FYI
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Regional Transportation District <rtd.comm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, Apr 3, 2020 at 4:56 PM
Subject: RTD Update to COVID-19 Pandemic 4.03.20
To: <prlopez0808@xxxxxxxxx>
*Stakeholder Update *
April 3, 2020
*Dear Valued RTD Customer:*
In an effort to keep our constituents informed of the latest developments
concerning RTD during these everchanging times, we will continue to send
periodic updates.
For the safety of our employees and riders, and in response to the rapidly
changing spread of COVID-19, the Regional Transportation District (RTD)
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk3NDMwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5ydGQtZGVudmVyLmNvbS8ifQ.aSRsrnqV2j40POBlTsULxzwruKNC0BDkRFajSKv-2To/br/77039622235-l>
is
making some notable operational changes starting Sunday, April 5.
Beginning at the start of the service day on Sunday and until further
notice:
- RTD will switch to rear-door boarding and exiting on its buses, which
provides another layer of social distancing between operators
and riders, limiting proximity to those who might be infected. Passengers
with disabilities should continue to board RTD vehicles at the front, where
a wheelchair lift is available, if needed. RTD’s over-the-road coaches used
on Regional routes have front doors only. So, those passengers will still
board and deboard from the front.
- Fare collection will be suspended on all buses and trains across the
RTD system. We are working through processes for refunds and exchanges on
applicable fare products.
- Service will be suspended on two downtown Denver routes, the
16th Street Free MallRide and Free MetroRide, which have experienced low
ridership.
- RTD will move as many of the MallRide buses as possible to
regular routes, to take advantage of the ability of these buses to offer
multiple-door boarding and exiting. In addition,
drivers on MallRide buses work in an enclosed compartment that provides
separation from passengers.
*Social Distancing*
Being mindful of social distancing, RTD has been monitoring passenger loads
on its bus and rail services. Bus operators seeing larger crowds forming
along their route have been asked to call bus dispatch, so that additional
buses can be deployed as they are available. However, social distancing is
happening naturally across the RTD system, with very few riders on each bus
or rail car.
RTD also asks that the public use
judgment in deciding whether to board vehicles, depending upon the number
of passengers already on them. The agency is installing signage on buses
and trains asking riders to respect social distancing, which is everyone’s
responsibility.
*COVID-19 Service Plan Starts April 19*
The RTD Board of Directors recently approved two service changes – a
COVID-19 Service Plan and the May Service Change, which we’ve been working
on to address our operator shortage.
Starting April 19, we will implement a schedule which follows a Saturday
schedule plus Regional bus service and Sunday light rail service schedules,
as outlined in the May Service Change plan. This is in response to a
significant decrease in ridership resulting from the spread of COVID-19.
The reduced service levels will remain in effect until further notice.
RTD will continue to evaluate ridership and service needs and reinstate
service as demand warrants from Saturday and Sunday service to the regular
service levels outlined in the May service change.
Prior to implementing a major service change like the service reduction
plan starting April 19, RTD must work through work assignment processes
with the union, integrate the changes into our information systems and
inform the public. RTD intends to retain its operations staff during the
service reduction. Those who aren’t assigned regular routes will cover open
trips or shifts for operators who call in sick, as well as participate in
refresher training. Taking this approach will keep the agency’s workforce
intact for when the pandemic subsides and service levels can be restored.
*RTD/CBD Manufacturer Team-Up*
While obtaining masks, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer continue to be
in short supply and high demand, RTD has forged a partnership with a
Colorado Springs-based CBD company. HD Distribution is now manufacturing
hand sanitizer and shipping it to customers all over the world, including
RTD. The distributor is one of several that RTD is working with to source
hand sanitizer, which remains one of RTD’s top personal protective
equipment needs.
*RTD Board meetings move to call-in only format*
The RTD Board of Directors is holding its Board meetings using a telephone
town hall format during the COVID-19 stay-at-home and social distancing
orders. This is an easy way to listen in on Board business. To listen in,
call 855-962-1128 (no passcode is required). The public will continue to be
able to address the Board at its monthly meetings. Callers interested in
doing so should dial *3 once connected, placing public speakers in a queue
and allowing the Chair to call on them in turn.
*RTD Telephone Town Halls *
RTD is hosting a series of telephone town halls April 16 through May 21.
These events will cover updates from RTD Board members and leadership to
discuss the agency’s response to COVID-19, ongoing safety considerations
for riders and staff, as well as updates on RTD projects. The community is
invited to participate over the phone or online to ask questions and hear
the latest information. A list of events and details on how to participate
will be available the week of April 6 at www.rtd-denver.com/town-hall
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk3NDMwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnJ0ZC1kZW52ZXIuY29tL3Rvd24taGFsbCJ9.e0pFOE7s9eeNPQy-f42-JWohxH85IUNdA-FvodUWI3M/br/77039622235-l>
.
*RTD Sales Outlets*
With the April 19 COVID-19 Service Plan, we’ll be making the following
sales outlet changes:
- *Boulder Junction at Depot Square Station: *This sales outlet will
close parallel with the COVID-19 Service Plan, as there will be no bus
service to/from the BJDS bus concourse.
- *Denver Airport Station:* This sales outlet will reduce its hours 8
a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, beginning April 5. Notification has been
made to DEN employees. Passenger air traffic is down by 90%, and DEN has
closed the north security screening location. In addition, RTD bus and rail
traffic is down as well.
