RTD announces ‘Building a Better RTD’ initiative to strengthen infrastructure and improve customer experience
Posted: September 1 2026|12:00 PM MDT
Initiative showcases 65 infrastructure investments in 2026 that will ensure current and future transit network enhancements for customer safety and system reliability
DENVER (Sept. 1, 2026)–– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is announcing “Building a Better RTD,” a strategic initiative focused on continuously renewing, enhancing, and expanding the agency’s bus and rail systems. This initiative supports a safe, reliable, accessible, and resilient transit network for customers today and for years to come.
As part of RTD’s Strategic Plan, Building a Better RTD is guided by two customer-focused principles: minimizing service impacts and enhancing transparency. By carefully planning the timing and sequencing of key infrastructure investments, and combining work in the same locations whenever possible, RTD works to reduce the frequency and duration of service disruptions.
Additionally, RTD is committed to providing clear, early notice about planned service impacts, along with transparent and routine updates as key infrastructure investments progress.
“Building a Better RTD is about doing the work customers may not always see, but absolutely depend on,” said Angel Peña, RTD Deputy Chief Executive Officer. “Keeping a transit system safe, reliable, accessible, and ready for the future requires disciplined investment, careful coordination, and clear communication. We know construction and maintenance can affect daily trips, and we appreciate our customers’ patience and support as we move this work forward together. Our responsibility is to limit disruptions where we can while delivering improvements that strengthen the customer experience across the region.”
This year, RTD is advancing 65 infrastructure investments across its bus, light rail, commuter rail, and systemwide assets. This video (also available in Spanish) highlights investments focused on five key customer benefits: safety, reliability, access, capacity, and customer experience.
- 20 station enhancement efforts, including repairs to stairs and elevators, improved access to station platforms, parking lot repaving, and refreshed landscaping
- Maintenance and reconstruction of legacy rail, bridges, power systems, and grade crossings to strengthen safety and reliability
- The next phase of the multi-year Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project, RTD’s largest infrastructure investment, which began this summer and is rebuilding the agency’s original rail system between Seventh Street and Colfax Avenue and between 30th and Downing streets
Strengthening regional connections
RTD is also collaborating with the Colorado Department of Transportation, City and County of Denver, and other regional partners on 15 key infrastructure investments, including:
- New pedestrian bridges near the Evans and 48th & Brighton•National Western Center stations
- Planning and designing new pedestrian bridges near Nine Mile Station and the future location of the National Women’s Soccer Stadium near I-25, Santa Fe Drive, and South Broadway in Denver
- Upgrading bus stops across the agency’s district to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements
- Support for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes along East Colfax in Aurora and CO 119 between Boulder and Longmont
Whether RTD is reconstructing legacy rail lines and crossings, updating rail stations, replacing key maintenance equipment, or working with regional partners to improve connectivity, Building a Better RTD is about ensuring a better transit experience for RTD customers.
To learn more about investments RTD is making in 2026, visit the agency’s Infrastructure Investments webpage.
