Celebrating National Hispanic-Latine Heritage Month: Advancing Transportation Equity

National Hispanic-Latine Heritage Month, observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is an important period dedicated to honoring not only the vibrant traditions and diverse narratives of Hispanic Americans butalso highlighting the ongoing efforts to promote equity and inclusion across various sectors, including transportation.

Historical Background

The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a 30-day period, which was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, under Public Law 100-402. Sept. 15 marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, while Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Additionally, Día de la Raza on Oct. 12, which falls within this month, further underscores the historical significance of this period.

The Legacy of Hispanic-Latine Contributions to Transportation

Throughout history, Hispanic-Latine Americans have made significant contributions to the transportation industry, shaping the infrastructure and systems that connect communities across the nation. Their impact is seen in various roles and initiatives that have helped advance public transit and infrastructure development.

• Nuria Fernandez: Appointed as the first Afro-Latina to lead the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on June 10, 2021, Nuria Fernandez's career exemplifies leadership and innovation in transportation. Her previous role as General Manager and CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) involved overseeing major projects, including the integration of new technologies and the expansion of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) services into Silicon Valley. Her pioneering work in the FTA continues to influence federal transit policies and practices.
• Federico Peña: Federico Peña's appointment as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in 1993 marked a historic milestone, as he was the first Hispanic American to hold the position. His advocacy for federal investments in transportation infrastructure, coupled with his later role as U.S. Secretary of Energy, have had a lasting impact on transportation and energy policies. Peña previously served as the first Hispanic mayor of Denver, where he championed civil rights and bilingual education, setting a precedent for future leaders.
• Victor Mendez: As the Federal Highway Administrator from 2009 to 2014, Victor Mendez played a crucial role in directing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This initiative revitalized the nation’s infrastructure, creating tens of thousands of jobs and securing $26.6 billion for critical bridge and highway projects. His work has contributed significantly to enhancing safety, reducing congestion and strengthening the economic foundation of communities across the country.
• Flora Castillo: Flora Castillo, the first Latina chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), has made significant strides in advocating for public transportation. With nearly two decades on the Board of Directors at New Jersey Transit Corporation and in her current role as Vice President of Corporate Public Relations at AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, Castillo’s career reflects a deep commitment to improving transit systems. Her personal experience with public transportation, from her youth in El Salvador and the United States, drives her passion for the industry and her efforts to inspire future Latino leaders.
• Michele Wong Krause: Michele Wong Krause, of Latine and Asian descent, serves as the currentchair of APTA. Under her leadership, APTA launched the Racial Equity Commitment Pilot Program in May 2022, aimed at helping public transit agencies and businesses develop and implement measurable strategies to advance racial equity within their organizations. Wong Krause has also played a key role in the creation of APTA’s forthcoming permanent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment Program. Additionally, APTA will release a Transit Equity Report, which will highlight transit agencies that have adopted innovative planning, services and operational practices to advance equity in their communities. 

RTD’s Role in Promoting Equity

RTD’s commitment to transportation equity is at the forefront of its mission. This National Hispanic-Latine Heritage Month, the agency reaffirmsits dedication to enhancing transit access and quality for Hispanic-Latine riders. RTD recognizes that transportation is a critical enabler of social and economic mobility, and it is essential to address the unique needs of diverse communities.

The agency’s efforts include:

• Expanding Bilingual Resources: Through the Transit Equity Office’s Language Access Plan (LAP), RTD provides comprehensive information and support in Spanish and other languages, ensuring that non-English-speaking customers have access to essential transit information and services.
• Community Engagement: RTD actively engages with Hispanic-Latine communities through targeted outreach efforts to better understand their needs. This collaboration helps improve services and address any gaps in transit access.
• Investing in Infrastructure: RTD prioritizes investments in transit infrastructure that serve historically underserved areas, focusing on enhancing connectivity and accessibility for Hispanic-Latine communities. This includes upgrading facilities, expanding service routes and improving overall transit quality.

Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Future

By incorporating equity into its planning and operations, RTD aims to create a transportation system that is inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of background.

In observance of Hispanic-Latine Heritage Month, RTD encourages the community to participate in and support local events that celebrate and promote these values. Customers can use the Next Ride trip planning tool to plan their trips.

•Pan Dulce Magnets at the Woodbury Branch Library: Join the Woodbury Branch of the Denver Public Library from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19 for an exploration of pan dulce, a traditional sweet bread cherished in Hispanic cultures.

• Celebrate la Cultura at the Girls Scouts DreamLab: Attend this event from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 21 to engage with the rich cultures and traditions of Hispanic and Latino communities through activities and treats.

• Sazon Food Festival 2024: Experience Latin flavors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 19 at Carmichael Park in Brighton. Enjoy a wood-fired grill extravaganza, live music, barbecue fusion and vibrant Hispanic culture.

•Glendale Farmers Market: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 26, the Glendale Farmers Market, run by the Hispanic Restaurant Association, is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. It features a variety of cuisines from Hispanic and Latine entrepreneurs and will highlight different Hispanic-Latine cuisines through September.

• Raíces Brewpub: Have a drink at this Latino-owned and -operated brewpub in Denver,which offers award-winning craft beers, a rotating selection of Latin American food from food trucks and ongoing cultural events. Raíces aims to be a hub for those interested in Latin culture.