RTD Board Forms New Committee to Overhaul Paratransit Services
The group, chaired by Director JoyAnn Ruscha, will guide a state-mandated review of door-to-door transit options due next year.
By Diego Mendoza ·
RTD Board Chair Patrick O’Keefe created a Paratransit Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday to manage a required state review of the agency’s door-to-door transit options.
The new body will oversee an independent study and the creation of an Accessible Transportation Service Plan. This structure responds to deadlines set by Senate Bill 26-150. The committee will collect community feedback, evaluate current service metrics, and propose fixes to the Board.
Board Director JoyAnn Ruscha from District B will lead the group. O’Keefe from District H and Board Director Michael Guzman from District C will serve alongside her. Ex-officio members include paratransit riders, disability advocates, and technical experts. These individuals also hold roles on existing RTD advisory boards.
Ruscha stated that paratransit requires the same scrutiny and funding as other RTD services. She noted that riders need reliable ways to reach jobs, doctors, and other essential stops. The committee will place customers and advocates directly into the review process. It will also track the progress of the independent study.
The legislature set specific dates for the upcoming work. RTD must contract with an outside firm by Dec. 31, 2026. That firm will finish its assessment by June 30, 2027. The report will examine rider needs, service gaps, costs, and system performance. It will also look at low-income fare discounts and regional partnership opportunities.
RTD must adopt a new Accessible Transportation Service Plan by Dec. 31, 2027. The committee will use the study’s findings to shape this document. It will also recommend changes to policy and governance. The group will file regular progress updates with the Board. It will submit a final report containing its specific recommendations.
O’Keefe said the committee offers a public chance to examine the findings and monitor progress. He emphasized that transparency is essential for improving paratransit. The agency currently provides two services for riders who cannot use fixed-route buses or trains. Access-a-Ride is the federally required ADA shared-ride option. Access-on-Demand uses participating taxi and rideshare companies. The committee will hold its first public meeting via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18. A second meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9. RTD will post access details and future dates on its Board Meeting webpage.
