Latest phase of Downtown Rail Reconstruction begins | |
RTD has officially launched the next phase of its $152 million light rail track reconstruction project, replacing decades-old infrastructure in downtown Denver to strengthen the region’s transit network. Crews are rebuilding the rail crossing near Colfax Avenue and Kalamath Street through late November.
| The project is the largest rail reconstruction in the agency's history and aims to ensure safe and reliable service for years to come. While work continues, RTD is keeping customers connected with alternate routes, including rerouted D and H Line service, bus options and free shuttles downtown. | | | Boulder Junction services resume, Downtown Boulder Station expands | | Traveling to, from and around Boulder is getting easier. As of Aug. 31, RTD is expanding service at Downtown Boulder Station and reopening Boulder Junction at Depot Square Station. | | |
Updates include Route AB2 moving to Boulder Junction, reinstatement of Route AB3 to Denver International Airport and the return of Flatiron Flyer 4 (FF4) service to Civic Center Station.
Route 228 will also add a stop in Superior. The City of Boulder is adjusting its HOP service to align with these changes.
| | | Security Enhancements and Public Safety | | Illicit drug activity reports decrease for thirteenth month straight | | Year-over-year reports of illicit drug activity declined for the 13th straight month, with incidents down 65% on average in 2025. July marked the first time in three years that drug activity was not the top reported issue, reflecting stronger officer visibility and proactive patrols. | | Fare checks on rail system increase by more than 500% under security plan | | | | |
As part of RTD’s commitment to customer safety and a welcoming transit environment – fare checks across RTD’s rail system have increased by more than 500% since 2024, attributed to the Transit Police Department's four-step security plan.
Officers now conduct 300,000 to 400,000 fare checks each month. They are supported by expanded patrols and new technology, including real-time video surveillance.
| | Transit Police apply virtual reality technology to enhance training skills | | Transit Police are using virtual reality to sharpen decision-making and technical skills in the field. The program, launched in June, allows officers to practice real-world scenarios safely and cost-effectively, including TASER certification, de-escalation and crisis response. | | | Homelessness outreach team grows to four coordinators | | | | |
RTD’s homelessness outreach program expanded to four coordinators, strengthening efforts to connect vulnerable individuals with housing, treatment and support services.
By working alongside RTD Transit Police, operators and community partners, coordinators promote multi-faceted response over enforcement alone, in order to effectively address the vulnerability of the unhoused population.
| | Leadership Updates and Investments | | Latest round of Partnership Program pilot funding to support mobility needs | | Eight projects are being awarded pilot funding through the third round of RTD’s Partnership Program, which is designed to expand community-driven mobility solutions across the Denver metro area. Funded initiatives include new microtransit services in Commerce City, Erie and Longmont. Among the projects is an eagerly awaited weekend shuttle connecting Golden to Morrison and Red Rocks. | | Patrick Preusser named Chief Operations Officer | |
Patrick Preusser was named to lead RTD as its next Chief Operations Officer (COO), effective Sept. 2. He brings more than 28 years of experience in U.S. and international transit systems, including most recently serving as COO of the Utah Transit Authority.
Preusser, who holds dual master’s degrees in public administration and transportation management, is nationally recognized for advancing safety, reliability and innovation.
| |  | Faris selected as Deputy Chief of Transit Police | |
RTD is appointing Sean Faris as Deputy Chief of Transit Police. A 35-year law enforcement veteran who has previously collaborated with the agency, Faris also brings leadership experience from the Denver Police Department and Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano said Faris will continue to strengthen community safety through integrity, accountability and service.
| | | Building a More Equitable System | | Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities applications open | | RTD is inviting customers and community members to apply for five open seats on its Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. The 13-member group offers feedback on accessibility and ADA-related issues, helping strengthen RTD’s commitment to safe, reliable service for all customers. | | |
Diversity Spotlight: Celebrating Women’s Equality Day | | | | |
RTD joined organizations nationwide in recognizing Women’s Equality Day on Aug. 26. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, calls for removing systemic barriers and amplifying women’s voices across all sectors, including public transportation.
Through the advancement of representation, mentorship and opportunities, the agency reaffirms its promise to ensure equitable, accessible and inclusive services for all communities.
| | Bus stop reinstated at Community College of Aurora | | RTD and the Community College of Aurora marked the return of an on-campus bus stop at CCA’s CentreTech campus with a Sept. 4 ribbon-cutting. The stop, discontinued in 2020, resumed service this month after two years of collaboration aimed at improving student access. | |
| Stories from Our Communities | | Transit Police help capture escaped emu at Oak Station | |
RTD Transit Police face unpredictable situations every day while keeping communities safe. But on Aug. 18, officers Leon Duran and Alejandro Reyes Lopez got one of the most unusual calls of the year at Oak Station in Lakewood: helping corral an escaped emu!
They teamed up with Lakewood Police and animal control to safely secure the bird after a chase through a Park-n-Ride and nearby apartments. The best part? It was all captured on video.
| | | Storytime on the Train returns for second event | | | | |
After a successful turnout for its inaugural launch, RTD welcomed families aboard the light rail again for the second Storytime on the Train on Aug. 27.
The theme, “Back to School Books,” encouraged young readers to kick off the school year with fun stories, sing-alongs and a hands-on transit experience aboard the L Line.
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Operator of the month — Macario Aguilar
| | Transdev operator Macario Aguilar is RTD’s September Operator of the Month. Aguilar was recognized for spotting a missing person while driving his route in Westminster. He then quickly alerted dispatch which helped police officers locate the individual. Aguilar, who has worked with the agency since March 2024, says his favorite part of driving is meeting people from all walks of life. Off duty, he’s a fan of heavy metal music and his favorite band, Sleep Token. | | Recurring Updates and Regional Partnerships | |
Board of Directors meetings
• Finance and Planning Committee – Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m.
• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee – Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m.
• Board of Directors study session – Sept. 16, 5:30 p.m.
• Executive Committee – Sept. 25, 11:15 a.m.
• Board of Directors monthly meeting – Sept. 30, 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 September | |
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong once said, “Wake me up when September ends.” Obviously, Armstrong was not talking about September 2025, because anyone living in the Denver metro area who sleeps through this month is missing out on what could possibly be the best month of the year for concerts, sports and festivals.
So, crack open a can (or five) of Monster Energy and stay awake all month long, as there is no time to waste with this month’s Rad Things (to) Do.
| | | #DYK: Why staying out of bus lanes matters | | | | |
RTD operates 20 bus lanes covering more than 12 miles across 13 streets in downtown Denver that help buses move thousands of customers safely each day. When drivers enter or park in these lanes, it slows service and increases the risk of collisions, especially at turns.
Buses need extra time and space to start and stop, so staying clear of bus lanes makes everyone safer: passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.
| | Safety tip: Preparedness starts at home | | |
September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder to take simple steps to be ready before disaster strikes. This year, experts at Ready.gov are asking families to focus on emergency basics:
• Know your risks: Understand the types of disasters that could impact your area.
• Make a plan: Talk with your family about how to stay connected and where to go in an emergency.
• Build a kit: Stock up on food, water, medicine and essentials.
• Get involved: Join local safety efforts or take a first aid class.
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