Gov. Polis, State Legislators, RTD Announce Creation of Accountability Committee

DENVER - Governor Jared Polis, state legislators and RTD held a media availability today following RTD’s unanimous approval of a proposal to create an Accountability Committee.

“I share the frustrations Coloradans have had with RTD over the years including the woefully behind schedule Northwest Rail. Our shared goal is a transportation system that better serves the people of this region and this is a step in getting that fixed. The current times are a challenge, but also an important opportunity to reimagine our regional transportation system so we can meet the needs of hardworking Coloradans, small businesses, tourists, and everyone who is impacted by RTD in our everyday lives and our economy,” said Gov. Jared Polis. “I thank the state lawmakers, representatives from the region’s local governments, and the RTD board for their thoughtful approach to start the necessary reforms and the hard work of transforming RTD so that it works for all Coloradans.”

“It is essential that the metro area has a strong public transit system. Unfortunately, RTD has been facing a unique set of challenges that need to be addressed immediately,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “By establishing this accountability board, we will be ensuring that our public transit system meets the needs of all riders, helps us achieve our climate goals, and is sustainable for the long term.”

Sen. Winter is Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy.

“RTD was facing enormous challenges even before the pandemic. That’s why it’s important to bring a diverse group of people together to take a second look at its plans for the future to help RTD succeed,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield and Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Local Government

“The timing couldn’t be better for this committee. While key community leaders all have differing views on RTD, the power of diversity that will come from this committee’s representation will provide valuable perspective. And the RTD Board stands ready – with openness and transparency – to listen and learn from what they have to say,” said RTD Chair Angie Rivera-Malpiede.

Since 2019, the Board Chair and the Chair of the Communications & Government Relations Committee have been working with representatives of the Governor’s Office and the chairs of the Senate and House transportation committees of the Colorado General Assembly to develop a plan to create the RTD Accountability Committee.

The work of this independent committee will include a review of at least the following:

A review of recent financials from the district, including any recent audits and a thorough review of the agency’s use of CARES Act stimulus funds;
The structure of RTD governance and executive leadership;
A review of the district’s short-term and long-term prioritization of resources to maximize the district’s limited dollars for the benefit of taxpayers;
How RTD can better serve all riders including those with disabilities,
How it can better serve transit-dependent populations
A review of the district’s plans for how to expand ridership
How the district is addressing coverage gaps, prioritizing route planning, and is serving its entire service area;
A determination of the long-range financial stability of the agency, and how the agency can achieve stability and growth while still meeting its core mission.

The members of this committee will have expertise in a variety of areas crucial to improving RTD, including:

Local government, economic development, human resources, multi-modal transportation, transportation equity, issues impacting riders with disabilities, financial planning and management and urban planning.

Watch the news conference here

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