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RTD selects new Chief of Police and Emergency Management
RTD has selected Steve Martingano as the agency’s Chief of Police and Emergency Management. Martingano will officially assume the role on Tuesday, May 13, following a swearing-in ceremony at Denver Union Station. During his time at the agency, he has modernized RTD’s police deployment by introducing sector policing and also pioneered the first mental health co-responder unit in transit policing.
| | | | May service changes add 27,000 more in-service hours in 2025 | | Beginning Sunday, May 25, RTD’s latest service changes will take effect. RTD is increasing the overall level of service with more buses and trains running, longer operating hours, and more frequent service compared to 2024. With the upcoming changes, RTD will have added 27,000 in-service hours in 2025. | | RTD's focus on Reclaiming Union Station delivered results | | In March 2022, RTD publicly announced a plan and timeline to “Reclaim Union Station,” a collaborative and multi-faceted strategy aimed at enhancing safety and security at this key transit hub. Since then, RTD is reporting a nearly 60 percent reduction in security-related calls and a three-year decrease in reports of criminal activities at Denver Union Station. RTD has been hiring more sworn police officers and established 24/7 patrols in May 2024. The agency also has implemented Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design strategy which includes making changes to the physical environment to deter crime. | | | |  | | | | |
RTD launches human trafficking awareness campaign
RTD is partnering with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) and the Denver Anti-Trafficking Alliance (DATA) to provide educational resources and information to encourage customers and community members to identify and report human trafficking. Survivors often seek to escape by bus, train or flee to a transit center. As the region’s public transit provider, RTD is uniquely positioned to help identify and disrupt trafficking.
| | Share feedback for RTD's Title VI Program updates | Image credit: Dez Merworth | RTD is accepting community feedback on its draft 2025-2028 Title VI Program through May 14. RTD’s Transit Equity Office updates the Title VI Program every three years and is seeking input on several key components, including the agency’s Public Participation Plan, Title VI Policies, and Language Access Plan. | | | Rad Things (to) Do in May | Welcome to May in the Mile High City, where snow-capped peaks still shine bright in the distance while the grassy plains of the Front Range dress in their best shade of brown. It’s that magical time of year when Denver thaws out, stretches its legs and dives headfirst into outdoor everything. There’s no shortage of Rad Things (to) Do this month — and most are a short walk from an RTD stop. | | |
Important Dates
Board of Directors meetings
- Performance Committee (virtual) – May 12, 8:30 a.m.
- Finance and Planning Committee (virtual) – May 13, 5:30 p.m.
- Operations and Safety Committee (virtual) – May 14, 5:30 p.m.
- Executive Committee (virtual) – May 22, 11:15 a.m.
- Board of Directors meeting (virtual and in-person) – May 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.
| | Operator of the month — Leann Neverdahl | | |
Leann Neverdahl from RTD's Platte Division is May's Operator of the Month. Neverdahl was selected after rendering assistance to a customer who had fallen due to a medical issue. She reported the incident to dispatch and remained with the customer in the snowy weather until emergency services arrived. Neverdahl went to great lengths to aid the customer, such as contacting the customer’s husband to get her medical information, relaying that to first responders.
RTD's Assistant Manager of Platte Division Kalee Wallace said, “Leann exemplifies what it means to be a leader in mobility and a true ambassador of RTD’s commitment to customer excellence.”
| | #DYK: RTD now offering the ability to personalize trip schedules on its website and Next Ride app | | Did you know customers now have the option to create personalized trip schedules from RTD’s website and Next Ride app? The enhancement to RTD’s website provides a convenient way to find a bus or train schedule and tailor it to specific needs, such as only the starting and destination points of a trip. Customers can also print a PDF version of their personalized schedule that only displays selected stops or stations. The feature is available in 10 different languages to make trip planning more accessible. | |
Honoring AANHPI Heritage Month locally
May marks the celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Transportation is more than a means of moving people — it is a cornerstone of opportunity, access and inclusion.
Numerous AANHPI individuals have made lasting contributions to transportation, advocating for policies that promote equity, improving infrastructure and ensuring that public transit serves communities equitably.
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Don't miss Three Things to Know!
Want to stay in the loop with RTD? Check out Three Things to Know each Friday! The latest announcements and events are posted in a convenient recap. Follow RTD on social media (@ridertd) or visit the News Stop page to see highlights from the week.
| | Safety tip: Look after your mental health | | |
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and there are plenty of ways one can brighten their mood and support the well-being of themselves and others.
- Go on a walk – as the days get longer and the sun gets hotter, there is no better way to spend time than in nature
- Take time throughout the day to take deep breaths and make time to listen to a favorite playlist or podcast
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet which can support brain function and reduce anxiety symptoms
- Prioritize sleep – 7-9 hours per night is recommended to improve overall well-being
- Ask for help or speak with a friend or a licensed therapist when in need of support or struggling with mental health challenges
For resources and further information, visit Mental Health Colorado.
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