RTD wins top award at the 2010 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) International Rail Rodeo. Highest finish ever for an RTD light rail team.

Denver- The Regional Transportation District (RTD) won the prestigious Rail Transit Team Achievement Award at the 2010 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) International Rail Rodeo held on June 5, in Vancouver.

RTD took the top award, which is given to the system with the highest rail operator and maintainer team combined score. The winning RTD team members were Robert Dennis, Randall Lovegrove, and George Sweeney.

Robert Dennis won first place in the Operators Competition, which measures professional skills including: train operation; knowledge of safety regulations; train equipment; and track right-of-way rules and procedures.

Randall Lovegrove and George Sweeney won second place in the Maintenance Competition, which judges the ability of troubleshoot maintenance problems. There were several events held under the umbrella of troubleshooting maintenance problems including passing written & safety tests.

The APTA International Rail Rodeo Competition is designed to encourage excellence and professionalism in rail transit operations. The competition was held on June 5, at the VCC/Clark Station in Vancouver, BC.

RTD General Manager Phil Washington said, "We are very proud of our light rail team for bringing home the top prize. This is the best finish ever for an RTD team, and they have represented the entire metro area honor."