All Access

There was once upon a time when those who were disabled were looked down upon.  Can you imagine going to war for your country, coming home in a wheelchair and then set aside and then discriminated against because you can't function like everybody else?  There were days when restaurants would not let people in wheelchairs come in.

Now, this struggle led itself to public transportation with Rev. Wade Blank and the "gang of 19".  During the frustration, many disabled people felt that it was unfair to have no access to public transportation.  This history was right here in Denver with RTD.

RTD reacted and began introducing buses with wheelchair access.  Years later, President Bush Sr. signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  This act made it illegal to discriminate anybody with disabilities. So, it became a huge issue if anybody with a disability felt being discriminated against.

RTD's buses and trains are all equipped with wheelchair access and priority seating.  The priority seating is for the elderly or even those with disabilities who don't have a wheelchair.  The buses all have the capability to deploy a bus ramp.  Many of the buses lean down to the side for easier access to step up onto.  It is the driver's responsibility to make sure the ramp works before they even leave the garage.

For Light Rail, there are "high blocks" with ramps that lead to the train.  The ramps on the train are manual and simply have to be let down to be passable.  Some people might use the high blocks for their bike if they struggle picking it up over the stairs but the area behind the driver is only for those with disabilities and not for bicycles.  On the buses, there are special bike racks in the front.  For Regional Buses, if the bike racks are full, bikes can, also, be placed in the luggage bays if there is little to no luggage there. 

What RTD offers is that any assistant of an "ADA passenger" can ride for free.  "ADA passengers" and seniors are offered discount pricing which is about half off.  If you are a spouse, friend, or an aide, you are qualified as the assistant.  The assistant should be familiar with how to let down the seats to make travel quicker.  The driver is completely capable and willing to do this but if you are an assistant, the driver more than welcomes your help.

We don't touch wheelchairs unless given the permission by you but we are ready to help in whatever way we can to get you on and to keep the bus/train rolling.  Just as with any other passenger, it is appreciated for "ADA passengers" to be at their stop on time.  Drivers are more generous and understanding but make every effort to be up on the high block, or at the stop, before your bus or train even comes.

When driving downtown, as mentioned in "Stop Means Stop," trains are governed by "T-signals" which all run on the same timer as the traffic lights.  This is a very time sensitive area because so many trains are scheduled to be there.  If one train is late then the others will be to.  For this reason, make sure that when you are downtown to do your best to be there.  At the 16th street mall, crowds pile up for the train and timing is very crucial.  If you are just barely coming up onto the high block by the time the operator is ready to go, he/she will assist you but it will delay everything because, then, the operator has to wait for the next "vertical" line.  If you are a little late to a bus stop, it isn't so imperative because a good bus driver can make up the time.  Regardless, being on time is always important just as stated in "Busy World."

Drivers are ready if you bring a cat, dog, rabbit, or some critter as an "ADA passenger" as an animal

assistant.  Drivers won't question it, unless they put off the potential of being hazardous to other passengers.  Other passengers should not bring animals on board unless they are some small critter in a cage or box.

RTD will accept a Driver's License for the elderly, medicare card, or an RTD issued Disabilities card.  These are all valid to be qualified for the discount.  If you are in a wheelchair and you will soon be out of it, you won't be questioned and you will qualify for the discount.  For more information on what qualifies and where to apply for the discount card, visit Discount Fares.

Whoever you are, RTD does not discriminate.  Issues come and go but if you ever feel like you are being harassed or treated poorly by anybody from RTD, you have a right to file a complaint on it.  Before you take any civil action, make sure you talk to customer service.  If you see those white SUVs, cars, or vans, with the RTD logo on them, that is usually a supervisor.  Supervisors generally wear either white or black polos.  A lot of them where a black "RTD" hat.  If there is any issue, please take it up with them.  Remember that there are other companies contracted out by RTD so don't let one individual give you a bad image of the whole entity.

