Director Claudia Folska Telephone Town Hall Full Transcription

11/11/13

Speaker: Good evening and thanks for joining this RTD Telephone Town Hall meeting. I'm Roger and I'll be your moderator tonight as we talk about RTD's Bus and Light Rail service and FasTracks projects with RTD Board Director Claudia Folska and Rick Clarke, RTD Assistant General Manager of Capital Programs. Tonight's meeting focuses on Director Folska's district which includes portions of Aurora, Centennial, Denver, and Greenwood village as well as portions of unincorporated Arapahoe County. This is your opportunity to share thoughts about RTD and ask questions. If this is your first time on a Telephone Town Hall, here's how it works. To ask a question, please press star 3 on your keypad and you'll be transferred to someone who will take down basic information and get you in the queue. Since we want to hear from as many of you as possible, we can only take one question per person. Once the operator gets your information, you can listen to the conversation until you're called upon and when I call you name, just repeat with your question for our live audience. We'll also ask a polling question later during the call and all you'll have to do is press the number we indicate to register your answer. So without further ado, I'd like to introduce RTD Director Claudia Folska.

Speaker: Thank you Roger. Good evening everyone. It's really a pleasure to be here with you this evening and I'm looking forward to get in to your questions. But before we start that, I'd like to give you a brief overview and update on what has been going on at RTD lately. You probably are aware that we have a 5 billion dollar capital improvement throughout the Metro region. And you may also recall that last April 26th, we opened the first FasTracks line called the W Line on the West Rail that goes from Denver Union Station to Golden Colorado. We're also working on a Northwest Area Mobility Study taking into account stakeholder input to identify the best forms of transit from Denver Union Station to Longmont. And you also may be aware that Denver Union Station will be opening in May of 2014 if I could think, it's May 9th. So I'm really excited to be here with you this evening and I can't wait to hear your questions. So in order to participate, please remember to press star 3. Thank you.

Speaker: Thank you Director. Again as Claudia mentioned, to ask a question or make a comment, please press star 3 on your keypad and you'll be transferred to an operator who will take down some quick information and get you on the queue. The next couple of years are going to be an exciting time to RTD and FasTracks. Rick would you give us quick rundown of what we can expect to have happen.

Speaker: Sure Roger, we have a lot of work going on now and the most of that is going to culminate in 2016. The East Rail Line to the airport, the Gold Line to Arvada and Wheat Ridge and the first segment of Northwest Rail to Westminster will all open in 2016. Our US 36 bus Rapid Transit project will also open in 2016. And also in 2016 the I-225 Light Rail Line will be complete.

Speaker: Claudia the I-225 Light Rail project is in your district and there's a lot of activity going on. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

Speaker: Yes Roger I've really love to, you're right, the I-225 Light Rail Line will be completing the end of the Nine Mile from Nine Mile Station out to the East Line that will take folks over to the DIA. It will also be going to the Anschutz Medical Center over the CU Hospital and the CAU Hospital. And that's really scheduled to open up in 2016 right along with the West or with the East Corridor and the Gold Line all together. So I'm very excited about that and I know that constituents in my district E are as well.

Speaker: Thank you very much. There is been some alignment changes in the Anschutz that Fitzsimons Medical Campus. Rick could you give us an update on that.

Speaker: Yeah Roger as a result of our request that we received from the University of Colorado to move the Light Rail tracks in their original location on Montview Boulevard. The project team is been working hard to identify a new alignment and station along Fitzsimons parkway. Of you know the area of Fitzsimons parkway is just a little bit to the north of Montview. As part of this process, we're looking at potential impacts to the neighbors and community. We're working closely with the city of Aurora on this and the process that we've identify will help us identify a station area that's beneficial to the community and mindful of preserving the nearby Sand Creek Regional Greenway. Public meetings are being held to provide an overview of this study and how the project team will mitigate for any environmental issues. The next public meeting will be held in early December and that will give you an opportunity for the community to continue to provide input and hear about the progress on this change.

Speaker: Thank you Rick. So again if you'd like to participate. It's easy, press star 3 on your keypad and we're going to start with Joe. Go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Yeah, I am wondering if those going to be a third tax increase. The first tax increase for FasTracks which the voters were told would be sufficient to cover it all.

Speaker: Okay Rick do you want to address that?

Speaker: Right now Joe there's no plans for RTD to go back to the voters for a FasTracks tax increase. The vote that passed was back in 2004. We have not going back to the voters since then and we have no plans at this time to go back again.

Speaker: Thank you. Rene you're next. Go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Yes, we've looked at the map and it's kind of confusing where it's going to go as far as by Alameda and how it's going to move over to Peoria. Can you give me a little better idea of where that's going to go?

