RTD and Fraternal Order of Police finalize three-year agreement representing agency’s Transit Police

The RTD Board of Directors has authorized the agency’s General Manager and CEO, Debra A. Johnson, to enter into a three-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #72 to represent the RTD Transit Police (RTD-PD) force. Following a special Board of Directors meeting today to approve the agreement, RTD held a news conference and signing ceremony of the CBA's preamble at the agency's Blake Street headquarters.

The three-year agreement will raise the pay of Transit Police officers and Transit Police corporals 5% for 2025, retroactive to January 1, 4% percent for 2026, and 4% for 2027. The collective bargaining agreement also raises starting pay for academy recruits to more than $71,000. The agreement raises a sworn officer’s starting pay to over $77,00, and up to more than $110,000 for lateral officers depending on their years of experience.

“This inaugural agreement will guarantee competitive wages for Transit Police officers and corporals. Negotiations between the two parties were completed in three bargaining days due to a collaborative relationship shared by RTD and the FOP,” Johnson said.

“Today marks a significant milestone for the Transit Police Department and RTD, with the finalization of our collective bargaining agreement,” FOP #72 President Corey Averill said. “If anyone is thinking about joining our department, I would like you to know that RTD truly values and recognizes the efforts of its police force,” he added.

"It’s incredibly gratifying that this inaugural process moved quickly, with police officers overwhelmingly supporting the proposal. Their approval reflects a fair compromise that acknowledges their dedication and service to RTD, its employees and customers,” RTD Acting Chief of Police Steve Martingano said. “I want to thank Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #72 President Averill for his efforts in reaching this agreement, and the members' dedication to fostering a safe and welcoming transit environment."

RTD-PD has approximately 100 POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training)-certified officers on staff and a goal of 150 POST-certified offices by year-end. The agency is committed to creating a more welcoming transit environment, which includes implementing the following:

• Deploying officers around the clock based on customer feedback, calls for service data, and reporting trends across RTD’s service area
• Coordinating security efforts with other police jurisdictions across RTD’s 2,345 square-mile service area
• Increasing security presence at high-volume bus stops and rail stations during peak service times
• Developing its detective bureau to investigate criminal activities
• Implementing a live look-in camera system on the entire RTD fleet
• Expanding the customer experience elevator experience program

A copy of the collective bargaining agreement is available online.

Click here to view the RTD and Fraternal Order of Police Collective Bargaining Agreement News Conference held March 12, 2025.