If you have any questions about this or anything else or even comments on your experience as an "ADA passenger" or a driver, please feel free to share.  This blog is in no way a reflection of or the opinion of RTD, itself.  I am just a driver who sees what goes on from day to day.  Thanks for reading and until next time, safe travels!



    

Jet Lag

You had a long flight and now you are debating between cab or bus.  Do you ride privately in a car for a hefty price or do you ride with others at $9, $11, or $13?  Whether you are here for business, family, or vacation, the Sky Ride is ready for you! Once you reach DIA Level 5 to pick up your luggage, there may be an RTD representative to direct you.  If not, take a step outside of the doors in the west terminal.

There are 5 "islands" by which different transportation services pick up passengers, reserved or not.  Limos, shuttles, taxis, and buses will be coming in and out.  Walk all the way through to the last Island and you will see RTD's buses waiting for you  You don't need a special ticket or reservation to ride RTD but what you do need is the proper fare.  For a full list of proper bus routes and fares, see Sky Ride Fares.

There are a few ways to prepare to pay this fare so you don't stick a $20 bill into the fare box and say, "Oh, well..."  If your fare is $13 and you only have a $20 bill, you can easily ask the person behind you to give you $7 and put in $6 into the fare box so that you end up putting in $26 to pay for two riders.  You can, also, simply ask somebody to break your large bill for you.

Drivers are not cashiers and they don't handle money.  Paying is simple.  Just put the money into the machine.  Make sure you know the difference between where the dollars go and the coins go.  The fare box will add up the change.  It counts all the bills as $1 so if your driver is staring at the fare box, all he or she is doing is counting to make sure you put in the correct amount.

If you are traveling for business, you can always request a receipt from you driver.  They will fill out which run they are doing where it says, "Service."  For example, if you are going to Boulder, they would write, "AB".  The rest is self-explanatory.  Sometimes, your driver could have forgotten to pick up his receipt packet so try to work with them.

Make sure you know which stop you are headed to, specifically.  When the driver takes your luggage, they should have worked out a system that will allow them to alight passengers as quickly as possibly.  They will organize the luggage by the stops it goes to.  So, help them out and be patient because they could be dealing with at least 50 other people who have more than one bag.

If you have skis, there is a smaller compartment above the wheelchair lift on the MCI model buses.  When the driver takes your luggage, you can always request that your skis be stored there to keep them safe.  Generally, because of liability, you are not supposed to place your luggage in the bays yourself but if you are putting on something valuable such as skis, the driver may open the bay door and allow you to place them on yourself to avoid the responsibility of any damage that could occur.

If you don't have luggage that you want to be placed underneath, you still need to know your stop.  The driver will memorize the stops that the luggage go to but he might know where you want off.  There is a handy yellow cord for you to pull right before your stop.  Simply tug on it right after you leave the stop prior to yours.  You will want to get used to that yellow cord if you plan on riding the buses around throughout the duration of your time here in Denver.  There are "stop request" buttons on the trains but these aren't exactly necessary considering the train stops at every station.  On the contrary, buses will bypass stops if nobody requests them.

Due to to the ADA Act signed in 1990, all buses have a wheelchair lift for easy mobility.  There are a few different types of lifts but the driver is trained to use them all.  On the Regional buses, there are two areas for wheelchairs.  Also, the front seats of the bus are known as the "Priority Seating" for others who are handicapped without a mobility device and they are also available for the elderly.  If you don't fit those categories and you see somebody boarding who does, please be kind and allow them your seat.

Once you make it to your stop via the Sky Ride, you will be able to catch one of RTD's local buses to get you closer to your destination.  Stops are placed well enough to where they may be able to conveniently drop you off next to your hotel.  But, above all else, plan ahead via google or My Stop.  There is nice list of applications that may benefit you at Mobile Tools.

Up to 3 children, ages 0-18, are free with a paying adult but only for the Sky Ride.  Children and ADA passengers are discounted by approximately 50% on all other routes.  So, don't leave them home to baby sit your dog.  Bring them along and come enjoy your time here in Denver.