Speaker: Sure Rene. This is Chuck Culig and I'm the I-225 project manager out there for RTD and as the Light Rail Train leaves the Interstate Highway where it's adjacent to I-225. It will go down Exposition and then it will cross at Sable and then right there just pass the city center, bus transfer center. That's currently the right Sable in some point, it'll cross Alameda at Sable and then continue North along Sable and then and then head back west towards the highway just right behind the Target shopping center that's there and then continue on north from there.

Speaker: Thank you. Let's go next to Akisia. I hope I pronounced that right. Go ahead.

Speaker: Hi.

Speaker: Go ahead.

Speaker: Can you hear me?

Speaker: Yes Ma'am.

Speaker: Hi. My concern is the hike increase for the trains and the buses. I've noticed that as the economy has gone bad, more and more people are making laugh. I find it alarming that with all this tax increases that they're charging so much to ride the buses and trains in this town. I don't see how somebody making minimum wage can afford to ride the trains and the buses. It cost almost $80.00 for a limited train packs in this town.

Speaker: Okay, director do you want to address that?

Speaker: Yes thank you Roger. Akisia thank you very much for your question and you're quite right, I mean things are becoming more expensive and people are challenged. I can tell you that a couple of things that RTD is does, is we have an office here at 1600 Blake Street where folks can come down and base on their income or, we have different programs. So I would encourage anyone who needs help finding the financial resources by a bus pass or a pass like an EcoPass or something like that often times you can get this through your company as well to explore that and talk to people and there are some ways that individuals can get the financials that they needs so that they can continue to use RTD and the entire system. But as more lines open up, we are evaluating right now our fees and the fees structure with the fare tax for... sorry hope you can hear me, okay. A fare tax, a fare fee task force to look at all the prices and so hopefully we'll be able to come up with something new real soon and we certainly wants to encourage people to use RTD and so we've really think very carefully about the prices that we charge.

Speaker: Thank you. Let's go next to Cathy. What's your question tonight? Hello Cathy. All right, we're going to try next to call upon Mary. Go ahead Mary with your question.

Speaker: Hi. I'm wondering what RTD and the FasTracks are doing about the security of some of this buses and how they can prove that. So you're not afraid to ride them when someone's going to attack you or rob you or...

Speaker: Thank you.

Speaker: Yeah. So we do several things to address this. First of all we do have a uniformed and a undercover Police force that's out there riding our buses and trains on a regular basis. We also provide a lot of technology to improve security. So if you're at the rail station, we have a number of cameras, they fit in well to the station but they are able to monitor stations in real time and also record them. We have passenger emergency phones at all our stations, all our pedestrian, bridges and tunnels. So if you hit the button on this phones, you'll be connected immediately to our Security Control Center. There's also a cameras on all our buses. So we do have a pretty expensive resource in terms of man power and technology that we go out to improve the security on our system because that is the most important goal that we have over all is safety and security.

Speaker: Thank you Rick. Let's go to Ken next. Ken, what's your question?

Speaker: Yes, it's very important. Do you address smoking at the Light Rail stations, it's detrimental to my health. Can you tell me what's your plan to do about smoking at the Light Rail Stations?

Speaker: Hi Ken. Thank you very much. That's an excellent question. We have a policy of no smoking at our Light Rail stations and we have signs that several of them. And as the matter of fact our board will be considering a broader policy to force our no smoking ban. So thank you for your question Ken, that's excellent.

Speaker: Thank you director. I know that's common concern we've heard calls. Smoking in shelters right under the no smoking sign. Let's go to Jim next. Jim thanks for holding, what's your question?

Speaker: My question is I can't use RTD because you don't go from where I am to where I need to be, so I need to drive. But my question is why, especially on Alameda, you need to run your buses side by side. It seems to me that RTD stands for Rolling Temporary Detour. We can't get pass to side by side buses. Why can't you go behind each other?

Speaker: Hi Jim, this is Jeff Dunning from RTD service planning and scheduling. I'm not sure precisely what portion of Alameda you’re talking about but normally we do not schedule our buses to run next to each other like that. I only guess it is either somebody was running late or a bus is that heading to somewhere else to cover a different route. But as a rule, we don't put buses side by side.

Speaker: Thank you. Again if you'd like to ask a question, it's star 3 and (Tia?) or Cathy will take down your information and get you in line. Next is Ralph, go ahead.

Speaker: Hi, I'd like to know the original plan for the RTD Light Rail was that with all be completed at once. And then it seems like all of a sudden we were just working on the West stand and why that decision was made?

Speaker: Yes Ralph, it's really financially driven so when we find the available funds to do a line, then we get started with that line. We completed the West Line but we have a lot of other projects all over the Metro area that are under construction including the I-225 Corridor in in Aurora. So it's a long process, we start with planning, studies, environmental studies, engineering and then of course construction.

Speaker: Thank you. Next is Marvin, go ahead.

Speaker: Yes, I lived in the neighborhood of I-225 in Mississippi Avenue and I drive through that intersection all the time. I'm just curious, I cannot tell, is the Light Rail going to go over Mississippi avenue or under it?

