Controversial Political Shenanigans: Insider Accounts on Power Struggles and Decision-Making Processes
In the Mile High City, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) is gearing up for some major changes, courtesy of Governor Jared Polis and Senate Bill 161.
By September 30, 2026, RTD needs to whip up a 10-year roadmap (erm, railmap?) that lines up with state goals, no biggie. As part of this plan, RTD should be scouting for ways to bankroll projects that'll help them meet their ambitious targets.
But that's not all! RTD's new plan should also jive with Colorado's climate goals, looking to reduce carbon emissions and embrace eco-friendly transportation.
And let's not forget about their workforce. The bill encourages RTD to think about strategies to retain their employees, which is a key part of their overall reforms.
To keep folks in the know, RTD will need to set up dashboards on their website, showing off info on capital projects, ridership, safety, and more. They'll also update their service policies, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Additionally, RTD will be obliged to inform the Denver Regional Council of Governments and the Department of Local Affairs about any transit infrastructure gaps and modernize their EcoPass and low-income fare discount programs.
Oh, and did we mention that two non-voting members will be joining the RTD board, representing the Department of Transportation and the Denver Regional Council of Governments?
Get ready, RTD, these changes are coming your way!
- The new policy-and-legislation, Senate Bill 16, implemented by Governor Jared Polis, requires the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to align its 10-year railmap with both state goals and Colorado's climate goals, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly transportation.
- In the general news, RTD is expected to explore funding options for projects aiming to meet their ambitious targets, as part of the policy changes outlined in Senate Bill 161.
- To ensure transparency and accountability, RTD will need to update service policies, displaying information on capital projects, ridership, safety, and more on their website, while also informing the Denver Regional Council of Governments and the Department of Local Affairs about any transit infrastructure gaps.
