Rail Safety Spotlight: Venessa Stone
In honor of Rail Safety Week, meet four RTD employees who always put safety first
During Rail Safety Week, taking place Sept. 15–21, RTD is joining communities across North America to raise awareness about the importance of staying safe around trains and railroad crossings. At RTD, safety is more than a priority. It’s also part of our everyday culture.
Throughout the week, RTD staff will be out at stations across metro Denver to engage with customers, answer questions and share tips on how to stay safe near rail lines. With 10 rail lines covering more than 114 miles, we’re committed to making every mile as safe as possible.
To mark this important week, we’re highlighting four exceptional team members who go above and beyond to ensure safety in their roles.
Meet Venessa Stone with Light Rail Operations
“I commend Venessa Stone for her exemplary adherence to our safety policies regarding personal protective equipment (PPE). On June 4, 2025, she observed me in the yard without a safety vest, and her response was both immediate and commendable. Rather than overlooking the situation, she took the initiative to address the issue promptly, reinforcing the importance of safety protocol. Her commitment to maintaining a safe work environment is truly commendable and sets a strong example for her coworkers."
“It is clear that she understands the significance of PPE in protecting our team members and ensuring that safety remains a priority within our operations. Her actions not only demonstrated her dedication to safety but also show leadership qualities and responsibility toward her peers.”
- Dave Jensen (Assistant General Manager, Rail Operations)
How did you join RTD, and what is your role?
I’m currently the manager of LRV Operator Training, and I’ve been with RTD for 13 years. Over that time, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, including bus driver, light rail operator, light rail division supervisor, field supervisor and lead field supervisor, before moving into my current position.
RTD has always been a part of my life. My mom has worked here for 29 years, and I grew up riding the system from a young age. That connection inspired me to apply as a bus operator, which was the start of my career with RTD. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to grow within the organization and now contribute to training and developing the next generation of light rail operators.
How do you think about safety as it relates to your work?
Safety is really the foundation of my role. My job is to make sure every light rail operator is properly trained and fully understands our policies and procedures. If training is missed or done halfway, it can put operators, passengers and the public at risk.
In the training department, we approach everything with safety in mind. We don’t just teach technical skills; we focus on building habits, awareness and decision-making so that safety becomes second nature. That way, operators are confident and prepared to handle real-world situations, and we’re able to protect lives while keeping the system reliable.