Speaker: Yes Marvin, this is Chuck Culig. I'm the I-225 project manager out there and the Light Rail will go over the top of Mississippi. So it'll be what we call a great separation. And they haven't really start the work on that, that bridge yet for the Light Rail project there. They're just beginning that process right now so you might see some walls and things like that, starting to take place. But that bridge towards the end of this year, you'll start to see that bridge taking place going over Mississippi. Thank you.

Speaker: Okay, next is Loraine. A lot of good questions tonight. If you'd like to participate, press star 3. Go ahead Loraine.

Speaker: Hello. My question is, I live also near Mississippi and (Holiday Inn?) Aurora and our Nine Mile is within walking distance toward my house. I'm very happy about that but I'm wondering when this is finish, from Nine Mile all the way to the airport? What kind of a fee will be charged?

Speaker: Hi Loraine, this is Jeff from RTD Service Planning and Scheduling. Our current SkyRide buses from Nine Mile is I believe $11.00 each way. Senior citizens always ride for half price so no matter what the fare have (deal?), the constant of that. The final fare structure for the new rail lines that under construction is not been determined by our board of directors yet, that'll be probably done some time in 2015. All right, they will be further public hearings and public to help out with that.

Speaker: Okay, as I mentioned earlier we are going to ask a polling question tonight and all you have to do is press the button on your key phone, your keypad that corresponds with the answer and it will record to your vote. I know director Folska and the staff would appreciate your participation, so here's the question. RTD makes service changes three times a year to improve service, increase inefficiencies and to make adjustments for the school year. How would you like to get information on service changes. Press 1 if you prefer e-mail or e-new letters; press 2 if you prefer public meetings; press 3 if you prefer the RTD website and press 4 for presentations to your neighborhood group. Again we make service changes three times a year, how would you like to get information about this changes. 1 for e-mail or e-newsletters; 2 for public meetings; 3 for the website and 4 for presentations to your neighborhood group. Please register your vote now, I'll share the results with you in a few minutes and we're going to go next to Joanne. Go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Oh, I think... is that might be...

Speaker: Joanne, go ahead, you're on.

Speaker: Julianne. Anyway I was wondering with all the additions, why you would take out a really good line, the number three that goes down Alameda. Why it's reduced to, reduced it from, from half hour to just an hour, every hour and why it's stopped and haven't go through this elderly village you know... just South of Havana where people have... and had some of them had have to move so they can get a bus to the grocery store. And it was such a pleasant route, seems like it gave good vibes to the whole system, where you had a pleasant route, you know the no crazy people, nothing on it and I was just kind of upset about that. You know that it's been reduced, you know cause it was the most pleasant route that I'd been on.

Speaker: Hi Joanne, this is Jeff from Service Planning and Scheduling. We have an order to keep our budget balanced we had to do some fairly significant service reductions in January of 2012 about two years ago. The route three on the whole through the day was not that productive and so that's why it's reduced from 30 to 60 minutes frequency. We know that's been a hardship for any residence of Windsor Gardens and the areas nearby. We are keeping an eye on that and as time and budget allows, we do hope to start restoring some of that service for you.

Speaker: All right, thanks Jeff for that. Let's... let me share the results of our polling question. We asked that RTD makes service changes three times a year, how would you most like to get information on this changes. 51% said e-mail or e-newsletters, 25% said they visit the RTD website, only 6% said they'd like to attend public meetings. I think director Folska, that's why were, the board is chosen to hold this Telephone Town Hall meetings to get as much input as we can in a convenient way for folks.

Speaker: That's right Roger and I'm really enjoying this conversation this evening. And as the new director I'm sure learning a lot right along with everybody else. So thank you very much.

Speaker: All right, let's go next to Bill. Go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Yes, the G Line got discontinued, will it come back and how far will the H Line go up to 225?

Speaker: Excellent questions Bill. The current service plan subject to both public input and our, a final vote by our board of directors. Is that the existing H Line to Nine Mile would be extended

North as far as Florida Avenue station which is across I-225 from the Aurora South Medical Center. The rest of the I-225 Line from Smith and Peoria all the way down to the Denver Tech Center will be serve by a resurrected G Line service. So I suspect that will solve your needs.

Speaker: Okay, a lot of good questions in line. So let's go next to Doug. Go ahead.

Speaker: I'd like to know you know, in what ways our businesses compensated if they're or when they're affected by imminent domain?

Speaker: Yeah Doug, this is Rick. RTD follows the Federal Uniform Real Estate and Relocation Act. It's an act that's very prescribed and ultimately what it leads to is that when we need property from a private owner, we pay fair market value. We do independent appraisals, we pay for an appraisal for the property owners, they so choose. And ultimately it does lead to a, an over 90% of the cases we settle amicably with the property owner. If the property owner is not satisfied with the price that's being offered, then they have the right to, to go to trial and have a jury decide what the fair market value that they should be compensated this.

