September 2012: Matt Impellitteri & Dino Andrew

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Each month, RTD encourages passengers to nominate a bus driver or light rail operator who goes above and beyond to make their experience memorable. This month’s winning nomination goes to light rail H line operator, Matt Impellitteri and yardmaster, Dino Andrew.

The H travels north and south from the Nine Mile Station to downtown Denver. Their nomination was submitted by Mary Nicholson, who was impressed with Matt and Dino’s caring attitude and outstanding customer service.

"I was in Denver for a convention last week, and was new to the transit system when I rode the light rail train for the first time. The train was clean, timely, and convenient. On my return from the Convention Center to the Colorado Station, I left my purse on the train. It wasn't until the train had pulled away that I realized my huge mistake. Naturally, I thought I'd lost it for good, and when I returned to my hotel, I started to report the credit cards as lost, etc. About 11:00 that evening, I got a call from Matt, the driver of that particular train. He had my purse and called to let me know he was making arrangements to have it brought to my hotel! By midnight, a gentleman from RTD named Dino pulled up to the lobby door and handed me my purse - with all its contents! I tried to give Dino a cash reward, but he stated that it wasn't necessary.

I'm sorry that I don't have more details as to last names or route and train numbers, but these two guys made what could have been my worst day into the best! Thank you VERY MUCH!!!!"

After receiving the commendation from Mary, we wanted to know more about Matt and Dino, and they graciously agreed to answer a few of our questions.

Matt answered:

How long have you worked for RTD and have you always been a light rail operator?
I’m approaching the four year mark. Previously I was a bus driver out of the Platte Division.

What were you in a previous life?
I think in my last life I was an opossum trying to cross Highway 17 between Santa Cruz and San Jose CA, unfortunately I didn’t make it!

What do you like best about your job?
Payday, it just keeps me coming back for more.

If you could listen to music while working, what type?
I would put the Grateful Dead’s Casey Jones and Ozzie Osborne’s Crazy Train on a loop.

If you could deck out your train, what style?
I would go with electric blue monkey fur and a bobble hula girl on the dash, and hanging furry dice. Hydraulics would be a must and Santana’s Low Rider would have to be in the music loop.

If you could change your uniform color, what color or does brown/gray go with your eyes?
Well if it would make the kids happy, how about purple with big lime green polka dots, a curly red wig and clown nose. I believe that children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way.

What type of service would you drive if given the choice and/or favorite service to drive or operate?
LOL, the G Line.

What are your favorite hobbies or activities?
I’m a big fan of outdoor sports and when I’m off I spend most of my time snowboarding, fishing, hiking, kayaking, etc.


Dino answered:

How long have you worked for RTD and have you always been a light rail operator?
I’ve worked for RTD 81/2 years, 6 years as a light rail operator.

What were you in a previous life?
An animal catcher

What do you like best about your job?
Getting ready for the day

If you could listen to music while working, what type?
Chilling with the Red Hot Chili Peppers Under the Bridge

If you could deck out your train, what style?
An all black train with neon display signs

If you could change your uniform color, what color or does brown/gray go with your eyes?
All black is fine. Can you tell I like black?

What type of service would you drive if given the choice and/or favorite service to drive or operate?
Top fuel dragsters

What are your favorite hobbies or activities?
Playing with exotic animals