By next year, you will be able to take the Commuter Rail from DIA to Denver Union Station and then transfer to one of the Light Rail lines heading to Golden (W Line), Littleton (E line for East and C line for West), or Aurora (H line, which can be transferred from the C at I-25 & Broadway or any station on the E line up to Southmoor Station.)

Whether it be business, seeing family, or taking a vacation to Elitch Gardens, Dinosaur Ridge, Wild Animal Sanctuary, or whatever it is, the RTD Sky Ride is ready to transport you from the DIA to Denver or one of its surrounding suburbs.  So pack up, fly over, and have safe travels!

Busy World

I was a huge band nerd at Liberal High School.  One of the most important things my band teacher instilled was, "early is on time, on time is too late, and late is unacceptable."  If you were to invite my grandmother to your house at 12:00 pm, I can guarantee you that she will be there at 11:30 am.  That is just the way her discipline in punctuality is.  I tend to believe that it gives her time to spend special time with her family before others come but I believe it is mostly out of discipline.

In class for the bus side of driving, one important thing that our instructor said was, "If you have to be somewhere, are you going to take the bus that barely gets you there or the one before?"  In the transit system, you can expect hiccups - things that happen.  A belt could break on an engine or a tire could blow.  Maybe, there could be an accident.  Whatever the case may be, prepare yourself for delays.  While buses and trains make every effort to be at your stop or station on time, anything could happen.  

The Light Rail operators that are in service in a day are governed be "Control".  Control uses a system known as SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition).  This allows them to see the big picture. Not only do they monitor the cameras as mentioned in Smile, You Are On Camera but they also monitor every rail alignment in Denver with this system.  This software keeps track of every switch, signal, LRV, and power station.  It lets them know where every train is and also makes aware problems that may arise. What Control sees is the big picture.

Buses can easily pass each other if one is running late but if something happens to a train, every train on that alignment is affected.  Control has the ability to use SCADA to help solve the problem of how to get the train out of the way.  They do what they can to keep the system flowing smoothly.

Driving trains, I have had to learn that I am not being a jerk when I have to lock out the doors to keep the train moving on time.  LRV operators are trained to open the doors and leave them on "release".  This allows the doors to shut still providing passengers the opportunity to open them.  On the outside of the Siemens, a button will light up on the door to allow you to push it and open the door.  If that button is not lit up, the doors are locked out.  On the inside, a button will light up with the message, "Doors are on Release."  If that is not lit up, then the doors are not on release.  

Also, on the doors of the Siemens are some safety features:  

1) The doors have sensors - Once you pass through the door, it immediately opens back up.

2) The doors have "sensitivity" - If the doors are nearly closed and there is an obstruction, the doors will open back up.

These features are great but your power to use them as a passenger can affect the schedule of a train.  The doors take some time to close.  Each second spent on the doors closing is a second lost that the train operator has to figure out how to get back.  Each second lost that affects the scheduling of one train, as previously mentioned, affects other trains on the alignment.  If Control then has to problem solve how to keep all those trains on time, it takes away their time from solving another issue that might occur in the system.  

In order to avoid this, it is best to be at your train or bus at least 5 minutes early.  Departure times are simply what they are - times by which a vehicle leaves.  Many operators are generous and patient but can you imagine a plane waiting for you at the terminal?  Or maybe Amtrak or Greyhound?  If it is the companies' fault, via incorrect information, they will handle the issue. Other than that, they will not wait.  

Every one of us is a piece of something bigger, just like the system in SCADA.  Without the waiter, the construction worker would not have somebody to serve them their sandwich.  If there were no chef, there would be no food.  However big or small you think your job is, it is very important. Just your piece in the economy holds something else together.  By simply being on time to work, let alone at work at all, you have held your piece.  

