RTD Conducts Language Access Survey to Assess Communication Needs of Diverse Communities
Survey responses, due Oct. 31, will assist agency in providing better information for all customers
DENVER (Oct. 13, 2021) — The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is currently conducting a Language Access Survey through the end of this month to better understand the experiences and needs of customers whose first language is not English.
U.S. Census data show there are 21 safe harbor languages within RTD’s service district – non-English languages that are spoken by limited English proficiency (LEP) persons who make up at least 5% of the population, or 1,000 individuals, whichever is less. The top five safe harbor languages spoken in the Denver metro area are Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean and Russian.
As part of RTD’s strategic priority of customer excellence, the agency will evaluate responses to determine and address language barriers that might exist, in an effort to provide better access to RTD programs and services. The results will inform work that the agency will be implementing over the next three years to improve language accessibility across RTD’s programs, services and activities.
“RTD has been working collaboratively with community groups that provide a direct connection to the populations we would like to reach,” noted RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. “This survey is an essential part of our work, and the responses we receive will directly inform the plan we develop as ample feedback will help us understand our diverse customers’ needs.”
The survey is available in 11 languages – English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Amharic, Russian, Arabic, Farsi, Korean, Nepalese, Chinese and French – and must be submitted by Oct. 31. All responses are confidential. Customers who would like to complete the survey in paper form can contact RTD Customer Care at 303-299-6000.
