RTD faces tremendous financial, staffing and ridership challenges. How do you envision RTD’s role in the Denver metro region evolving to meet its transportation needs?
Our System Optimization Plan addresses these issues in the short (5-7 year) term by concentrating services in high-demand areas while keeping open the return of service to other areas. Key in the return of services to the broader region is the recruitment of operators and other key personnel. It is important to note that transit dependent populations exist throughout the RTD service area and are not only concentrated in the city core.
Do you support seeking voter approval for a sales tax increase to improve existing bus routes, with more frequency and dependability, and to create more new bus rapid transit corridors?
RTD needs to work toward a funding mechanism that is consistent and predictable – not only sales tax revenue that fluctuates with the economy. If RTD considers a tax increase, it must first re-establish trust with its customers and demonstrate its ability to deliver reliable and affordable service. We are taking steps in that direction and have made great strides toward this in the past 2 years.
How high of a priority should RTD make finishing the remaining FasTracks rail expansions, including the train to Boulder and Longmont? And how should the agency cover those costs, which are estimated at $2.2 billion?
The elephant in the room is the completion of the NW Rail line to Longmont. RTD, at the direction of the Board, is currently studying the feasibility of completing this line and developing options to do so if recommended by the study. Completion of the study is anticipated in 2023.
How should RTD restructure its fare system to be more equitable for low-income riders?
We currently have a low-income fare structure through our LIVE program. This program provides a 40% discount to qualified riders. In the bigger picture, RTD is in the midst of a system-wide fare study and equity analysis. I have always held that if you make fares affordable and the system easy to use, you will attract riders.
What should RTD do to improve safety and security on its buses and trains?
In 2022 our Police Department, in coordination with Denver and other jurisdictional partners, worked to re-examine policing in our system. As a result, we developed an Impact Team approach to safety and security that not only addresses unlawful activities on our properties but also addresses issues such as mental health and the unhoused by working to refer those in need to services. RTD was the first transit agency in the country to have mental health professionals patrol the system with police and security personnel.
How candidate order was determined: A lot drawing was held at the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office on Aug. 3 to determine the general election ballot order for major and minor party candidates. Colorado law (1-5-404, C.R.S.) requires that candidates are ordered on the ballot in three tiers: major party candidates followed by minor party candidates followed by unaffiliated candidates. Within each tier, the candidates are ordered by a lot drawing with the exception of the office of Governor and Lt. Governor, which are ordered by the last name of the gubernatorial candidate.
