RTD CONNECT
Shaping the Future of Transit TogetherProject Overview
RTD CONNECT (Comprehensive Operations and Network Needs Evaluation for Community Transit) is an initiative to shape the future of transit service across the region. Launched in 2026, the project will develop both short- and long-term service plans, creating a road map to leverage available resources to meet the community's transportation needs.
Why CONNECT Now?
The RTD region is evolving, and so are the ways people travel. Travel patterns, community needs and customer expectations have changed over time. At the same time, fiscal conditions are shifting with costs increasing faster than new revenues.
RTD CONNECT provides an opportunity to evaluate the current transit network, connect with customers and the community to understand what matters most, and design a network that provides reliable, sustainable service today while planning for future growth.
Project Phasing
RTD CONNECT will consist of four key phases, moving from understanding current conditions to developing recommendations and future service plans.
Community Engagement
Transit provides vital connections that optimize our lives. Our communities are being called to shape the future of transit in the region, together, through the RTD CONNECT process.
RTD customers, residents, local governments, nonprofits, and other community partners and stakeholders will be invited to play a central role in shaping the project’s direction. Community members will be encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives through a series of stakeholder workshops, online and in-person events, surveys and community ambassadors to inform service priorities, network design and final plan recommendations.
Stay Connected
CONNECT with us! Visit this page and follow RTD on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn about opportunities to shape the future of transit!
For questions, contact: [email protected]
Community Ambassador Program
As part of our engagement process, RTD CONNECT is looking for Community Ambassadors to serve as a bridge between RTD and the community and ensure all community members have a voice in the future transit network design. Community Ambassadors will:
- Share RTD CONNECT project information
- Gather feedback from community members
- Connect community members to engagement opportunities
Apply to Become a Community Ambassador
Apply Here - English ApplicationPostúlese aquí - EspañolWhat Should Community Ambassadors Expect?
Community Ambassadors will support two phases of engagement. Phase 1 will take place between September 2026 – November 2026. Phase 2 will take place in Summer 2027.
In each phase, Community Ambassadors will participate in an onboarding and up to three trainings and check ins, participate in at least one RTD CONNECT stakeholder meeting and one RTD CONNECT community meeting and engage community members via at least 25 touchpoints (e.g., social media posts, canvassing, or presentations at local organizations).
The estimated time commitment is at least 50 hours per 3-month phase.
What Will Community Ambassadors Gain?
Community Ambassadors will build leadership and communication skills, grow their regional networks, learn about transit planning and policy, and help shape transit decisions in their community. Community Ambassadors will receive a $2,500 stipend, $1,250 in each engagement phase.
Who Should Apply?
RTD encourages applications from individuals connected to their communities. Community Ambassadors might be a member of a local community organization, engage in a neighborhood group, advocate for transit or connect via social media networks.
No prior transit planning experience is required. In fact, RTD hopes to engage communities who have not traditionally played a role in transportation planning!
Materials and meetings will be accessible and multilingual.
Ready to Get Involved?
Apply to become an RTD CONNECT Community Ambassador and help shape the future of transit in your community in English or in Spanish. Need the application in another language? Reach out to [email protected].
Applications are due by September 4, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their application status by September 9, 2026.
English Recording Timestamps:
- RTD Project Team Introduction - 3:36 min
- Poll 1 - 4:26 min
- Agenda - 5:57 min
- RTD CONNECT Overview - 7:21 min
- Transit and Access to Opportunity - 10:28 min
- Transit Tradeoffs: Ridership vs. Coverage - 16:07 min
- Poll 2 - 16:30 min
- A Community Conversation: Engagement Opportunities - 40:11 min
- Q&A - 46:16 min