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A message from GM and CEO Debra A. Johnson | | |
Today, on National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, I invite you to pause and recognize the important work that each of you do for the betterment of society — and the skills and talents you bring to RTD that are uniquely yours. As a public servant in mass transportation, you are part of a centuries-long history of connecting people to crucial places and life-changing opportunities. That legacy is strengthened along every bus route and rail line, in every customer interaction, and with each decision you make to bring your best self to work for the benefit of others.
I recognize that there is a lot of uncertainty at our agency as we collectively chart a future course, and I do not take lightly the weight that reality can place on each of you. In that context, your continued commitment to making lives better through connections is both inspiring and deeply appreciated. Whether you work on the frontline or behind the scenes, your contributions are seen, valued, and essential. No single person delivers transit alone; it is the collective strength of this team, with the diverse experience and perspectives each of us brings, that makes purposeful service possible.
Former U.S. President Grover Cleveland observed that public service is a public trust, and Team RTD honors that trust every day. Your dedication improves the health of our region, creates economic opportunities, reduces environmental impacts, and builds a society that enables people to freely move through their lives with greater ease and dignity. Thank you for your resilience, your heart, and your unwavering commitment to the customers and communities who count on us. You truly make lives better through connections.
Sincerely,
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Debra A. Johnson
General Manager and CEO
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Want to shout out a colleague who routinely goes above and beyond? Do you know of someone who makes life at work better for others? Click the link below to add your appreciation to a virtual greeting card that all employees can enjoy. | | | | In recognition of this special day, RTD is highlighting the agency’s amazing employees on social media by featuring photos of them as children. Thanks to all who participated – and visit LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to see if you can correctly identify all your colleagues! | | Applications are open for Employee Ownership Task Force | | RTD is opening applications again for the Employee Ownership Task Force. The Task Force is a group of employees from across the agency working collaboratively to address issues and suggestions identified through the Employee Survey or via employee submitted suggestions. Work done by the Task Force will be closely aligned with the Strategic Priorities and the Agency Optimization Plan. Participation is open to all current RTD employees. | | |
Silent Pages Society members return en masse to the N Line | |
Bibliophiles and transit fans alike boarded two N Line trains on Feb. 26 for the Silent Pages Society’s February meetup. The Silent Pages Society is an adult reading program designed and funded by Denver Public Library, and it holds bi-monthly meetups that blend community connections with a love of books. Attendees met at Denver Union Station before traveling by train to and from Eastlake•124th Station, offering dedicated time to read, connect, and experience transit.
February’s meeting was the second to take place on the N Line and the third to take place on an RTD commuter rail line, starting with the A Line last year. Click the thumbnail above to watch a video recap of the event.
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| Every day across the Denver metro area, RTD employees are making lives better through connections. The agency is proud to spotlight our exceptional workforce who go above and beyond in their roles and embody RTD’s core values. Join us in celebrating colleagues who personify the values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. | | Bus operator's professionalism defuses tense situation | I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional professionalism and service demonstrated by FF1 bus driver Mike Burgoa on my ride from downtown Boulder to Denver Union Station today. | | Operator maintains kindness, patience with all customers during ride from airport | Bus operator Fisiha Handiso was so helpful with our family of five as we traveled home from Denver International Airport. He was patient and helpful with all our luggage and got us safely home — the most important part of the journey! | | Students from Aurora, Denver Public Schools tour Light Rail | | On March 10, Light Rail led a tour of Elati and Mariposa divisions for Women Who Charge’s EV Academies, a program that provides high school students from Aurora Public Schools and Denver Public Schools with opportunities to learn about clean energy, clean transportation, and potential career pathways in the clean energy sector after graduation. As part of the experience, students toured the Maintenance Shops, Control Center, and Transportation Operating facilities. | | |
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Phil Anderson
Network Engineer (10 years)
Adam Aranda
Train Engineer (15 years)
Vince Sheeder
Street Supervisor (17 years)
Jeff Gericke
Custodian/Landscaper (20 years)
Fisseha Assefa
Bus Operator (25 years)
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| Best Dressed Operator of the Week: Marcus Cade Sr. | | This week’s best dressed operator is Marcus Cade Sr. from East Metro Division. Looking sharp as ever, Marcus! | | Reminder: Sign up to attend Women’s History Month panel | | | | The Civil Rights Division invites all employees to join a live panel discussion, "Resilience and Reinvention: Women Shaping the Future of Transportation,” featuring women leaders from across RTD sharing insights on career pathways, leadership, and advancing equity in transportation. | | The event will take place 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 25, in the paint bay at District Shops. Employees may attend in person or virtually. Click the link below to register for the event and ask a question in advance. |
| From Transit Police: Access control and situational awareness | | | | RTD’s access control systems, such as badge readers, help ensure that only authorized individuals enter secure areas. Every employee plays an important role in keeping facilities safe by remaining aware of their surroundings and preventing piggybacking. | | |
Piggybacking occurs when an unauthorized person enters a restricted space by following someone who has legitimate access. This can lead to serious risks, including theft, sabotage, workplace violence, or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
You can help maintain a secure environment by doing the following:
- Making sure each person badges in individually
- Not holding secured doors open for others
- Politely asking individuals to use their own access credentials
- Reporting any suspicious behavior to security personnel immediately
All employees are reminded to stay alert and promptly report suspicious individuals, activities, or incidents through established reporting channels.
As always, remember: If you see something, say something. Prompt reporting and information sharing are essential to maintaining safety for everyone.
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Learn advanced tips and tricks to master Copilot Chat, finish the journey | Congratulations! You've reached the final week of your Great Copilot Journey! Now that you've mastered the guided prompts, it's time to explore the possibilities of Microsoft Copilot Chat on your own. This week, learn about best practices and valuable resources to empower your continued success. |
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Reminder: Tune into Dialogue with Debra tomorrow at East Metro | Join General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson and members of the Leadership Team at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow in the operator break room at East Metro Division. Employees unable to attend in person are encouraged to tune into the livestream via Zoom, linked below. |
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Contracting and Procurement supports agency success | RTD’s Contracting and Procurement (C&P) Division supports the agency’s mission by ensuring goods and services are acquired responsibly, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational priorities and regulatory compliance requirements. Through contracting, purchasing, and supplier partnerships, the team collaborates with departments across the organization to deliver transparent, compliant, and value-driven solutions that help projects move forward. |
| RTD has a number of solicitations currently underway at the agency or planned for the near future. To view and download current solicitations, see upcoming opportunities, and review pending and awarded contracts, follow the links below. | | | | Debra's Quote of the Week | |
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
— Eleanor Roosevelt
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| What did you think of this edition of Inside Connections? | | | | |
Need to report a concern with a vehicle, bus route, rail line or customer facility? Fill out the OneRTD Care Reporting Form by clicking the link below. |
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