[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 153 (Tuesday, October 28, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO COLORADO REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                            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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