Speaker: Thanks Rick. For those of you joining the call, good evening. I'm Roger and I'm your moderator tonight as we talk with RTD board director Claudia Folska and Rick Clarke, RTD assistant general manager of capital programs. This is your opportunity to share thoughts and ask questions. You can participate in the discussion by pressing star 3 in your keypad. You'll be transferred to an operator who will take down some basic information and get you in line. So again that's star 3. This may also be a good time to mention that if you need to leave the call early and we certainly hope you'll stick with us for the full hour but if you need to leave early and want to leave a message or ask a question, press star 9. So star 3 to ask a question live, star 9 to leave a message or a comment via voicemail. Progress is being made on the North Metro Rail project as well. There has been some exciting news in the last week or, so Claudia could you tell us about that?

Speaker: Yes Roger, I'd love to. In fact you're right. Incredible progress has being made on the North Metro Line and stats was recommended to the board of directors last Tuesday night on our study sessions to proceed with a contract to GPDH. That's a designed bill contract for us to build the Light Rail from North Metro to 124th Avenue and if funding becomes available certainly we can continue further North and as it stands right now that project, this 343 million dollars. And

so I would encourage the public to participate and make some comments about what you think or feel or if you have some questions then you're more than welcome to come down this Thursday, November 14th, we have a public hearing in this regard and of course as always the public is welcome to join us at our monthly board meeting. And our next one will be on November 26th and those begin at 5:30 PM. So thanks for that Roger, it is exciting and I know that the entire board and behalf of RTD are really thrilled to move forward and build as much as we can, as fast as we can.

Speaker: All right, thank you. Rick, people downtown also have another option or will have another option to ride RTD between Union Station and Civic Center. Could you talk a little bit about that, when it will start and why are we are adding this service?

Speaker: Hey Roger, that's called the new Metro Ride. Metro Ride will debut in the spring of 2014 to coincide with the opening of Denver Union Station in May. It'll be a great complementary option for people going from one end of downtown to the other. Just like the Mall Ride, it'll be free but it will travel on 18th and 19th streets with stops every two to three blocks. I want to remind everyone that you can find all the information you need, that all the FasTracks projects by visiting the RTD website at www.rtd-denver.com and clicking on the FasTracks tab.

Speaker: Thanks Rick. Again www.rtd-denver.com, maps and all sorts of information about our projects and program. Let's call up on Curtis next. Go ahead with your question. Hello Curtis.

Speaker: Oh, I'm sorry, I thought I heard Chris. This is Curtis. Director about the question and a comment, comment first, thumbs up on the customer service with the Allied Barton Security team that's taking over for RTD. They are doing a nice job and friendly and respectful of everyone. And the question is what's happening, what's the evolution for the Dayton Light Rail Station? Specifically parking and security?

Speaker: Well, thank you very much Curtis for your question and I appreciate that. I'm going to Jeff to answer the question about with the evolution for the Dayton Station is and for parking's, Jeff?

Speaker: When the Southeast Light Rail Line opened in 2006, when the Southeast Light Rail Line opened in 2006, Dayton was the under-utilized station but Nine Mile quickly became over crowed and over time. We believed many people who would have park at Nine Mile have instead going to Dayton because it has parking available. When I-225 Light Rail Line is extended north in 2016, we'll have 600 new parking spaces at I-11. We think that'll take some of the pressure off both Nine Mile and Dayton. Beyond that I don't believe there are any immediate plans for expansion but that could change in the future as ridership grows.

Speaker: Yes it's correct Jeff, right now we don't have any immediate plans for expansion at Dayton Station but it's something we'll closely monitor.

Speaker: Okay, next is Robert. Thanks for holding, go ahead.

Speaker: Yes, this is Robert. I'm a former driver for RTD. I'm 15 year veteran there. I have seen a great improvement, a progress over the past, I would say decade. Go RTD. My question is are there plans... what would plans include the town of Parker, E-470 around about... toward DIA?

Speaker: Hi Robert, this is Claudia Folska...

Speaker: Yes.

Speaker: ...and I want to thank you very much for your question and for the... to those RTD staff and drivers as you know having work for RTD, this folks really give their hundred percent or more everyday. I think that's a great question and I'm going to ask Jeff just to look at that question.

Speaker: Yeah, Robert, one thing that I will be doing as far as the town of Parker as you know it's primarily served by buses and we're constantly look into meet the service requirements for that bus routes. We're also having the plans in extension of our Light Rail from Lincoln to Ridge Gate, Ridge Gate parkway which will make that line much more accessible to the residence of Parker.

Speaker: Next up is Pam, go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Yeah, this is Pam. I just wanted to know when do you expect to finish the Nine Mile to Iliff South and would we be able to use it to Iliff even before you finish continuing the lines?

Speaker: Pam, can you hear me?

Speaker: Yes.

