More than a game: Light rail simulator provides opportunities for operators to hone skills | |
What do Formula 1 drivers, airline pilots and RTD’s light rail operators have in common? Aside from their rapid reflexes and ability to make critical split-second decisions in the heat of the moment, they all train on custom-built, high-end simulators. | |
Board approves contracts for rail reconstruction support | Last week, RTD announced its selection of Krische Construction Inc. to carry out a full-depth reconstruction of five rail intersections in downtown Denver this summer. Additionally, RTD selected Triunity Inc. for project management support and consultant services to assist the agency’s rail reconstruction efforts. | |
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month | April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and RTD is joining forces with the National Safety Council (NSC) to raise awareness of the risks associated with distracted driving and the many ways to prevent it. The agency aims to highlight the potentially devastating consequences of distracted driving and encourages individuals to adopt safer driving habits. | |
Communications begins customer experience outreach pilot | RTD’s Communications and Engagement management team is kicking off a pilot program geared toward assisting customers, answering questions about the agency's services and gathering public feedback. Starting next month, working in teams of two, managers will ride buses and trains, and visit bus stops and stations, to engage with customers and gain insight on how to improve their experience. | |
Cybersecurity awareness training is now available | |
RTD’s annual cybersecurity awareness training is now available. This training is part of the Cybersecurity team’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the RTD workforce is equipped with the knowledge needed to use RTD computing resources securely. It outlines ways to identify and report cybersecurity incidents when they happen.
All non-represented employees and select represented employees with roles that require regular computer use will receive email notification that they need to take the training in Workday. It typically takes 30-35 minutes to complete. Everyone invited must complete the training by Tuesday, April 30. Email questions to csaware@training.rtd-denver.com.
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April’s Operator of the Month is Owen Gondwe from Platte Division! Gondwe was nominated for moving a large pole that had fallen onto Peña Boulevard, causing traffic to back up. Gondwe assisted others in getting the pole off the road so that traffic could flow freely again. His efforts reduced what would have been a very lengthy delay to just 14 minutes.
Gondwe’s manager notes that he is a longtime employee who rarely misses work, always volunteers to help where needed and is always smiling at the division.
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To our newest colleagues: Welcome to RTD! | |
RTD welcomed 20 new employees to orientation Monday! Thanks to each of you for bringing your skills and talents to the agency in service of the public. | |
First in-person Facts-n-Snacks session since 2019 draws staff to Blake Street to learn about community engagement | |
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Last Wednesday, staff from across the agency enjoyed snacks and drinks while learning about RTD’s community engagement efforts at the first in-person Facts-n-Snacks session in more than four years! Nineteen employees joined Community Engagement Manager Brandon Figliolino, Business Program Manager Betsy Hinojosa and Transit Equity Specialist Annette Hunter to learn about what the Community Engagement team does, as well as how to get involved.
Missed last week’s Facts-n-Snacks? Check out a recording on the Hub and stay tuned for details on April’s sessions.
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Dozens of job offers handed out at Bus Operations career fair | |
Six bus operators graduate from 12-week training program | |
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Say hello to RTD’s six newest new bus operators – the first class to successfully complete RTD’s 12-week training program. These new colleagues graduated from training on March 29. Starting with the top row, they are: Gebeyo Gutu, Maurice Johnson and Simon Gebreyohannes; and, in the bottom row: Jada Holloway, Sarah Puaoi and Alexandria Ortega.
The three additional weeks added to training provide hands-on experience at Platte, Boulder and East Metro divisions, and allow operators to participate in robust de-escalation training. Further, explained Loradeane Clinkenbeard, Manager of Bus Operator Training, the extra time “will assist students in becoming more familiar with division procedures such as signing up, reading train cards, locating bus assignments, understanding extra-board assignments, gaining experience in night driving and providing revenue training on various routes at the divisions." Ultimately, she said, “Our aim is to ensure that our students are well-prepared and highly trained for success as they begin their career."
