RTD logo with white lettering on red background

The Paratransit Pulse

Issue 3: October 2026

RTD Paratransit Highlights

Roadeo

On Saturday, September 19, our paratransit drivers showed their amazing training at the 2026 Bus Roadeo. The event took place behind the RTD District Shops. Seventeen drivers took part in the skills course.


First, each driver safely boarded and secured a customer in a wheelchair. Then, they drove through a tricky obstacle course of turning, reversing and parking maneuvers. The course tested how careful, safe, and fast they could be.


This year’s winners were:

·      1st place: Bel Ghafar from Transdev

·      2nd place: Gabriel Nieves from MTM Transit

·      3rd place: Jack Rowland from Transdev


All of the drivers did a great job. Their hard work shows how much they care about keeping Access‑a‑Ride customers safe and supported every day.

 

Bel Ghafar 
1st Place

Gabriel Nieves 
2nd Place

Jack Rowland 
3rd Place

Commendation Corner

We’re proud to recognize Access‑a‑Ride operator Daniel Storper, who recently made a customer feel truly cared for. During the trip, he went out of his way to ensure safety, comfort, and clear communication by letting the customer know about each stop and checking in about the bus temperature.

 

He also noticed the customer’s aide struggling with heavy grocery bags and immediately stepped in to help with the heaviest ones, offering genuine kindness.

 

Stories like this remind us of the tremendous impact our Access‑a‑Ride operators have every day. We applaud this operator for his kindness, attentiveness, and unwavering commitment to serving our riders with respect and care.


NEW! Online Application


Great news! Access‑a‑Ride now has a simple online application for new and returning customers. It’s fast, easy, and accessible. Be sure to have your medical provider complete and send the medical verification form by fax or mail though. The medical verification form is available for download or a mailed copy can be requested.



All application information is available at rtd-denver.com/accessaride/howtoapply


 

Need to Update Email or Phone Number?

It's easy in the Customer Portal!


1.   Log in to the Customer Portal

Select your name in the upper right corner

Select ‘Profile’ from the drop down

2.   Select Edit

3.   Update information, then click 'Update Profile'

*To activate Customer Portal access, email paratransiteligibility@rtd-denver.com with customer name, AaR ID, date of birth and preferred email address.


January 2027 Service Changes

RTD’s Proposed January Service Changes are designed to further enhance and strengthen RTD’s transit network by refining service, improving reliability, and better aligning resources with customer needs.


Scheduled to take effect January 3, 2027, the proposals include a mix of service enhancements, restorations and optimizations informed by customer feedback, service performance, and operational needs.


Want to learn more or provide feedback? Survey links and information about upcoming public meetings are available at the bottom of the RTD Service Changes page.


Public feedback will be accepted through October 29. We encourage you to participate and share your input however you can!

NEW! Technology Help Page

Need help learning how to use technology? We are excited to introduce our Technology Help page.


Whether you’re using the Access-a-Ride Customer Portal or Access-on-Demand provider apps, we understand that technology can sometimes be challenging. These community resources are designed to help customers find free or low-cost classes, training and support with technology.


Available Community Technology Resources


Our new page currently features technology assistance from:





  • Arapahoe Libraries – Technology classes and assistance to help community members improve their digital skills.


More resources are coming soon! We will continue adding community programs and services to help customers access technology support.



Get in Touch

Access-a-Ride:

303-299-2960

Reservations:

303-292-6560

Same-day cancel or questions:

303-480-2000

Customer Service:

303-299-6000

Lost and found:

303-299-2880

Replacement ID card ($5):

720-844-7096

Access-on-Demand questions:

303-299-2530

Access-on-Demand trip booking:

303-244-1388

Information Line:

303-299-7099

Enroll for Access-on-Demand



Bookmark the Information and Updates page to see this and past newsletters!


Add 720-994-6560 to your contacts to avoid missing calls from RTD about certification and program updates.