Speaker: Okay, great. Right, so because we're able to finish the whole thing at one time that is finishing Nine Mile out to the East Rail. They're going to open up at the same time. So (Iles?) will not be operating in any time before 2016. And that really saves us a lot of money. Okay? thank you.

Speaker: Thank you director. Next is Amber. Go ahead.

Speaker: Hi, I'm Amber. I have... it's sort of a two (parter?) but it's also fall in to the same thing. My mother is disabled. She has use a wheelchair when she leaves the house. And there's a couple of areas around town that making incredibly difficult to off load and unload a wheelchair which is something I thought might be something that can be drawn to your attention. And the second part of it is, I know that there's things like Access-a-Ride and things like that because specially in the winter you know, she can't get up and move around, she's in a wheelchair. It's very difficult for. But Access-a-Ride if I'm not mistaken cause something like $4.50, she's on a limited income and I was hoping to get through information on what we could do to help her make doctors’ appointments in things using RTD that wouldn't bankrupt her in doing so.

Speaker: Amber, thank you so much. It's really a great, great question. I'm blind tonight, I'm also use Access-a-Ride from time to time. I use Access-a-Cab as well. So one of the things... with regards to your mommy is seems fix her route and the public transit part. I'm not really familiar with the areas, this specific problems you’re having with the loading and unloading. So maybe

we could talk about that. And we have fare transit services that you can... and call us. There's a Telephone Information Center. That would encourage anyone listening to this call or sharing this phone number with your friends and family. That's, the Telephone Information Center is 303-299-6000. And you can get a world of information from them and the kind of support that folks need. Now with respect to you mom in a wheelchair, we also have a program called Access-a-Cab and the Access-a-Cab, we provide a voucher of, I think it's $10, maybe $12 each way. And so your mom would wind up paying $2 per all money each way for a $12 or $14 ride and then anything after that. And again if she's been approved for access our fare transit, Access-a-Ride then she would also qualified for Access-a-Cab. It's so much more flexible and often more affordable. If those fails, there are other options that we can talk about and I would encourage you to call me directly. My number is on the website, rtd-denver.com under the board of directors. And I would be happy to drilled down and for the details any time you have available. So thank you very much for your call Amber.

Speaker: Okay, next is Katherine. Go ahead.

Speaker: Hello, I ride the Light Rail Train and I prefer to drive all the way to the Colorado Station even though I live in Aurora just because Nine Mile has gotten so congested and it seems like now that there's one way traffic, it makes me have to look and look for a parking space and then not be able to find anything. And then running down the stairs, running across the way and up the stairs and or getting on the elevator just to get up the elevator when the train is leaving. Is there any improvement with Nine Mile Station that's going to be coming in the future? And if you could also answer where the stops will be in the... going north from Nine Mile all the way through until Smith Road?

Speaker: Pam, that's a great question and you know I think the thing that's so wonderful about public transportation is those timings so the trains and the buses are fixed. And it so really it's kind of upon us who want to use it, it's really planned those timings in to our travel schedule and our travel plan. And I foresee in the future that the parking will probably be improved as we finish rolling out the entire I-225 Line. But I do appreciate that... you know like I said I'm blind, I take the Light Rail, the bus all the way from Hampton and I-225 up to Boulder, mean to use every single part of the system and it's a lot of planning and sometimes you have to wait a little bit. But as far as where those other stations are going to be and looks like I think I had to pass this over to Chuck. Chuck?

Speaker: Yeah, thanks Claudia. Those stations that are pass the Nine Mile station and the first will be right at... right near Iliff in I-225. The next one as you continue north will be at Florida in I-225 and that one will have the pedestrian bridge access over across 225 to Aurora Medical Center that you can get off and walk down and have an access over to Aurora Medical Center. Keep going, keep going North and our next one is in near the city of Aurora's Main Municipal City, Metro Center area right there at Sable in Alameda. And then we have another station back continuing North near 2nd in Abilene which is right off of I-225 and 2nd and 4th Avenue. And we'll continue North, we'll have another one that's at 13th Avenue which is just, just to the south of Colfax in 225. And then we'll also have another station that'll be over the top of the elevated station, over the top of Colfax just to the west side of 225. And our line will continue along to Fitzsimons Parkway. And we'll have a new station that we had talked... talked briefly at the beginning of the call at the Fitzsimons. So Fitzsimons Campus and that's North along to Fitzsimons Parkway just a little bit East of Peoria. And then our last station will be along up... pass Peoria by Smith Road. So just a little bit West of the Peoria and Smith Road interchange. And that will be our end of line station where you have to get off the Light Rail and then get on the Commuter Rail which would take you either downtown to the Union Station or out to DIA.

Speaker: Thank you. We have a lot of people in line so I'll ask that you please keep your questions as brief as possible and we'll keep our answers brief as well. We'll try to get through as many people as we can. We've got a 20 minutes or so left. So here we go (Daph?) is next, go ahead (Daph?).