- *Civic Center Station, Denver Union Station and Downtown Boulder
Station* will continue with its current hours, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.,
Monday-Friday.
Ticket/Pass sales, EcoPass card, Lost and Found and general information
traffic are all down considerably at all outlets, mirroring the decline we
are experiencing systemwide.
*RTD to Receive $232 Million in Federal Funds*
We are pleased to share that RTD is expected to receive $232.2 million
through the federal stimulus package – the CARES Act.. The funds are 100%
federal with no local match required, and can be used for expenditures from
Jan. 1, 2020 forward, with a desire for the funds to be used as soon as
possible. The funds are expended on a reimbursement basis, so once the
agency spends funds they then are reimbursed. The funds can be used for any
operations costs associated with COVID-19, including expenses related to
protective equipment, cleaning supplies, salaries and any other operating
costs.
*Grocery Delivery Available to Access-a-Ride Customers *
Kudos to our paratransit staff, who have come up with a great way to help
our Access-a-Ride customers. Home grocery delivery service is now available
to our current Access-a-Ride (AaR) customers. RTD is offering this service
during the COVID-19 state of emergency to provide our Access-a-Ride
customers with a food delivery option that does not require leaving home.
No fare is required for customers to use this service. Grocery pickup is
available from King Soopers, Safeway, Community Ministry Southwest Food
Bank, Senior Hub Senior Solutions and Adams County Food Bank. Access-a-Ride
customers can continue to book trips for essential purposes, including to
purchase groceries. Customers must place their grocery order themselves and
schedule a pick-up with AaR one day in advance. Details are on
the Access-a-Ride webpage at
https://www.rtd-denver.com/services/access-a-ride
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk3NDMwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5ydGQtZGVudmVyLmNvbS9zZXJ2aWNlcy9hY2Nlc3MtYS1yaWRlIn0.Ie7tRa8tUmU9OFB9DPJOj9OD0zGr1DcAMpQ3g65UowI/br/77039622235-l>
.
These are unsettling times, for sure. Things will continue to change, and
we will be nimble and change, too. While we continue to serve customers who
rely on us, when the rest of you are ready to hop on board, we’ll be here
for you.
Hang in there, and be safe.
[image: RTD Logo]
*Regional Transportation District*
1660 Blake Street
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/1660+Blake+Street+Denver,+CO+80202?entry=gmail&source=g>
Denver, CO
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/1660+Blake+Street+Denver,+CO+80202?entry=gmail&source=g>
80202
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/1660+Blake+Street+Denver,+CO+80202?entry=gmail&source=g>
------------------------------
[image: Twitter Icon]
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk3NDMwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL1JpZGVSVEQifQ.NysYt5stATg7kFunX0TRXOK_Hcw-Tex02AHHUbCR2ng/br/77039622235-l>[image:
Like RTD on Facebook]
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk3NDMwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vUmlkZVJURCJ9.rRgKPIl9o2LSoCUk0SgA0z824lFeDfIGI7SeJXg1CGg/br/77039622235-l>
www.rtd-denver.com
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk3NDMwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5ydGQtZGVudmVyLmNvbSJ9.yQvL3XZVa_MddzIEBkD6ZO6rWjDrvgdSj-BrVrKThq4/br/77039622235-l>
You've received this message because you are registered to receive email
from RTD:
Manage Preferences
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk3NDMwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vcHVibGljLmdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5LmNvbS9hY2NvdW50cy9DT1RSQU5SVEQvc3Vic2NyaWJlcnMvbmV3P3ByZWZlcmVuY2VzPXRydWUifQ.zWMaFNa09QosszhDqV8k9HMm7kB9-Zc-j-KpyVdOnDw/br/77039622235-l>
| Unsubscribe
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInF1ZXJ5X3BhcmFtcyI6WyJ2ZXJpZmljYXRpb24iLCJkZXN0aW5hdGlvbiJdLCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6Y2xpY2siLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjAwNDAzLjE5NzQzMDMxIiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wdWJsaWMuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2FjY291bnRzL0NPVFJBTlJURC9zdWJzY3JpYmVyL29uZV9jbGlja191bnN1YnNjcmliZSJ9.eqV2vXeC79v4hTWXGyfjjiyvHI8Ov0Vr8Z2pht_Bqfk/br/77039622235-l?verification=5.88370d22993760619c821e4c6d7894c9&destination=prlopez0808%40gmail.com>
| Help
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk3NDMwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1YnNjcmliZXJoZWxwLmdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5LmNvbS8ifQ.xM7xMYUOrRkKkjdTWxvS-qHaVoYdiW4bG6fNqt52Av4/br/77039622235-l>
This email was sent to prlopez0808@xxxxxxxxx on behalf of the Regional
Transportation District.
1660 Blake Street | Denver, CO 80202
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/1660+Blake+Street+%7C+Denver,+CO+80202?entry=gmail&source=g>.
Please do not reply to this email.
------------------------------
This email was sent to prlopez0808@xxxxxxxxx on behalf of:
Regional Transportation District | 1660 Blake Street |
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/1660%C2%A0+Blake+Street+%7C%C2%A0%C2%A0+Denver,+CO+80202?entry=gmail&source=g>Denver,
CO 80202
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/1660%C2%A0+Blake+Street+%7C%C2%A0%C2%A0+Denver,+CO+80202?entry=gmail&source=g>
| Phone: 303.299.6000
--
Patricia Lopez
