METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Denver’s RTD Adopts New Strategic Plan

The plan establishes four strategic priorities — community value, customer excellence, employee ownership, and financial success — that serve as functional pillars to plan, develop, evaluate and measure RTD’s overall performance.

by METRO Staff
August 11, 2021
Denver’s RTD Adopts New Strategic Plan

The strategic plan was developed by GM and CEO Debra A. Johnson and RTD’s executive leadership team in concert with the agency’s 15-member Board of Directors.

Credit:

Denver RTD

2 min to read


The Denver Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) board adopted a new strategic plan that looks toward the next five years of the agency’s future. The document — against which all initiatives, projects and priorities will be measured — serves as a blueprint for success and outlines the intentionality RTD will bring with its redefined mission: “We make lives better through connections.”

The strategic plan was developed by GM and CEO Debra A. Johnson and RTD’s executive leadership team in concert with the agency’s 15-member Board of Directors. It establishes four strategic priorities — community value, customer excellence, employee ownership, and financial success — that serve as functional pillars to plan, develop, evaluate and measure RTD’s overall performance.

Ad Loading...

During the nine months since Johnson assumed RTD’s top leadership role in November 2020, she has observed that the agency is recognized as an industry leader — and has also weathered a fair share of challenges and criticism for not having clearly defined organizational strategies, priorities, and processes.

“I was able to ascertain that RTD needed to challenge itself to do business differently,” Johnson said. “I believe that public transportation is the great societal equalizer, connecting people to opportunities. Our customers and our community will see an RTD workforce committed to delivering measurable value and communicating these results in a clear and transparent fashion.”

The plan details the following:

  • Why RTD delivers service, as detailed in the agency’s newly defined mission, vision, and values.

  • What the agency strives to achieve, as embodied by its strategic priorities.

  • How RTD will successfully fulfill the strategic priorities.

  • Who is ultimately responsible for achieving ambitious annual performance goals.

To review the entirety of the new strategic plan, “Change, Challenge, and Connections,” visit RTD’s website.

More Management

Terrel Smith on a bus with Kiel seats

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
A group of people stand in the Harlem-148 Street 3 Station and pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

New Accessibility Upgrades Open at Harlem Subway Station

A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.

Read More →
Erin Hockman
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

Iowa's DART Taps New CEO

Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
A graphic of a map showing a "Snapshot of Systemwide Vulnerabilities (projected)."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

MBTA Unveils First Systemwide Climate Resilience Roadmap

The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: DART Names Interim Chief, Clean Energy Taps New President/CEO

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →