Denver Union Station renovations bring temporary closures
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New service changes for the new year
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Ready, set, TAP! Smart card is coming
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RTD gives back with Operation Give-a-Gift
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RTD receives Westword’s Denver Web Award
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Ring in the New Year with downtown Denver events and free service
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Tip of the Month
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Operator of the month
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Important dates
RTD Board receives Carla Madison Award
RTD is proud to announce that our Board of Directors recently received the Carla Madison Award for outstanding leadership in the public sector. The award, named after the late Denver City Councilwoman, Carla Madison, honors her great work and support of developing livable communities with safe and effective transportation.
At RTD, one of our main goals has always been to create more sustainable, livable communities through transit. Our Board of Directors continues to move forward with collaboration and cooperation, to deliver the best transit system for our riders and the communities we serve. We are proud to be recognized and thank you, our communities, for all your support.
Denver Union Station renovations bring temporary closures
RTD’s FasTracks program continues to make progress. Starting December 1, the historic Denver Union Station building will undergo major renovations, and will be closed to the public until construction is completed in 2014. The renovations are part of the FasTracks plan to transform Denver Union Station into a multi-modal transportation hub that will offer RTD passengers bus, light rail, and commuter rail service as well as the return of Amtrak. The station will also include a hotel, restaurants, and retail stores.
RTD wants to remind you that service changes will go into effect on January 6, 2013. We make these changes three times a year to enhance service for our passengers and enable better connections with bus, light rail, and specialty services across our communities.
For details on the upcoming January 2013 service changes, please see the Final January Service Change brochure available at stations, on buses and trains, or online after December 17.
Ready, set, TAP! Smart card is coming
On January 1, RTD’s new smart card debuts for EcoPass and CollegePass customers. These individuals will be the first to tap on to bus and light rail using the new smart card media, with much more to come.
This exciting card brings benefits you’ll love, including unlimited rides on regular bus and light rail all day, every day with just one tap every time you ride. Smart card eliminates adhesive decals and brings improved customer service with a dedicated customer service center.
And that’s not all, later in 2013 we’ll convert all of our fares and passes to smart card technology with the introduction of the MyRide card for the general public. MyRide will transform your riding experience by providing a convenient and easy method of paying your fare.
RTD gives back with Operation Give-a-Gift
At RTD, we understand the importance of serving our community. This holiday season, employees of RTD and its partners at Balfour Beatty Rail, Inc., Denver Transit Partners, and Kiewit Colorado will give back to the community through Operation Give-a-Gift. Each year, employees have generously donated toys and gifts to children and seniors who are less fortunate. This year we will continue the tradition of spreading good cheer when the gifts are presented at a fun-filled special event in the grand ballroom graciously donated by the Magnolia Hotel. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand and the Colorado Ambassadors of Gospel will provide the entertainment.
This year’s recipients are Warren Village, Family Tree, The Argyle and the State Veterans Home at Fitzsimons. If you are in the holiday spirit of giving and want to learn more about Denver area charities, visit givingfirst.org.
RTD receives Westword’s Denver Web Award
RTD has done it again. Our social media team received Westword’s Denver Web Award for the best public service on social media. In September, Westword asked their readers to nominate their favorite online voices, then a team of staffers and contributors spent weeks whittling their suggestions down to the final entries across several categories, including news, arts, food, and music.
We were recognized for the quality of information we provide to the community, and the prompt and thorough responses to each and every inquiry, complaint and compliment. We want our customer experience to be the best it can be and we congratulate our team on a job well done.
Ring in the New Year with downtown Denver events and free service
This New Year’s Eve, come out and enjoy the fun of ringing in the New Year in downtown Denver. The 16th Street Mall will be the place to be with activities and entertainment for the whole family, including live music, balloon artists, mascots, parties, and two firework shows that will light up the sky at 9:00 p.m. and midnight.
And best of all, enjoy free bus and light rail service on our entire system on New Year’s Eve from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
The fireworks shows will affect light rail service from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. with no service on the D, F, and H lines between the Theatre District/Convention Center and 18th/California stations. The free MallRide will have service interruptions during both fireworks shows.
Holiday shopping is upon us and if you want to give a unique gift for the commuter in your life, think about giving an RTD monthly pass. We have so many choices to fit all kinds of needs, from Local, Express or Regional monthly passes to one or five-day passes to hang out with visiting family or friends. Already purchased a gift but want a cool stocking stuffer? Consider 10-Ride ticket books. These pocket-sized books are perfect for the busy commuter, student, or rider on the go.
Operator of the month, Gary Isaac
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 Route 12 bus driver, Gary Isaac. The 12 travels north and south from the Wagon Road Park-n-Ride to the Englewood Station. His nomination was submitted by Jolene (Jo) Chadwick, who was impressed with Gary’s friendly approach and excellent customer service. Read more about Gary.
Remember
This December
That love weighs more than gold!
~Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon
Happy Holidays
Important dates
Dec. 1
9News Parade of Lights
Downtown Denver 6:00 p.m.
Dec. 2
BroncosRide to Sports Authority Field Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2:15 p.m.
New service changes for the new year
Ready, set, TAP! Smart card is coming 
RTD gives back with Operation Give-a-Gift
RTD receives Westword’s 
