This weekend’s launch of an expanded two-month summer promotion offering free fares on the Regional Transportation District’s buses and trains comes as the agency still struggles with problems and open drug use on its system.
Several train and bus operators underlined that challenge when they confronted RTD’s elected board Tuesday night with stories of repeated fentanyl exposure, attacks by unruly riders and messes left behind — including, one light-rail operator said, soiled underwear and a cup of urine.
They spoke up alongside frustrated riders and community advocates. Most supported an expanded code of conduct and suspension policy that RTD leaders later approved in hopes they would help address more of the safety problems.
