Committee Approves Bill to Modernize and Improve RTD
SB26-150 would implement the recommendations from the RTD Accountability Committee
DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee passed legislation sponsored by Senators Matt Ball, D-Denver, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, to modernize and improve the Regional Transportation District (RTD).
“Millions of Coloradans live on the Front Range, and yet, they are stuck with a transit system that is severely underdeveloped compared to similar districts in other cities,” Ball said. “This critical legislation will help Coloradans to have cleaner and more effective transit options.”
“The Denver metro area is a world-class destination boasting world-class offerings, and while public transit helps Coloradans access those big-ticket events, it also supports mobility and accessibility for the 30% of households that don’t have reliable access to a car,” Jodeh said. “When transit doesn’t work, it impacts whether families — especially communities of color, seniors, and people with disabilities — can go to work, school, and connect with their communities. This bill is about continuing Colorado’s commitment to those families and sustainable growth for generations to come.”
SB26-150 would make a number of changes to the RTD board in order to create a governing board that is more functional and well-equipped to make decisions in pursuit of a world-class transit system, including:
Reducing the current 15-member board to nine, bringing it in line with the majority of transit boards in the country;
Preserving five seats up for election, ensuring that the majority of the board remains democratically elected;
Making four of the nine board seats at-large appointments, for which the criteria includes expertise in finance, land use, transportation planning, disproportionately impacted communities, and/or labor, with the Denver Regional Council of Governments providing a nominating list for two seats;
Raising board and chairperson salaries to attract high-quality candidates; and
Increasing structure and clarity for the board by requiring that specific authorities and responsibilities be set for each board member.
New RTD districts would be drawn in advance of the 2028 election, creating an entirely new board by January 1, 2029, with plans in place to achieve staggered turnover of the board starting in 2031. Additionally, the bill would require that RTD complete a study into and adopt a plan for implementing improved paratransit services by December 31, 2027.
The RTD Accountability Committee was created by SB25-161, sponsored by Senator William Lindstedt, Jodeh, and the late Senator Faith Winter. As a result of the bill, the Committee delivered its recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor Polis earlier this year.
SB26-150 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.