Surge in COVID-19 Cases, Worker Shortage Affecting Denver RTD Service
RTD said it is being challenged to provide service because of employees testing positive for COVID-19.
The Regional Transportation District develops, operates and maintains a public transportation system that meets the transit needs of close to 3 million people within an eight-county service area in the Denver metro region.
Photo: RTD
A surge of new coronavirus cases and an existing need for frontline workers are having impacts on the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD)’s ability to provide its scheduled service.
“We are doing our best to maintain service within our existing resource constraints,” said Debra A. Johnson, GM/CEO. “While RTD’s Operations team is working as creatively as possible in its approach to covering open shifts, our ‘people power’ is being severely affected by the prevalence of the omicron coronavirus variant. We know this situation creates difficulty for our customers, and we apologize for any inconvenience they are experiencing due to these circumstances that are beyond our control.”
RTD said it is being challenged to provide service because of employees testing positive for COVID-19. Between Dec. 15 and Jan. 5, the agency has seen 77 new employee cases, spanning all facilities, and operating divisions.
RTD customers can stay updated on any unforeseen service changes by signing up for Service Alerts.
More Security and Safety
RTD Launches NextRide App to Consolidate Trip Planning, Fares, Security Reporting
The app expands on RTD’s existing NextRide web application and allows customers to view real-time vehicle locations and service alerts, purchase and store digital fares, and access customer support.
Read More →
TAPTCO Updates OSHA Compliance Training for Transit Maintenance Operations
The revamped program addresses 26 OSHA standards for maintenance facilities, with TAPTCO pointing to training, documentation, and everyday shop hazards as continuing challenges for transit operations.
Read More →
How VaporVision Adds Value to Transit Door Systems
Wabtec engineers explain how the system improves doorway detection, strengthens diagnostics and gives transit agencies and OEMs greater operating flexibility.
Read More →
FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak
Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.
Read More →
Chicago, Maryland Expand Non-Law-Enforcement Safety, Rider Support
The CTA and MTA are launching new programs aimed at de-escalation, crisis response, rider assistance, and greater transparency.
Read More →
LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement
The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.
Read More →
LA Metro Reports 57% Decline in Homelessness on Transit System Since 2024
The agency's latest homelessness count offers new data on how care-based services and cross-sector partnerships can complement traditional transit security strategies.
Read More →
FTA Launches 'Transit Moves America' Dashboard to Highlight Agency Safety and Performance
The online dashboard transforms National Transit Database information into a public-facing resource that allows users to compare transit agencies on key operational and safety metrics.
Read More →
LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year
Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.
Read More →
Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →