My name is Chris, and I’m running to represent you on the RTD Board. I hope I can earn your vote this November!

Top Priorities for Chris

Increasing Ridership and Maximizing Agency Value

As your board member, I will consistently work to see ridership increase across the agency. I will prioritize communication with riders to better understand their transit needs, making the system more reliable, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. By focusing efforts on safety, comfort, and on-time performance, people will be encouraged to choose public transit. Increasing ridership will not only ease traffic and lower emissions but also maximize the value of RTD's infrastructure, creating a more efficient and sustainable system for our community.

Enhancing Rider Experience and Safety

To enhance rider experience and safety, I will advocate for hiring ambassadors to boost the sense of security while riders are at stations and aboard transit. Furthermore, the system should be easier to navigate. I aim to champion efforts at installing better signage, including QR codes and digital displays at key hubs. These upgrades will ensure both first-time and regular riders enjoy a safe, comfortable, and user-friendly transit experience.

Operational Reliability and Performance

Operational reliability and performance are key to restoring trust in RTD. I am committed to improving punctuality, making schedules dependable by reducing dropped runs, and exploring the ideal service of real-time GPS tracking for riders. Fare collection systems will be modernized, access to critical reduced fare programs will be maintained, and fair enforcement will be ensured. By focusing on employee retention and upgrading outdated processes, I will help encourage a motivated workforce that ensures more efficient routes and frequent service. Detailed operational data will be relied upon for better planning.

Transparency, Accountability, & Public Engagement

I believe it is vital to ensure transparency, accountability, and public engagement. I will prioritize actively measuring performance metrics such as ridership and on-time performance, monitoring operational data, and making this critical data available to the public. I will champion the establishment of clear agency goals and the sharing of progress on key indicators. Through clear accountability, we will rebuild trust with taxpayers. Additionally, I will advocate for public engagement through surveys and tours, fostering a stronger connection between the community and RTD. This openness will ensure informed decision-making and greater accountability.

Media Links

See my responses to the Denver Post's candidate Q&A

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See my responses to the Colorado Public Radio candidate Q&A

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2024 RTD board election explained by CPR

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Read about Ballot Issue 7A which has implications for RTD and TABOR

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Article from The Denver Post providing board election context

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Read the joint statement from current RTD board candidates regarding our hope for the direction of the agency

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See my response to Greater Denver Transit's candidate questionnaire

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Learn About Chris Gutschenritter

I am running for the RTD Board of Directors because I envision RTD transforming from a declining liability into a valuable asset for our region. As more people continue to flock to Denver and its surrounding areas drawn by the rich opportunities available, we face the dual challenges of rising population and worsening traffic congestion. Now is the time to ensure our public transportation system operates efficiently and effectively.

With my experience serving on Englewood boards, working with Amtrak, and consulting for Fortune 100 companies, I bring a unique blend of passion, energy, and expertise that can drive positive change at RTD. I am seeking to represent the riders' interests in my hometown of Englewood while benefiting every rider in the agency’s service area. Living in major metropolitan areas like Cincinnati, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta has given me insight into the strengths and weaknesses of public transportation systems. I recognize that Denver is poised for significant growth in the coming years which will inevitably heighten the need for optimized public transportation. If RTD continues to fall behind, it will become increasingly difficult to meet the needs of our current and potential riders. Together, we can create a public transit system that truly serves our community.