If you are on time to your bus stop or train station, you have just helped hundreds of other people who were punctual to their stop reach their destination on time.  By simply being on time, you have kept from the anxiety of getting to your own destination, the anxiety of others, and you have kept the driver relaxed.  When your driver is not tense, it makes for a much smoother ride.  Keep your ride smooth.  With your help, a busy world that always moves doesn't have to be so hectic.  Be a helpful rider, try to see the bigger picture, and always have safe travels! 

Smile, You are on Camera

As stated in Out to the Ball Game, RTD is a government entity.  All public transportation is this way.  At all stations, Park-n-Rides, and many street corners, there is 24-hour surveillance.  I have seen from the inside just how high tech this system goes.  RTD even has an app at Transit Watch where any passersby can report any issues they see. Aside from high digital cameras, RTD uses the common person to be eyes and ears.

These people will even send in pictures of expired license plates.  So, take extra precaution in the things you do.  I understand that soon, Denver is trying to implement new software that is so accurate that if they type in, "white purse," everything is grayed out except for the white purse so it can be 1) easily found and 2) tracked. 

The cameras at the station are so precise that the controllers can easily watch the Denver Broncos from them.  I have only seen snippets of just how far this surveillance goes but soon they will be investing in panorama cameras.  So, keep in mind when you are taking a stroll downtown that if you do anything that could get you into trouble, you can be found quickly.  

RTD has great TSOs who are trained just like Police Officers (they are no mall cop) and they mean business. Don't get me wrong, they are very polite and nice people -the ones I have met- and they will try to solve the issues in a just manner.  Take into account that TSOs are not just there for RTD but they are there for passengers, as well.  When it comes down to it, however, they are there to do their job.  

I have witnessed videos and heard stories of drivers who should not be drivers. For this, all buses and trains are equipped with surveillance systems.  They are for the passenger and for the driver. I wish we lived in a world that didn't need any of this stuff. Then again, that would be a perfect world.  We all know that we don't live in a perfect world. RTD runs solely on safety.  Every driver is trained that before being on-time, safety is the most important thing.  So, keep a smile on, do what's right, and remember, you could be on camera.  Safe Travels!  

Stop Means Stop

When I was in high school, I would love to walk from the north end of Liberal, KS, down main street all the way to the south end to see my Grandma.  There are just a few sets of tracks that divide the north from the south.  Trains only come by every so often. With that in mind, it may seem fun to play on the tracks.  Also, in the small town of Liberal, I would hear that in cities you could receive a J-walking citation.  I have never ever heard of or seen a human being cited for J-walking.  So, whether this happens or not, I don't know.

Regardless, here in Denver, people seem to be used to crossing the street whenever and wherever.  Even if the sign says, "Don't Walk," it seems to be more of a guideline than a rule for many pedestrians.  I can understand from a small town background how the words, "Don't Walk," can appear that way to many people who are in such a hurry.

You may be visiting Denver for a conference at the Theater District, Magnolia Hotel, or any other Downtown Venue, wearing your name badge hanging around your neck, and eager to take pictures of the area.  You may be catching a bite to eat at the 16th Street Mall - (Anthony's Pizza is awesome) - or possibly taking a nice little stroll past the shopping areas.  Whatever your plot is, take it under consideration that the street lights of downtown run on a timer.

The Light Rail that runs around California and Stout is programmed into the system.  It is governed by priority signals we call, "T-Signals."  A vertical aspect gives the operator permission to proceed.  A horizontal tells the operator to stop and a triangle is somewhat like a yellow light, telling the operator not to enter the intersection.  This is the layout for a downtown Denver train.  If you are walking on or across tracks when you have a sign that says, "Don't Walk," be aware of the priority light.

We, operators, are responsible for dinging our bells to make our presence known.  It is your responsibility to look around and listen.  The downtown operators have been given special instructions not to blast their horn downtown, in accordance to appropriate volume levels.  So, if we do blast our horns, make it a conscious effort to move out of the way immediately.  Remember in elementary school when the teachers would teach us, "Look left, then right, then left again!"

