities to cultural experiences across the region. That's why RTD is partnering with the History Colorado Center to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood. | The collaboration will feature a custom bus wrap, in-system displays, and services to help customers plan trips to upcoming exhibitions using RTD. | | Safety tip: Rain or shine, it’s easy to step up for safety | | |
Coloradans know first-hand that weather can shift quickly, and RTD prepares year-round to help prevent slips and falls. From heated light rail steps and early morning snow removal at stations to overnight “sweep trains” that reduce ice buildup on overhead wires, crews work behind the scenes to keep service moving safely.
Customers can also take a few simple steps to protect themselves when boarding, exiting, and waiting for vehicles.
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- Watch steps when boarding or exiting, especially during wet or icy conditions
- Hold a pole or handrail and keep bags close in crowded spaces
- Let vehicles come to a complete stop and allow others to exit before boarding
- Stand behind the yellow line on rail platforms and use designated walkways
- Allow extra time during bad weather and report hazards to Customer Care at 303.299.6000
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