Today the Regional Transportation District (RTD) has announced that it will be seeking public input in its search of a new General Manager. RTD has formed the General Manager Executive Search Committee and is asking the public what they would like to see in the next General Manager. RTD serves the public transportation needs of the 8-county Denver metro area.

RTD has created a survey for the public that is available at: RTD General Manager survey.

The survey questions will not only capture information about the characteristics and professional skills desired in the next General Manager, but will also capture information on the operation of RTD as a whole.

“It’s important to the Board of Directors that we offer our community and RTD riders the opportunity to be involved in the General Manager search process,” said Chuck Sisk, RTD Board Chair. “This public input is one element we will consider as we choose the next leader of RTD.”

Phil Washington served as RTD’s General Manager for 6 years. It was announced in March that he had accepted a position with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority – also known as LA Metro.

The Search Committee includes members of the RTD Board of Directors. This group is including input from political leaders, employees, stakeholders as well as the community to guide their decision in hiring the next General Manager.

The announcement of this community survey comes after the controversial May 26th RTD Board vote that approved a new fare structure which will include an increase in transit fares. According to RTD, this is the first fare hike in five years.

RTD has received criticism for the fare increase. In advance of the vote, citizens have organized public rallies. A concern voiced by residents is the fare hike will potentially put public transit out of reach of low-income people.