September is here, which means it's officially time for Earth, Wind & Fire to take over everyone's radio station, playlist, and brain for the next four weeks. The energy of the season has a way of showing up in a little bit of everything, from students hauling backpacks back to campus to the Denver Broncos getting fired up at Empower Field again. There's plenty happening at RTD too! The new NextRide app packs several useful transit tools into one convenient place, while September Service Changes roll out new connections and updates across the entire network. Plus, for something entirely different, "Route 15" is turning a popular route along East Colfax into an immersive theater experience. There's a whole lot to remember this September, so settle in and see what's new at RTD in this month's Read-n-Ride. | | |
Trip planning, digital fares, real-time vehicle locations, service alerts, customer support, and a direct connection to Transit Police are now together in one place. RTD’s new NextRide mobile app brings the tools customers use to navigate the system into a single, streamlined experience, making it easier to get ready for a trip, manage fares, and stay connected while on the move.
And this is just the beginning. NextRide will continue to grow as RTD brings more transit tools into the app, including Access-a-Ride trip planning next year and, eventually, FlexRide. See what’s included in the new app, how current MyRide customers can make the switch, and what’s coming next.
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3. Leadership Announcements
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| | September Service Changes bring new airport, East Colfax, and rail connections | | RTD's September Service Changes include new Longmont to Denver International Airport service, A Line schedule adjustments, and changes supporting Bus Only Lane Operations (BOLO) for East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit. The changes also include updates to several other bus and rail routes across the system to improve on-time reliability, regional connections, and customer service. | | | The changes take effect Sept. 27. Explore the full list of route and schedule updates, including those impacting the A, T, 15, and 15L lines and routes. | | Building a better RTD, one project at a time | | A stronger transit system starts with the infrastructure behind every trip. RTD’s new Building a Better RTD initiative highlights 65 infrastructure investments advancing across the bus and rail system in 2026, from station and accessibility improvements to rail, bridge, and power system upgrades. | | What’s behind all that construction? A new video breaks down the work through five customer benefits: safety, reliability, access, capacity, and customer experience. Watch to see how these investments are helping build a stronger, more reliable RTD for years to come. | | Applications window extended to help shape the future of RTD | |
What should transit look like across the Denver metro area in the years ahead? RTD is asking communities to help answer that question through RTD CONNECT, an 18-month effort to assess today's network and plan for the future.
As part of this work, RTD is launching a new Community Ambassador Program, placing 30 community members at the center of the conversation. Ambassadors will share information, gather feedback, and elevate local priorities throughout the planning process.
| | No transportation experience is required, just strong community relationships and an interest in shaping what comes next. Ambassadors will represent each of RTD’s 15 director districts and receive a $2,500 stipend for participating in engagement activities. Applications close Sept. 4. Learn more about the program, the ambassador role, and other ways to get involved as RTD CONNECT moves forward. | | Security Enhancements and Public Safety |
| Safety tip: Security at your fingertips with NextRide | | In addition to putting trip planning and Customer Care in one place, the new NextRide mobile app's 'Security' section makes it easier to report a security concern while traveling on RTD. Customers can use the app to discreetly and anonymously connect with Transit Police dispatchers, who are available around the clock, year-round. | | |
Keep these numbers handy:
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Call Transit Police: 303.299.2911
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Text Transit Police: 303.434.9100
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Emergency: Call 911
| | RTD welcomes new Chief Communications and Engagement Officer | | |
A new leader is joining RTD with more than 25 years of experience building community connections and guiding organizations. Candace Smith, an award-winning communications executive and former senior communications leader at the University of Colorado Boulder, has been named RTD’s Chief Communications and Engagement Officer. She brings experience across higher education, public transit, public affairs, and strategic communications to the role.
Smith will lead RTD’s Communications and Engagement Department. Learn more about Smith’s background, her new role, and how her experience will help RTD strengthen its connection with customers and communities across the district.
| | | Building a More Equitable System | |
Diversity Spotlight: Celebrating Hispanic/Latine heritage
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Observed each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, National Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month celebrates the cultures and traditions that have shaped Colorado and the communities that continue to influence the region. The 2026 theme, “Together, We Are More – Unidos, Somos Más,” highlights the power of community and the diverse experiences, languages, and perspectives that enrich where we live, work, and connect.
At RTD, these stories play out every day across the system. Transit brings people together, and programs like Language Assistance and "I Speak" buttons help make those connections more accessible. In this month’s Diversity Spotlight, learn more about the history of the observance, local events to check out, and how Hispanic and Latine communities continue to move the region forward.
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A seat at the table for transit-minded voices | RTD is looking for six community members to join its Citizens Advisory Committee, a group of residents and businesspeople who bring their experiences, ideas, and perspectives to conversations about the future of public transit. The 17-member committee advises RTD leadership on strategies, initiatives, and transportation programs, offering a direct way for community voices to help inform the agency’s work. | |
| No single background defines the ideal applicant. RTD is looking for people with an interest in transit, community service, regional issues, or professional expertise who want to contribute their perspective. Click the link below to learn more about the committee, its responsibilities, and how to apply for a three-year term beginning in 2027. | |
| | | Stories from Our Communities | | New theater production puts spotlight on 'Route 15' | | |
A familiar bus ride is taking an unexpected turn this September. Titled after "Route 15," the immersive theater production from Aurora-based Roshni Healing Arts Sanctuary is inspired by real stories from the East Colfax community. With Routes 15 and 15L as its backdrop, the production explores the people, places, resilience, and connections that make every transit journey more than a trip from one stop to the next.
Performances run Sept. 6-20 at Roshni Healing Arts Sanctuary, turning an everyday East Colfax journey into an evening of theater, music, dance, comedy, and storytelling. Learn more about the production and how to experience Route 15.
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Board of Directors meetings
• Audit Committee - Sept. 10, 2 p.m.
• Performance Committee - Sept. 14, 8:30 a.m.
• Finance and Planning Committee - Sept. 15, 5:30 p.m.
• Operations, Safety, and Security Committee - Sept. 16, 5:30 p.m.
• Executive Committee - Sept. 17, noon
• Board of Directors monthly meeting - Sept. 22, 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 | September in the Mile High City is absolutely stacked. Broncos and CU Buffs football is back, the Rockies are heading into the final stretch, and Denver's event calendar is packed with big-name concerts like Garth Brooks and Tame Impala at Ball Arena. If that's not enough, the 56th annual Denver Oktoberfest invades the Ballpark neighborhood in a few weeks, meaning there's no shortage of ways to make the most of September. Check out this month's Rad Things (to) Do for events near RTD stops and stations. | | |
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