Speaker: Quick comment, we have the occasion to walk around the Downtown Union Station project a week ago and its most impressive. The second... the question about the design build funding. I noticed that the I-225 extension near of the Light Rail as H is on the design build, the money is still coming out of the tax funding that has been voted or is there another sort or means by which that funding is obtained.

Speaker: Thank you (Daph?), this is director Folska again. The extension of North Metro to 124th for a $343 million will be finance through certificates of precipitation and thank you very much for your kind words about Denver Union Station, we are excited and again the Denver Union Station will open on May 9th, 2014.

Speaker: Next up is Faye, go ahead Faye with your question for our panel.

Speaker: Yeah, my question is, I'm concern about the Dayton Station here. I wonder why the 73 cannot enter or affect with that Dayton Stations.

Speaker: Hi Faye, this is Jeff from service planning and scheduling. A curious thing about Dayton Station, it was designed to have buses go in to it and the city of Denver developed extensive condominium developments with North and made the streets too narrow to allow a bus to go through there. So we have no buses that go to Dayton. Now about a year ago, we did extend the route 73 on the south to serve the Belleview station so that's does provide one connection with Light Rail but that is only weekdays during the day time, evening and weekend ridership to that far south was not have enough to justify service to Belleview station that's something we will keep in mind. Thanks.

Speaker: Thank you. Next is Cathy, go ahead with your question.

Speaker: This is Cathy. Can you tell me again how large will the parking structure be on Iliff in 225 and what corner is that going on? The North corner or the South corner?

Speaker: Hi Cathy, it's director Folska. And I think right now we're scheduled to build 600 surface area parking spaces. But we'll also hoping to find some partners in the private sector to maybe build the structure parking with maybe 900 or 1200 parking spots. And I think Chuck probably has the answer to the corner. Chuck?

Speaker: Yeah, thanks Claudia. The plan for that surface parking lot is on the corner of Black Hawk just down a little bit, just a little East of I-225 on Iliff as the curves around and it makes that curve to Harvard is actually how it curves around those hotels and up near where the post offices. So it's on that vacant lot that's right on the corner of Black Hawk and near Harvard.

Speaker: Next is Bob. Go ahead with your question for our panel.

Speaker: Hi, this is Bob. I'm a retiree also. And I love this telephone meeting format. My question is what will happen to the Market Street Station in the Blake Street building when Union Station opens?

Speaker: Hi Bob. Thank you very much. I really enjoy this telephone town hall as well. The Market Street Station, our buses that are in the underneath at Market Street Station will be moving over to the Denver Union Station and that will open on May 9th 2014. Thank you.

Speaker: Thank you. Rick, do you want to talk a little bit about... we've solve the rest of the land around Market Street Station to Denver I believe, is that correct?

Speaker: Yeah Roger, that's all part of the financing plan for Denver Union Station. So the Market Street Station area will actually be developed by a developer and as director Folska says our bus operation that's there now will moving it's entirely to Denver Union Station.

Speaker: Terrific. Let's call up on Alexandra next, go ahead.

Speaker: Hi, this is Alexandra and I do love this format. This is the first I've been participating in this town hall meeting, it's awesome. And I've been riding the RTD Light Rails and buses and sometimes with my bicycle and sometimes without for the past four years exclusively. It's a great system and I was wondering what are your plans for a Denver to Boulder Light Rail system. If there already in the plans?

Speaker: Thank you very much for your question. We are not going to have... I know I'd love Light Rail from Denver to Boulder. But what we have and that's going to be opening in 2015 if I'm not wrong and working correctly on that. Is a bus Rapid Transit System that'll be going from Denver Union Station up to Boulder and that's where you have a managed lane for our buses to move through and then have the stops. So it should be going rather quickly and mostly be incredibly reliable. And of course you'll be able to continue to ride your bike. Thank you.

Speaker: Yeah and this is Rick. I just wanted to add, we actually are building the rails, part of the rail system to Westminster and the will open in 2016 and it will go to 71st (Lowell?) in Westminster and again as director Folska said we're going to have a really high quality bus Rapid Transit System from Table Mesa and Boulder to I-225, that will operate on its own manage lane. It'll be a highly reliable and very fast service.

Speaker: Thank you. Next is Greg. What's your question tonight?

Speaker: My question is with the certificate of participation. It's kind of my understanding with like the 225 line. You basically have AIMs construction coming in and bank rolling it and getting the actual work done and then for participation. How did this certificates work and what kind of return is this, I mean we're not turning over all the funding for that line to them but how's that kind of structured?

Speaker: Yeah Greg, on I-225 the contractors actually key with and RTD is selling the (caps?) which basically bonds to finance on that line. So that line's finance by RTD fairly conventionally. The project where a contractors participating in the financing is the Eagle Project which includes the line to the airport. But RTD ends all the assets, we set the fares and then that contractor will be paid over a 30 year period.

Speaker: Okay, next is Glenda. Thanks for holding, go ahead.

