This year, our host agency for APTAtech is the Reginal Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO. Below is the list of tours that will be offered as part of the conference. Registration for the tours will be conducted onsite at the RTD-Denver’s hospitality desk. Due to capacity limits, it is recommended that you register onsite prior to the tour’s start time.
Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
Monday, August 15
Tour #1: Commuter Rail Tech
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
RTD is one of the first agencies in the country to implement Positive Train Control [PTC] on a new build under the revised FRA requirements. Come see one of RTD’s new commuter rail vehicles and hear about the technology elements powering commuter rail operations from implementation through operations and maintenance. Participants will meet at the Sheraton, take to Mall Shuttle and go to Track 7 at Denver Union Station for this tour by an RTD docent. This 90-minute tour includes travel time via Mall Shuttle to Denver Union Station, tour of Commuter Rail Vehicle and return to hotel.
Tour #2: CAD/AVL Systems and RTD Bus Operations Dispatch
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Participants on this Technical Tour will view how RTD uses CAD/AVL systems and the support necessary for keeping these systems operational across nearly 2,000 vehicles. Participants will also go through RTD’s Bus Dispatch Operations Center for a glimpse into the daily operations of managing the fleet across 2,300 square miles of service area. RTD will provide the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (vests and safety glasses) and participants must wear closed-toe shoes.
The tour starts with a 15-minute presentation while at the conference hotel describing the CAD/AVL systems RTD uses. Participants will then be shuttled over to RTD for the physical tour. This 2-hour tour includes travel time via RTD-arranged buses to District Shops, two-way tour of Bus Operations Dispatch and CAD/AVL operations and return to hotel.
Participants will return prior to the start of the Welcome Reception and Product Showcase.
Wednesday, August 17
Tour #3: RTD Fare Collection and Treasury
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tour RTD’s Revenue Service group (RSG) and learn how different fare collection devices are maintained and serviced. This will include Ticket Vending Machines, Fareboxes, and Platform and Bus Validators. Also, get a demonstration of RTD’s Account-Based Ticketing MyRide app, integrations with third-party app partners Uber, Lyft, and Transit, and a preview of the agency’s new Account-Based Ticketing System.
The tour starts with a 15-minute presentation while at the conference hotel describing RTD’s Revenue Service group (RSG). Participants will then be shuttled over to RTD for the physical tour. This 2-hour tour includes travel time via RTD-arranged buses to District Shops, two-way tour of Bus Operations Dispatch and CAD/AVL operations and return to hotel.
Tour #4: Electric Bus Program
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Participants on this tour will have the opportunity to tour RTD’s Electric Charging System for its all-electric Mall Shuttles. Participants will be provided with a background on the RTD Electric Bus Program and have the chance to view the infrastructure installed to support 36 electric Mall Shuttles. PPE [vests and safety glasses] are required and will be provided. Participants must please wear closed toe shoes.
