Meet 2025 Mobility Hero Diedre Leggert — RTD’s beloved paratransit driver

Every day across the Denver metro area, Diedre Leggert is doing far more than transporting customers. Behind the wheel of her Access-a-Ride vehicle, she is a steady hand, a friendly face, and in many cases, the first human connection of the day her customers have on their way to work, medical care, or family. Her compassion and dependability have earned her admiration among her customers, and now, the title of Paratransit Favorite Transit Driver and recognition as a Mobility Hero through the Boulder County Mobility and Access Coalition and Mobility for All Program.

“It is really sweet,” Leggert says of the award. “People have gone out of their way to notice me for this, and I really appreciate it.”

Her journey to this work is as grounded and heartfelt as the service she provides. Born in California, she moved frequently due to her dad working in the Air Force, before settling in Colorado during high school. She relied on transit for years, “I didn’t get my license until I was 25, so I was all about RTD,” and later earned degrees in writing and psychology from the University of Colorado-Denver.

Before driving for RTD, Leggert spent 19 years working in the Cherry Creek School District, half in elementary classes and half in special education. Inspired by her mother’s work in special education, she saw firsthand how meaningful that connection could be. “There were students I helped around school, and that was my catalyst: knowing I could really make a difference,” she said.

That same instinct carried her to paratransit. For the past eight years, Leggert has operated an Access-a-Ride vehicle, now doing so through the Uber WAV program, responding to on-call requests across the metro area. Her customers might be heading to doctor’s appointments, workplaces, homes, or in the case of one long-term customer, weekly trips to the bar or dispensary. “He and I are great friends. He probably voted for me for this award!”

Her deep ties to the community often come full circle. She occasionally will pick up former students from her special education days and seeing them thrive and travel independently is one of her greatest joys. Leggert will also go out of her way when customers need it. She describes picking up a visually impaired woman and her service dog on a snowy day when another vehicle had broken down.

“We don’t have anything right now, put her on us, and we’ll go get her,” Leggert recalled, relaying she had been training a new driver when she heard about the situation. Upon her arrival, she greeted the woman with “Hi, bestie!”, a phrase she borrowed from a favorite Instagram account, and the customer lit up, saying it each subsequent time she rode with Leggert. “Seeing how happy she was, making those connections, it reminds me how important this work is. I don’t take it for granted.”

Leggert’s approach combines skill, empathy, and intentional communication. She speaks some Spanish, has learned American Sign Language to better serve nonverbal customers, and makes a point to honor independence while providing support. “They’re using this for independence, so giving them another opportunity to be independent is so important.”

When asked what values she brings to her role, she doesn’t hesitate: patience and listening.

“You need to listen to your customers. You need to know what they need. You need to know what your job is and why you are there. Sometimes curbside means getting out to help them to the door. Just providing that extra bit of help, while being mindful of their independence, changes the whole experience.”

Leggert’s personality shines in all she does. “I’m 60 years old and have a Hello Kitty lunchbox – that’s just who I am!”

Her work takes her throughout Westminster, Edgewater and Lakewood, but her message to the public stays the same: empathy matters.

“These customers could be anybody. They could be your brother, your sister, your best friend,” she emphasized. “We’re providing this service so they can get around like anyone else. Have some patience.”

Leggert doesn’t just drive a vehicle; she drives connection, dignity and care. Her recognition as a favorite paratransit driver isn’t just an award, but a reflection of the lives she touches every day.