RTD selects projects for partnership program to address specific community mobility needs

RTD has named eight projects to receive a total of up to $2 million annually in Partnership Program funding to address mobility needs in communities throughout the district. The program, which launched in June with a Call for Projects, provides local governments and Transportation Management Associations/Organizations (TMA/Os) funding for services or enhancements that complement RTD’s existing services or fill an existing transportation need.

New service and service expansion associated with the projects that were selected will begin in 2024. Project sponsors have committed a minimum of 20% local match, and RTD will commit up to three years of funding to each project, starting next year.

“It is imperative that RTD partner with local governments and organizations to help communities meet their mobility needs,” said General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. “Each of the projects selected through the 2023 Call for Projects commits to bring new or enhanced services, providing customers throughout the Denver metro region with more choices and benefits.”

RTD received 10 complete applications that were reviewed for consideration. Each applicant’s proposal was brought to a Subregional Service Council (SSC) where the project is located, and the SSCs prioritized projects based on local mobility needs. The five SSCs comprise local government and transportation stakeholders representing the projects. Projects were submitted for consideration to all but one SSC, as that SSC did not have any proposals submitted.

RTD staff reviewed and scored the applications before sending them to a selection committee to make a final funding recommendation. The selection committee included 11 people: five RTD staff members who scored the applications, one delegate from each SSC and one staff member from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).

Applications were evaluated under the following criteria:

• Alignment with RTD strategic priorities of Community Value and Customer Excellence
• Local support and ability to meet local needs
• Complements existing RTD services
• Provides service where there is a gap in existing service
• Provides service to equity populations
• Potential ridership
• Project readiness
• Infrastructure projects were not eligible

Eight projects were selected from the 2023 Call for Projects. These projects, with funding allocated for each, are below: