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76281FD5B2826C94872588C300508FB5 Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For PRESENTATION FROM REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT

INTERIM COMMITTEE  TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date Sep 20, 2022      
Location Old State Library



Presentation from Regional Transportation District - Committee Discussion Only


08:39:59 AM  
Debra Johnson, General
Manager, and Vince Buzek, Board Chair, representing the Regional Transportation
District (RTD) presented an update to the committee (Attachment A).

08:41:15 AM  
Mr. Buzek provided
introductory remarks and a history of the organization.  Ms. Johnson
provided information on the strategic plan, employees, the transit environment,
the zero fare program, the system optimization plan, and the fare study.

08:44:48 AM  
Ms. Johnson detailed
RTD's strategic plan, including RTD's work as a community partner; the
importance of employee ownership; public funding; and focusing on the value
of service provided, rather than ridership volume.

08:47:59 AM  
Ms. Johnson talked
about employment concerns, including an employee shortage, as well as a
collective bargaining agreement that includes a salary increase.  

08:50:44 AM  
Ms. Johnson discussed
the environment on public transit and at stations.  She indicated
that RTD is working through issues at Denver Union Station in collaboration
with the City and County of Denver.  

08:52:40 AM  
Ms. Johnson talked
about crime prevention at stations through the creation of an environment
that promotes transportation activities.  She talked about cooperation
between multiple jurisdictions to bolster security.  

08:54:32 AM  
Ms. Johnson discussed
RTD transit impact teams as a complement to current solutions and the provision
of mental health and homeless outreach, as well as community outreach.
08:56:15 AM  
Ms. Johnson talked
about the Zero Fare for Better Air program, implemented in August to reduce
emmissions from single occupancy vehicles.  Ms. Johnson discussed
involvement with community groups and indicated that a report on the program
would be forthcoming, including data and community surveys.  

09:00:23 AM  
Ms. Johnson discussed
the system optimization plan which optimizes the transit network for a
particular area, prioritizing needs with social equity in mind.  She
indicated that RTD is improving cost efficiency with state of good repair
prioritized.
09:02:14 AM  
Ms. Johnson shared
that the plan focuses on a high quality transit network and corridors to
maximize coverage through partnerships that bolster connectivity.  

09:03:27 AM  
Ms. Johnson outlined
the fare study, noting that equity is an important focus.  She discussed
an alignment of fares with services, as well as the complexity of the system,
in determining fares.  Ms. Johnson shared the scope of the analysis,
including a review of fare structure with regards to Title VI, other agency
fares, and community evaluation of options.

09:06:57 AM  
Ms. Johnson answered
questions related to the environment at Civic Center Station, including
the shifting of challenges to other locations as problems at Union Station
are addressed.
09:09:21 AM  
There was a discussion
about the fare system, especially how to switch from old to new systems
so that customers will not lose funds.
09:11:32 AM  
Ms. Johnson discussed
customer value over ridership volume, including achieving the best service;
providing a user friendly fare system that is comparable to other systems;
and offering services at a lower cost.
09:13:42 AM  
Ms. Johnson discussed
transportation equity for riders traveling to the airport for work versus
travel.
09:16:04 AM  
Ms. Johnson talked
about infrastructure, including tracks and signaling at railroad crossings,
and bus stops.  Ms. Johnson indicated that RTD works with partners
to maintain bus stops.
09:20:27 AM  
Ms. Johnson discussed
RTD's six year transition plan to electric vehicles, including the creaton
of a zero emission vehicle ad hoc committee.  She said that the fleet
currently includes 36 battery electric buses; but 17 vehicles were ordered.
 Ms. Johnson talked about clean diesel vehicles as part of the current
fleet.
 
There was a discussion about the lack of standards for vehicles in the
transit space.
09:24:30 AM  
There was a discussion
about comparing the Zero Fare for Better Air Program and tax credits for
employers offering low cost passes.  The fare study and equity analysis
may provide additional information.

09:27:47 AM  
There was a discussion
about partnerships, including equity and community input.  Ms. Johnson
highlighted regional counsels starting in 2023 to provide feedback.






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