There have been too many reports in the past 6 months about somebody being killed or severely injured by a Light Rail vehicle.   I have first-hand experience to people who simply are not paying attention or who flat out don't care.  In one trip have: 1) had to blast my horn multiple times at a car who, regardless of the "don't turn left" sign, continued to turn left in front of my train, 2) had a bicyclist pull out right in front of me, and 3) at a grade crossing, had a man sprint out in front of my train.

Do not for one second risk beating a train.  One thing to realize is that our LRVs (Light Rail Vehicle) consist of only 3 to 4 cars so it will pass by quickly.  It is not like the heavy rail trains that you spend your time counting the cars on.  Patience is a great virtue to master.  No meeting or date could ever be so important that you should risk your life or anybody else's life.

If you come from a small town, you may not be used to a "transit oriented" area so take extra caution when you are crossing the path of a train or a bus or even taxi cabs.  The downtown area is heavy with people going places.  One thing to think about is this:  not only do these horrific accidents affect the families of the victims but it also affects the driver who may not be able to bring themselves to return to work because of the trauma.

Don't ever think that your life is worth wasting away like that.  I have seen young men playing on the tracks and I had to honk my horn at them. They just stared at me and danced in front of me.  Remember the old saying, "It is all fun and games until somebody gets hurt."  RTD makes a huge deal when somebody trespasses onto their property and it is not only for the cause of trespassing but in the name of safety. Whenever a Light Rail operator even sees a family standing on the tracks taking graduation pictures by the Theater District, that operator must call it in.  While it may seem harmless to take a picture, these minor issues are a big deal when you think of a train curving through a tunnel not knowing that you are there.  Even if it is going a measly 10 miles an hour.

Be aware of your surroundings.  And most of all, I know there are times when you are simply late to work.  Sometimes, it feels like you just have to speed.  I am guilty of this myself but we all must keep a conscious effort to watch the time and give ourselves plenty enough time to reach our destination in a safe manner.  We don't live in a perfect world but if you have children, you understand how big of a deal speeding is.  I can't stand watching passing cars speed through residential areas.  It scares me every time. But that's enough of my soap box. I hope that you heed my advice.  Getting around downtown can be easy if you simply follow the signs.  I hope to see you there.  Until then, safe travels!

Out To the Ball Game

It's game time and you are ready to watch your team, the Rockies!  Or possibly, the guest team.  People are pouring into the downtown parking lots to watch their team and those parking tolls add up.  While there are plenty of parking garages in downtown Denver, if you are here to meet up with a friend who lives in Boulder or your hotel is in Littleton, RTD offers the Park-n-Ride.  Many other metro cities offer a Park-n-Ride.  One thing being heavily advertised in Boulder and Longmont are the "Bike-n-Ride."

Many Park-n-Rides will allow you to park for free.  If your car is not registered in the jurisdiction you are trying to park in, there are some Park-n-Rides that will charge $4.00.  Additional nights at those Park-n-Rides are $2.00.  For a full list and pricing of the Park-n-Rides available from RTD, visit RTD Park-n-Rides. 

RTD offers the Rockies Ride which services many Park-n-Rides in the Suburbs that Light Rail does not go up US 36, I-25, and in Arvada.

The regular fares for RTD apply for the Rockies Ride.  Keep in mind that Children 6-19, Senior Citizens, and those who are disabled are eligible for a discount.  Children 0-5 ride for free!  

To ride a bus, you are allowed to pay cash but make sure it is exact!  Bus drivers are not cashiers but they will gladly help you solve an issue if you have a $20 bill and you are riding alone.  You can help solve this issue simply by communicating with other passengers who are able to help.

For Light Rail, there are Kiosks at the stations where you will enter your cash to receive a riders ticket.  Keep in mind that these expire!  So, do not purchase a ticket at Denver Union Station to head back to where you came before the game starts. Wait till the game ends.

