On January 8, the RTD Board of Directors swore in five newly elected directors and welcomed its elected officers for 2013. Newly elected directors are Claudia Folska, District E, Gary Lasater, District G, Judy Lubow, District I, Paul Solano, District K, and Natalie Menten, District M. New board officers include Chair, Lorraine Anderson, District L, First Vice Chair, Kent Bagley, District H, Second Vice Chair, Larry Hoy, District J, Secretary, Bruce Daly, District N, and Treasurer, Jeff Walker, District D. Learn more about the new Board Officers and Directors.
As we welcome new Directors, we want to express our appreciation to outgoing Board members, Lee Kemp, District I, the only five-term Chair in RTD’s history, Matt Cohen, Second Vice Chair, District M, Jack O’Boyle, District G, and Barry Gore, District K for their accomplishments, contributions and leadership while representing RTD.
Light rail is headed west
The West Rail Line is coming. We’ve kicked off the countdown to the grand opening on April 26, 2013 with the lighting of the 6th Avenue Bridge at Simms/Union. The lighting ceremony, held on January 23, marked the end of construction and the beginning of our testing phase. You’ll begin to see trains running down the track between Denver, Lakewood, and Golden until opening day.
As we get closer to April 26, you’ll enjoy commissioned art at the stations, the grand opening ceremony, free rides, station parties, and much more as we prepare for 12.1 miles of light rail, 11 new stations, 6 Park‑n‑Rides and 3 new Call‑n‑Rides out west. Watch for details on the upcoming festivities.
RTD, Red Cross team up to save lives
February is heart health awareness month and RTD is teaming up with the American Red Cross to save lives. Studies have shown that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and we wanted to fight back. With a grant from the American Red Cross, RTD has installed 30 automated external defibrillators (AED) or emergency resuscitation device in 17 locations and has trained 20 employees in CPR and AED use.
The training, as part of the Red Cross Ready Rating program, is a larger effort to improve community preparedness, ranging from everyday emergencies to wide-scale natural disasters. This program will help RTD assess and improve their level of preparedness for the communities we serve.
Get your West Rail Line bike locker
The West Rail Line is coming and if you’re an avid cyclist, riding to work, school, or just for fun, check out how RTD’s Bike‑n‑Ride program fits into your commuting plans. We welcome bikes on our bus and light rail system, and offer bike lockers for passengers who need regular secure storage. Bike lockers will be available for lease at the new Decatur/Federal, Sheridan, Lakewood/Wadsworth, Oak, and the Jeffco Government Center/Golden stations. Each locker will hold one bike and all your bike gear, and is $30 for a six-month lease with a one-time padlock fee of $20. Spaces are limited, so reserve your locker today by calling 303.299.2288.
Tip of the month
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and whether you have theater tickets or plan to have a candle lit dinner for two, we’re here to get you just about anywhere you want to go.
Light rail is a great way to get to downtown Denver, where there are plenty of places to dine, listen to music, catch a movie, or take a romantic stroll or carriage ride along the 16th Street Mall. And through our bus service, you can explore other attractions around town at the zoo, art museum, or just take in the scenic views at the botanic gardens. Plan your special night with RTD and see how easy it is to get on board!
Operator of the month, J. J. Montoya
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 BroncosRide bus driver, J. J. Montoya. BroncosRide direct bus service travels from the Federal Center to Sports Authority Field at Mile High, as well as many other locations throughout the metro area. His nomination was submitted by Lee Nelson, who was impressed with J. J.’s friendly attitude and excellent customer service. Read more about J. J.
February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March. - Dr. J. R. Stockton
Important dates
Feb. 1
American Heart Association
National Wear Red Day
Feb. 2
Groundhog Day
Feb. 3
Superbowl XLVII
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers
6:30 p.m. ET on CBS
Feb. 9-17
Colorado Garden & Home Show Colorado Convention Center
Feb. 14
Valentine's Day
Feb. 18
Presidents' Day
Weekday bus and light rail service
RTD, Red Cross team up to save lives
Get your West Rail Line bike locker
