June 5, 2024

RTD commemorates progress: Advancing LGBTQIA+ equity in transportation

Diversity Spotlight celebrates the diversity of RTD employees and the larger community that RTD serves and fosters an appreciation of our social and cultural similarities and differences. Diversity Spotlight supports RTD’s values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration and ownership.

The LGBTQIA+ acronym encompasses a rich tapestry of identities, recognizing the vast spectrum of gender, sexuality and physiological characteristics of human diversity. From lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals to those who identify as queer/questioning or asexual, this inclusive terminology underscores the complexity and fluidity of human experience, embracing non-binary and pansexual identities alongside more widely recognized ones.

RTD-PD gains 17 police academy graduates in May

Staff assists student with presentation about RTD operations

Lead Light Rail Field Supervisor Matthew Schimpf and Assistant General Superintendent of Street Operations John Albo met with Graland Country Day School eighth-grade student Jacob Barkin to provide information about how RTD operates its services. Thanks to the details Schimpf and Albo shared with Barkin, he was chosen this week as a finalist for a presentation at his middle school’s assembly, where he will share his project with the entire school.

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.

Senior manager of risk management successfully manages insurance renewal

I want to acknowledge the impressive work of Lissa Stauff, Senior Manager, Risk Management, as she successfully managed the 2024 renewal period for the agency’s insurance program. This coverage includes cyber, excess workers’ compensation, crime, liability, railroad liability and property policies.

> Read more <

East Metro operator receives kudos for maintaining bus cleanliness

Corey Morgan has one of the cleanest and most sanitized buses I have ever been on. I am very proud of this driver. This was on the Route 15. I boarded the bus on Colfax and Broadway just after 1 p.m. I just got home recently and I owe this driver that much, at least.

> Read more <

This month’s Operator of the Month is Danny Hinojos. Hinojos was chosen for his quick thinking while waiting at his layover point at Central Park Station, where he noticed a person lying on the ground at a stop nearby. He noticed the individual was unconscious, contacted local authorities and performed CPR on the person until first responders arrived.

Matthew Schimpf

Lead LRT Field Supervisor (formerly Lead LRT Controller/Supervisor)

Shannon Martinez

Lead LRT Field Supervisor (formerly LRT Field Supervisor)

James Bailey

Senior Materials Management Specialist (formerly Storeroom Supervisor)

Fernando Del Moro

Network Engineering Supervisor (formerly Senior Network Engineer)

Ryan Kaspersen

Lead LRT Field Supervisor (formerly Lead LRT Division Supervisor)

Moulaye Toure

Lead Division Supervisor, Bus Transportation (formerly Division Supervisor)

Erick Roque

Transit Police Sergeant (formerly Transit Police Officer)

Heidi Hansen

Transit Police Sergeant (formerly Transit Police Officer)

Fernando Macias

Division Supervisor (formerly Bus Operator)

Elbert Sheets

LRT Service & Cleaning Supervisor (formerly Service Worker)

Roberto Patino

Commuter Rail Dispatcher (formerly Certified Train Engineer)

Sabino Ukumu

Division Supervisor (formerly Bus Operator)

Taylor Martinez

Division Supervisor (formerly Maintenance/Sign Out Clerk)

Any employees interested in similar opportunities in the future should visit the Careers page.

May's Board meeting recap

At May’s Board of Director’s meeting, Lori Weigel from New Bridge Strategy shared key findings from a recent public opinion poll related to RTD’s revenue diversification and a potential ballot measure in November. General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson and Chief Communications and Engagement Officer Stuart Summers provided an update about the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project. Directors learned about planned detours, communication tactics and outreach efforts. The Board approved a contract extension with Catalyst Public Affairs for three additional years for local government relations services, and it adopted a new charter for the Citizens Advisory Committee. A recording of the Board meeting is available by clicking the thumbnail above.

RTD modifying outreach and engagement around service change process

In an effort to garner better participation from customers, stakeholders and the public, RTD is overhauling its communications and engagement approach to include additional public events and outreach opportunities. 

Participate in Juneteenth, Pride parades, Bike to Work Day this month with RTD

RTD’s Community Engagement Team invites all employees to participate with RTD in two of the largest parades of the year, as well as Bike to Work Day! Click below to learn more.

Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project Weekly Update

Watch a Lunch-n-Learn to catch up on the project

Construction Engineer Caitlin Arnold and Construction Manager Kim Neyrinck detailed the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project last week during a special Lunch-n-Learn. Click below to watch the full session. 

Work is underway at Broadway and Welton

The first phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project has begun at the intersection of Broadway and Welton Street. This intersection will be closed to all vehicle traffic for the next 18 days while crews work to reconstruct the track.

For project updates, bookmark www.rtd-denver.com/railproject.

Go purple for Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

According to Columbia University researchers, almost 10% of U.S. adults ages 65 and older have dementia, while another 22% have mild cognitive impairment. This June, go purple for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.

Webinar: Caring for Aging Loved Ones: 11 a.m. June 12

As people get older, they may find themselves caring for parents or other aging individuals. Join RTD to learn some of the basics of elder care. Learn how to assess and discuss a loved one’s needs as they age, as well as how to make important choices about the future. Attendees will learn how to:

• Evaluate a loved one's needs
• Find resources for care in the home and community
• Communicate with other family members
• Evaluate one's own level of responsibility
• Involve a loved one in decision-making
• Learn tips for long-distance caregiving

Volunteers needed for the 2024 Light Rail Rodeo

Calling all superheroes! We need your support for the 2024 Light Rail Rodeo. This year’s competition will take place Saturday, Aug. 10, at Elati Division in Englewood. There are multiple opportunities to help create a marvelous event for RTD employees and their families. Click the link below to learn about how you can assist.

Employee reminder: What to do if media approaches

As RTD enters a busy summer season filled with maintenance projects and temporary disruptions to bus and rail services, employees are reminded to direct media inquiries and requests for interviews to the Communications and Engagement Department to the email address noted below. If an employee is contacted by the media while at work, refer the reporter to RTD’s media relations team for assistance. The media relations team closely tracks all requests for information and interviews to provide an accurate and timely response.

The media relations team can be reached at mediainquiries@rtd-denver.com or by calling 720.326.7311. Please remember that RTD must first authorize an employee to officially speak on behalf of the agency.

From Cybersecurity: It's time for digital spring cleaning

Spring is coming to a close, but it’s not too late to do some digital spring cleaning. Many are decluttering physical rooms, closets and digital spaces. Just as a clean home is important to maintain a healthy living environment, it’s equally crucial to spruce up online presence and computer files, and update internet-connected devices to safeguard against cyber threats. 

RTD Solicitations

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.

#ICYMI: In Case You Missed It

Missed an issue of Inside Connections in May? Don’t fret – read key stories from prior issues below.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 1)

In memoriam: Joseph Maestas and Stephanie Rivera (May 8)

Three bills provided record investment in RTD, public transit in Colorado (May 15)

Hundreds of operators admitted to 5280 Safe Driving Club (May 22)

An inside look at how the TIC manages peak periods, disruptions and events (May 22)

Cheers to 100 issues of the Trailblazer! (May 29)

Debra's Quote of the Week

“We deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without compromise.”

— Elliot Page

This email was sent to all RTD employees.



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