Speaker: Hi, my question is, first of all I just appreciates so much to development of this public transportation system which is so awesome. But we have lived in New York for quite some time and it was just so easy to purchase a ticket and so reasonable. And it was the same price for all five boroughs, it is by a ticket, you'd go anywhere in major Metropolitan area. And the zone system here has been a little confusing sometimes and sometimes a little expensive too. And I was wondering about this, is this possible just to simplify the pricing and make it a reasonable flat rate and easy to access and make it more appealing to ride and simplified for even out of town visitors.

Speaker: Glenda, thank you so much for your question. This is director Folska and I want to say that... and I think you're quite right and people here, the folks and staffs at RTD really understand the complexities and that's why we are having a fare task force review our fare policy, our fare facts policies. And this is a new highly integrated Multi-Modal Public Transit System and remember the words node. I think that's an operative phrase or word there because you know, it is new and so we need to really build and find out what, what those fare structures going to look like so that we can afford to continue to provide the service and once we've build it, we have to operate it. On the other hand, I can tell you that we're really now have smart cards and the people

who've received a smart card person, that's where you tap your card as you enter and exit or as you enter the Light Rail or the bus. And you put your own money on it, you're in control of that and you can follow what's going over that. So I keep your eyes open for a phase two and then three when we roll out the smart cards and we're doing that here as I said the universities and the schools have been using them and they've been working very well. So I think that's something that you’re going to see in the near future. That's really going to make your riding and your experience on our Multi-Modal Transit System more pleasant and a lot easier. Thank you.

Speaker: All right, next is Karen. Karen, go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Okay, a couple of comments because many of my questions have already been answered, thank you very much. I appreciate this format to. I don't ride RTD, I haven't for years. I'm retired by drive where ever I need to go which isn't very far. But by the time some of this completed, I'm sure I will be using the RTD. I guess but I had ask was... how will get the information and you've already answered that by going online and I did ask whether any the information will be given on progress in the water bill pamphlet. Because a lot of times, I don't know how Denver sends out there, but I'm in Aurora and we get quite a bit of city ride information on that. So I was hoping something like that could be implemented in that pamphlet because very frankly I'm not a computer, terribly computer literate so...

Speaker: Well, thank you Karen. I really appreciate that and it's a great idea to send out information with the individual's water bill in Aurora. And I'm going to bring that up. The best way if you don't use your computer if you don't really have a regular access but you do have a phone in you and you like that kind of format of getting in information. Again I'd like to offer you the phone number for the telephone information center for RTD. That number is 303-299-6000. Thank you.

Speaker: Thank you. (Ardis?), thanks for holding and go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Yes, I ride the Light Rail occasionally and really like to but every time I've had to buy a ticket, I have found it really difficult to see. There is so much glare on the screens and even if, I mean if you know what you’re looking for, if you'd been there a lot of times before and you know what to push, it's a little bit easier but I've had just a lot of difficulty and I do have five

problems but even other people that have come to help me have often had trouble and I wonder if there's any plan to make that better.

Speaker: Hi (Ardis?). This director Folska. I mentioned earlier, I'm blind so... I think you're quite that ticket in vending machine isn't the most user friendly, there is a lot of glare and even if you are blind like me and you want to use that you need to be able to see to activate the voice to tell you how to use it. So when we have the smart cards rolled out completely I think you're going to find those a lot easier and you'll just tap on and tap off. Again, if you have any additional needs, you can always call our telephone information center at 303-299-6000. Thank you.

Speaker: And director Folska says Rick I just wanted to add, we do our best to try to orient the screens to the north where that glare problems minimize it's not always possible. Next year we plan to roll out new screens on the existing machines, they were installed in 2006. They've been subject to the whether (wind?) would have you and of course the technology at that time wasn't as good as it is now. So hopefully you'll be gradually seeing those improvements.

Speaker: All right, next is Joanne. Go ahead, thanks for your patience. Joanne, it's your turn. All right, let's go to Craig. Craig, what's your question tonight?

Speaker: Hello, yeah, what did the... I've been impressed by this conversation as well. Many of my questions have been answered along the way but I was still wondering about, there is I've heard of plan between the, a Light Rail or Rail system going from Colorado Springs up to Fort Collins. Is that totally separate from the Denver Central system or is it connected with it? And that's all I had and everything. Thank you.

Speaker: Well, thank you Craig and you know I want to thank you and everyone else for your participation in this Town Hall this evening. Your input is important and we can't improve our services in what we deliver to the community without your participation and so I really thank you for taking the time to do this. That idea is something, well I don't think it would be a Light Rail, I think it would be a Commuter Rail which is the heavier rail. Either a diesel or electric unit but that mobility unit, EMU or DMU and that is something completely separate from the Regional Transportation District and I think that would be more for CDOT. But thank you very much and I know, I've sure like to have a Commuter Rail from Fort Collins to Pueblo. Thank you.