You can also use a pass that you simply show to the driver or TSO (Transit Security Officer). TSO's are always riding the Light Rail so don't be caught without your pass or ticket.   RTD is a government entity.  

You can buy day passes which will be punched by the operator or you can buy monthly passes (if you are not a tourist).  You can buy passes at most King Soopers.  For a full list of locations to purchase a ticket, see Sales Outlets.

My key advice is to plan ahead.  Make sure you know where you are going.  If you parked downtown, you can always take the Free Mall Ride that goes up and down 16th Street Mall.  RTD offers options so make sure to check them out.  Also, look on your Smartphone for the RTD app that will help you in finding a route.  Check the Rockies Ride times out or if you want to take the train or a normal bus route you can simply type your destination in on Google Maps.  

I hope you make it to the game on time and have a blast!  Until then, safe travels!  

Modern World

I have driven buses for schools and charters.  Driving the metro system has been a totally different concept for me.  While Wichita, KS (our previous city) had city buses, we never took the time to use them. Now, that my family and I have moved to Denver and I have been driving the buses, and now the Light Rail, my eyes have been opened up to a whole new world.  A whole idea that is an old concept is being revamped and proposed to the community.  Just as we picked up and left Liberal, KS, the city had just opened up their own bus system.

My family and I have watched the show "Blackish" on ABC, lately, and there is something I noticed the sitcom advertising:  Uber.  On the streets, you may drive past somebody twirling around a poster-board to drive for "Uber".  Driving down I-25 and US36, in Denver, there are signs and billboards encouraging everybody to carpool.

There are so many commuter incentives that the city creates to encourage you to not travel alone.  In Denver, I-25 and US-36 have HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes. Where, driving alone, you would need to pay via  mail, if you have 2 or more people in your vehicle, you are exempt.  While NYC has had its subways and Europe has had it's rail lines for decades, urban life has only begun to revolutionize on the way we transit.

Currently, the DIA (Denver International Airport) is undergoing an expansion project that invites the surrounding communities to contribute to its development (Adams County Neighbors near Airport.)  One of the proposed developments is a spaceport (For more info on spaceports see www.spaceportamerica.com and www.virgingalactic.com.)
By stepping it up a notch with the way we travel, the whole metro system has to step up its game to put out a "transit oriented" state of mind.

By 2016, Denver is opening up a commuter rail system that will be run by the contractors who have helped RTD (Regional Transit District) fund the expansion.  This group, Denver Transit Partners, has set up what is known as the Eagle P3 project (See FasTracks and DTP).  This commuter rail will open up 4 new alignments from Denver Union station to Wheat Ridge, Westminster, Northglenn, and the DIA.  RTD will later be opening up one more alignment for Light Rail which expands the the tracks at 9 mile running along I-225 to Peoria.


As these systems develop, you will notice apartments booming all round the rail alignments. Alameda Station and Downtown Denver are undergoing major changes.  Since, my family and I only came in October of 2014, I may not know just what those areas used to be like; however, I see many "transit-oriented developments" such as Wadsworth Station, 10th & Osage Station, Yale Station, and Englewood station.  Here is a proposal for Westminster Station:
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As the city grows, new people will be coming to Denver.  While the cost of housing may be a bit pricey, it is not very hard to find a job.  When I drove the "0" down Broadway, a man told me that Denver has been booming for the past 5 years.  I have heard it said that, "when there is a vision, there is success."

You may be thinking about living in Denver or possibly even visiting.  This blog is geared towards those who may be anxious about riding the expanding transit system.  As a driver, I can give you helpful advice on how to ride.  Not everyone in the world has ridden a plane, let a lone a metro train.  I, myself, have been nervous to take city transportation but after some time and experience, I am ready to share with you some of what I know.  I will share with you ways that can help the passengers help the driver reach the final destination safely and punctually.

If you have any questions or topics you would like me to cover, please feel free to leave a comment.  Safe travels!