[Colorado-Talk] Initial thoughts: RTD Performance, Safety, and Planning Committee meeting

[Jordyn Castor]

Hi there,

Wanted to offer my initial thoughts on the meeting that took place last night, and hope others will join in. This was my first RTD committee meeting, so forgive me if I don’t remember all the names.

My main takeaways were:
• JoyAnn Ruscha really wants to see numbers and KPI before making decisions. She made great points about how the peer review was only conducted with two Paratransit riders, and they need to see more of the rider’s perspective, given that this program serves us. I think here, filling out the AccessARide/Access On Demand survey that is supposed to come out September 25 is crucial.
• The gentleman who answered most of the questions about the re-structuring of the Access On Demand program, Fred Worthington? Seemed extremely focused on making sure the Access ON Demand was known as a “premium” service. He seems in favor of making the Access on Demand match the Access A Ride program, in terms of 3/4 mile off the fixed route service, and operating during the same hours as fixed-route service.
• I think if anyone would have our backs, it would be JoyAnn Ruscha. I think we’d benefit from having conversations with her ASAP.

• Would anyone be interested in having a group Zoom or something to discuss strategy and public comments before the board meeting on the 24th? I know, personally, I’d like to gain more historical context on who JoyAnn and Fred are, as well as how the NFB has advocated on behalf of transit situations like this in the past.

Thanks,

Jordyn