2027 Paratransit Program Assessment (10% SBE Goal)

Pursuant to Senate Bill 25-161, enacted in 2025, a Regional Transportation District Accountability Committee (Accountability Committee) was created to evaluate and make recommendations related to RTD’s governance, workforce retention, and paratransit services. As a result of the Accountability Committee’s recommendations, Senate Bill 26-150 (SB26-150), Modernizing the Regional Transportation District Act, was enacted in 2026.

Included in SB26-150 was a directive for RTD to contract with an independent third-party entity to conduct a comprehensive paratransit service study(the “2027 Paratransit Program Assessment” or the “Assessment”), that will result in the adoption of an Accessible Transportation Service Plan (the “Plan”).

This solicitation is for a consultant to perform the Assessment, including the delivery of the Plan. Evaluating accessible transit service delivery holistically will allow RTD to better address customer needs and allocate agency resources where they can have the greatest impact and ensures the agency effectively delivers paratransit mobility services in a manner that supports its mission of making lives better through connections.

The Assessment will analyze current paratransit performance, service gaps and needs, service delivery models, financial resources, and performance framework and service improvement strategies. The final Plan will serve as RTD’s paratransit roadmap, ensuring the agency remains efficient and responsive to community needs.

The overarching goal is to achieve Board adoption of a practical and implementable Plan in accordance with the requirements of SB26-150. The Assessment will conclude no later than December 31, 2027, , will comply with SB26-150, and will address the following major sub-goals:

• Comprehensive Assessment of RTD Paratransit Services: Identify optimal service standards and performance measures and prepare a comprehensive vision for services.

• An Open and Transparent Process Leading to Board Plan Adoption: Ensure successful outreach, stakeholder engagement, public involvement, and communication throughout the Assessment process.