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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. | |
Construction manager expands skills on coping panel project | |
Matt Druffel has been with RTD since 2001, first as a consultant and currently as an RTD employee. Matt has been involved with numerous construction projects over the years, and I have been fortunate to work with him directly since March of 2024. Matt has a very good understanding of on-ground construction activities and understands his audience (technical, non-technical, policymakers and other RTD departments) very well.
> Read more <
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Customer Care manager creates real connections with customers | |
Sonia Lucero is the manager for Customer Care training and division relations. She provides expert training for new Telephone Information Center (TIC) agents. Her expertise and skill have translated to outstanding performers in the TIC time and again. Sonia also manages Customer Care division liaisons, providing timely, accurate and efficient information to our division partners.
> Read more <
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March and April promotions | |
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Sky Mott – Manager, Safety Management Systems Program Development (formerly Transit Safety Specialist)
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Dain Caldwell – Buyer (formerly Senior Materials Management Specialist)
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Dianah Delgado – Field Supervisor, Commuter Rail (formerly Dispatcher, Commuter Rail)
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Amelia Thompson – Procurement Specialist II (formerly Purchasing Agent)
Any employees interested in similar opportunities in the future should visit the Careers page.
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Support RTD's communities during National Volunteer Month | | |
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During April, RTD is seeking to honor all employees who volunteer outside of work and offering opportunities to donate to two deserving organizations.
Click on the link below to see how to donate to Gateway Domestic Violence Services and Bienvenidos Food Bank, and to learn about other ways to volunteer.
Share how you volunteer in the community! Email details to insideconnections@rtd-denver.com.
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2024 Employee Survey begins soon | | |
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The 2024 Employee Survey kicks off April 15 and runs through May 3, coinciding with the bus and rail runboard votes. The survey provides RTD employees the opportunity to drive change within the agency and make their voices heard.
In-person events will be held at various divisions during this time for employees to take the survey in person. Print and online versions are available for employees to take at their leisure.
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Enjoy discounted tickets to select Rockies games this season | |
Spend a day at Coors Field with fellow colleagues this summer enjoying Rockies baseball! RTD has partnered with the Colorado Rockies to offer discounted tickets to select games all season long. Click the link below to learn more. | |
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District Shops scores well in safety inspections
Safety and Environmental Compliance completed a safety inspection at District Shops last week. The division passed with an 80%, with 41 out of 51 division-specific items identified as safe. Ten issues were identified, six of which could have posed a negligible impact on employee safety and one that could have posed a minor impact on employee safety. All items are being remedied.
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Safety, Environmental Compliance reassigns transit safety specialists
This month, Safety and Environmental Compliance will undergo a routine location reassignment of its five transit safety specialists. Each is responsible for monitoring safety hazards at the assigned facility, as well as serving as a liaison for safety reports from employees. The new assignments are:
Boulder: Kevin Matthews (kevin.matthews@rtd-denver.com)
District Shops: Samuel Louden (samuel.louden@rtd-denver.com)
East Metro: Angela Coler (angela.coler@rtd-denver.com)
Platte: Adam White (adam.white@rtd-denver.com)
Elati/Mariposa/Rio Court: Mathew Cross (mathew.cross@rtd-denver.com)
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Hit the links in employee-led golf tournament in May | | |
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Dust off the clubs and work on getting the swing back after a long winter, as the employee golf tournament returns for a second year! Due to overwhelming demand for last year’s event, two tournaments have been scheduled for 2024. The first will be held May 19 at the Applewood Golf Course, and the second will be Aug. 3 at the Evergreen Golf Course. | |
From Cybersecurity: Learn foundations of security awareness | | |
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Maintaining security and privacy is one of the most important goals of any organization. To help meet that goal, click the link below to learn about key concepts that represent the foundations of security awareness. | | |
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Debra's Quote of the Week | |
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. April is a promise that May is bound to keep, and we know it.”
— Hal Borland
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