Shorter days and colder commutes mean it must be November in Colorado, and it’s a fitting time to reflect on the people and projects that keep the region moving. There’s encouraging progress across RTD’s system this month, giving us plenty to be thankful for: copper wire thefts are down 68%, a major new transit hub is taking shape in Longmont, and plans are underway to help the public get around Boulder during Sundance Film Festival through expanded service and no-cost rides.

Together, these stories reflect the many ways RTD is laying the groundwork for what's ahead while keeping customers moving and connected today. There’s a proverbial cornucopia of updates happening now across the system, and this month’s Read-n-Ride has it all. So fire up the furnace, grab a cup of coffee, and take a few minutes to cozy up to the latest news, projects, and improvements affecting RTD customers.

Heading to Sundance? RTD adds late-night service and no-cost rides

Heads up, movie buffs. The iconic Sundance Film Festival is officially coming to Boulder Jan. 21-31, and RTD is preparing to help moviegoers, volunteers, and the public get around the city more smoothly. The agency is adding service and extending hours, and several Boulder-area routes will offer no-cost rides throughout the festival.

The BOLT, JUMP, and SKIP routes will have extended hours, and temporary Route CHAT will serve Chautauqua Park every 10 minutes from 8 a.m. to midnight. RTD is also adding buses to SkyRide routes AB and AL, while the Flatiron Flyer will run until 2 a.m. Check NextRide and RTD’s website for schedules and trip-planning details.

Discover card joins RTD’s Tap-n-Ride options

Paying for an RTD ride is now easier than ever for Discover cardholders. Tap-n-Ride now accepts Discover credit, debit, and prepaid cards, joining Visa and Mastercard, along with mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Customers simply need to tap the card, phone, or smartwatch on a bus or rail fare validator to pay.

For the best fare, use the same card or mobile wallet for every trip so transfers and fare capping apply. Since launching, Tap-n-Ride has processed more than $1 million in payments, including more than 35,000 transactions in September alone.

Longmont is taking a major step toward expanding regional transit options. Construction is underway on the future 1st & Main Station, a $70 million project in downtown Longmont that will include 10 bus bays, about 700 parking spaces, and bicycle storage.

Expected to open by the end of 2027, the station is designed to support future Bus Rapid Transit service between Longmont and Boulder, potential Front Range Passenger Rail service, and connections to local walking and biking routes. The project also includes an extension of Coffman Street, bringing new transportation infrastructure to Longmont’s lower downtown corridor.

Safety tip: As days get shorter, follow these rules for a safer commute

With the end of Daylight Saving Time, many RTD customers are heading to bus stops and train stations after sunset. A few extra precautions can help customers stay visible to operators, remain aware of their surroundings, and feel more confident traveling after dark.

1. Choose well-lit waiting areas while waiting near bus stops, station platforms, or main entrances.
2. Wear bright or reflective clothing when traveling on foot so operators and drivers can spot you.
3. Put away phones and headphones when walking or biking to improve awareness of surroundings.
4. Don't rush, download RTD NextRide to plan trips and check for real-time updates.
5. Speak up about safety concerns by calling RTD's 24-hour security line at 303.299.2911 or texting 303.434.9100.

New voices join RTD’s Citizens Advisory Committee

Board of Directors meetings

• Finance and Planning Committee - Nov. 10, 5:30 p.m.

• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee - Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m.

• Performance Committee - Nov. 12, noon

• Audit Committee - Nov. 12, 2 p.m.

• Executive Committee - Nov. 19, noon

• 2026 CEO Search Committee - Nov. 19, noon

• Board of Directors monthly meeting - Dec. 1, 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.

Diversity Spotlight: Honoring the Native history and heritage of Colorado

Colorado’s story began long before statehood. It was shaped by the Indigenous peoples who have lived on and cared for this land for generations. This November, RTD is recognizing Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month and the meaningful contributions their history, resilience, and cultures bring to the region RTD serves.

RTD continues to work with Native-led organizations to support access and opportunity. This month’s Diversity Spotlight invites you to explore Colorado sites where you can reflect and connect with local Indigenous history, including the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, Chimney Rock National Monument, and the Clifford Duncan Ute Learning Garden.

RTD statement on the passage of ballot issue 7A

Congratulations to the Front Range Passenger Rail District (FRPRD) on the successful passage of 7A. RTD looks forward to continued collaboration to bring passenger rail service to the Northwest metro region. As part of the Joint Service partnership, RTD will continue working with FRPRD, the State of Colorado, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO), and the Clean Transit Enterprise (CTE) to advance a mobility solution for Front Range communities.

Ride Veo to two RTD stations at no cost

There’s one catch: To qualify, devices must be returned to designated parking zones near the stations’ bike racks. The program helps keep station platforms and walkways clear while making shared mobility more affordable. Funded through RTD’s Partnership Program, the pilot runs through December 2027.

Operator of the Month — Steve Krat

November’s Operator of the Month is Steve Krat from Boulder Division. Krat was selected for his contributions to improving Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) training before Bus-Only Lane Operations (BOLO) began along East Colfax Avenue. He was key to the development of bicycle procedures, and his experience and insight helped ensure the training's success.

When Norma Escobar joined RTD in 2001, she was a single mom working two jobs and raising three children. She started in Service & Cleaning, overcame challenges with English, and gradually built the confidence and skills to pursue new opportunities. Today, she’s a supervisor who loves her work and the people she works alongside.



Escobar credits RTD’s education and leadership programs, along with the support of her colleagues, for helping her grow personally and professionally. Check out her story to get a look at the people behind the buses and trains, and the many career paths available at RTD.

Did you know? Veterans help keep RTD moving

This Veterans Day, Nov. 11, RTD thanks all veterans for their service and recognizes their continued contributions to the agency and the communities it serves.

Veterans play an important role across RTD, bringing military experience, leadership, and a strong commitment to public service to jobs in bus and rail operations, maintenance, customer care, and public safety. RTD also offers career resources for veterans transitioning to civilian employment, including paid in-house training, mentorship, competitive benefits, and guidance from a designated recruiter.