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“TRIBUTE TO COLORADO REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2148 on Oct. 28, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO COLORADO REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT
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HON. MARK UDALL
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Colorado's Regional Transportation District (RTD) for being named the best transit agency in the United States and Canada by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
The APTA represents 1,500 public transportation agencies nationwide. This award is given for large systems that provide more than 30 million passenger trips per year, and is based on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the member agencies. The award measures performance over a 3-year period, and recognizes outstanding service and operations from 2000 to 2002.
Denver has been named the most congested city of its size in America and the third most congested city nationally. So, RTD's task is a big one. But it has performed admirably--keeping its operating costs competitive, increasing its ridership and delivering outstanding service to its customers. The District provided more than 81 million passenger miles last year within the seven county metropolitan Denver area, operating over 1,100 buses over 179 routes and 49 light rail vehicles. At the same time, through an aggressive accident prevention program, RTD has reduced accidents over the 3-year period by 54 percent. To date in 2003, accidents have been reduced an additional 32 percent below last year's levels, reaching another all-time record low. And, with an attentive response to Colorado's ever-growing population, RTD has continued to add rail and bus transit services and been able to reduce traffic congestion by 13 percent by providing mass transit options throughout the metropolitan area. Congestion costs have been reduced by $220 million annually, reducing air pollution, fuel consumption, and drive times.
With its sites on the future needs of the metropolitan region, new light rail systems are being planned and developed. A recent public-
private partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Denver Regional Council of Governments, the City and County of Denver and local landowners, a development effort will renovate historic Union Station and the surrounding 19 acres to create an intermodal facility that will develop and expand transportation systems and commercial opportunities in central Denver.
RTD has been recognized for its quality, its sophisticated operations and its many safety improvements. Employees at the District benefit from General Manager, Cal Marsala's hands-on management style, and RTD has been recognized for its advancement of minority and female employees, and sensitivity to low-income and disabled customers through eco-passes and specially equipped buses. RTD's internal management has focused on strong marketing and community relations, policy development, financial management, and improved departmental and safety operations. With a concerted effort to provide innovative approaches to challenging transportation needs, Marsala has guided his 2,400 employees and 725 private service provider employees to achieving this outstanding award.
I think Mary Blue, the RTD Chairman of the Board, put it well when she commended the staff by saying ``Winning APTA's highest award shows that our prudent policies and sensible fiscal approach have paid off. This is a win not only for our employees and board members, but also for our passengers and taxpayers.''
The Denver metropolitan area and Colorado are fortunate to have the Regional Transportation District provided outstanding service to its residents. We applaud their performance and celebrate the well-deserved recognition they have received from the American Public Transportation Association.
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