Speaker: Okay, Abby is next. Go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Good evening and thank you for putting this together. My question was, I ran a small business called ABC shuttle right there on Southeast by Nine Mile. And I have at least one of the drivers that are working with me but worrying about the in impact of this new transit and I just wanted to know how much of the impact will this cost to our small business.

Speaker: Abby, I think that's a wonderful question and actually I think the impact will be a positive one and a significantly positive one. I think more people that want to use public transit and use your services to get access at different times when it means not to be convenient to use our fixed route. We'll rely on you to get themselves to say Nine Mile or out to the East Rail to get to the airport. So, you may have different kinds of... or transit you provide to your customers. Thank you.

Speaker: I know Claudia the RTD is always looking for drivers too. I think it's a continual posting for job opportunities here at RTD. So certainly, we've encourage any of this drivers that are interested in a career with RTD to check the website because great benefits, great company to work for. Let's call upon Sheryl next. Go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Hi, boy. My question is minor in compares to everybody else to the comments but I take the 0 limited in the afternoon and I was catching it at 13th at Broadway and I am disabled. So I know noticed because of the construction, they just move the stop Towson, Broadway but nobody apparently knew about it. And my second concern is when I take the 0 limited it's supposed to I guess stop at the F1 designation at the Broadway station. But sometimes the drivers will stop and let us off right by the Light Rail so we can catch there next train. And I wish that was what all driver would do. Instead of going over the F1 'cause it takes me more time. I know this sounds crazy. But it'd be nice if they could stop where the, you know close to where the ticket bus are.

Speaker: Yeah. Right. Sometimes, first of all Sheryl thank you for your question. And I want to encourage you to sign up for our RTD alert. There is a lot of construction going on and people are finding ways to get informed. So you can look online that we have Friday tax that we've send out to this all kinds of different Avenues for information about detours that are coming out

anywhere within the regional transportation district. So you can go online to rtd-denver.com. And look around the website and see where you can sign up for that information via your e-mail. And with regard to specific location that's a pretty detailed question for your concern. Since I think that might be helpful to call us or e-mail your Director. You can e-mail me or maybe your Director Jeff Walker with specific concerns about how your drivers are dropping you off. Thank you.

Speaker: Okay. Thank you. Lorie is next. Go ahead with your question.

Speaker: Lorie?

Speaker: Yes. Go ahead.

Speaker: Yes. I'm calling about the Bronco Bus. And I live in the Southmoor area and we are lamenting the law of the Bronco Bus at the Station Ride here. We have to go way East to get our Bronco Bus at the Nine Mile and did all the lady that call about the parking being awful and the wait for the bus is awful. And it was so, it's actually major inconvenient 'cause it takes us almost the whole hour to get from, get home. And I wonder...

Speaker: You know Lorie... Sorry to... Yeah. I think you, that's an excellent question and you know what I would take the train if I were you. It's much more direct and its easier. And it's a lot more fun and faster. So you live in the Southmoor station...

Speaker: We know. We have checking the train but it's very difficult when your little older and you have kids and you have to walk that long area. And then wait for the train. You wait, and wait, and wait, and wait for the train. And that is also an inconvenience. Is there any way to reestablish the Southmoor Bus?

Speaker: Well, we probably have to cut that for our budgetary fiscal sustainability concern. But I'd be happy to look in to it. You can e-mail me your concern about the Bronco Bus at claudia.folska@rtd-denver.com and we can talk about it more specifically but thank you very much.

Speaker: Okay. Mary your next. Thanks for holding. What's your question?

Speaker: Yes. I ride at number 10 and sometimes there's a problem on the bus. But driver doesn't seem to see it as a problem. What would I do?

Speaker: Ma'am, what kind of problem? Can you give us a little, just misbehavior on the bus?

Speaker: Misbehavior on the bus two disabled people where are arguing about who was more special than the other. And their...

Speaker: Ma'am...

Speaker: ...voices are really loud and escalated and who's bit disturbing my peace.

Speaker: Okay. Hold on. Claudia or Rick you want to talk about that?

Speaker: So again, I have to say I always fall back on my Telephone Information Center. They can just patch things as well. You know one of the first thing that you talk to your bus driver and that person is responsible for maintaining peace on their bus. And secondly if you feel little safe or excuse me if feel unsafe that might get off the bus call 911 or call the lawyer on the bus. And but you know our bus driver are highly trained and skilled. And we do have our transit police and our undercover police that will show up and will find the bus and so it is unpleasant when people argues regardless of whether people with disabilities and one has more severe than the other or what have you. You know it's a challenge and we still have to figure out how to get along together. Thank you.

Speaker: Thank you Claudia. We have come to the end of the Town, Telephone Town Hall tonight. We are sorry if we didn't get your question tonight. But you can still leave us a message at the end of the call. So just stay on the line. On behalf of RTD, Director Folska and everyone

here tonight we thank you very much for taking part in this event. And we wish you a very good night."