The Oversimplified Guide to RTD Etiquette
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For the first time in four years, RTD is expanding its light rail and bus services across the metro area. We asked Christy Porter—whose Greenwood Village–based Cotillion Academy has taught manners to more than 10,000 children and adults since 1999—how to be an A+ rider.
1. It doesn’t take an astrophysics degree to ride RTD, but a basic understanding of the golden rule is useful. Would you want to sit next to someone who’s groaning about train delays? “Create a space of respect for everyone,” Porter says. “Hopefully, others feed off that.”
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2. But don’t get carried away: Being overly polite might actually be impolite. Stepping aside for someone because you think it’s the friendly thing to do could hold up the rest of the queue. “Keep the line together, and get on or off when it’s your turn,” Porter says. “Don’t overthink it.”
3. Ask before you assist. If you see a rider struggling to get their wheelchair on or off the bus or to lift their 60-pound, $2,000 e-bike onto the train’s rack, politely ask if they want a hand. But if the answer is no, back off.
4. In a packed vehicle? Look up from your phone often enough to see who boards after you and give up priority seats to seniors and those with physical impairments. Bonus karma points for offering space to anyone carrying a child, groceries, or a heavy growler of craft beer.
5. Choose your snacks wisely. If you need some sustenance, it’s OK to eat—but grab a granola bar rather than slurping down a bowl of green chile or busting out a tuna salad sandwich. As Porter says: “No one wants to smell your bologna.”
