The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) started training a new class of about 50 rail and bus operators and mechanics Nov. 11, helping the agency address the shortage of bus and rail operators.
“Our priority is to get new hires through orientation and trained while keeping safety to our riders and employees in the forefront,” said Michael Ford, chief operating officer. “We understand the impacts that canceled runs have on our passengers and we are doing everything we can to minimize those impacts.”
Denver RTD management and union leadership continue to work on ways to soften elements of the union collective bargaining agreement contract to allow flexibility in how to use the workforce to fill canceled trips. Staff is also working to notify riders of expected canceled routes in advance so they can plan their day.
Passengers should sign up for Rider Alerts to receive information directly via email. Riders can always obtain the latest information about service by visiting the website or by following Denver RTD on Twitter.
Denver RTD is exploring a temporary service reduction to address operator shortage and as part of the process, the public can weigh in with their thoughts. Customers are encouraged to visit the “Your Voice Matters” page on the RTD website to take a survey and provide input on a potential service reduction by Nov. 17. All feedback will be presented to the Denver RTD Board of Directors for consideration later in the month.
