Denver‑area voters in Adams County now have a new choice for the Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board of Directors District K seat. Michael Farrington, a 25‑year‑old municipal and land‑use attorney, announced his candidacy on September 25, 2026, positioning himself as a pragmatic reformer focused on reliability, safety, and fiscal responsibility.
Platform Highlights
Farrington says the agency’s reputation for dependability has eroded and pledges to restore public confidence. He will follow the upcoming Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) prepared by RTD staff, but he intends to push hardest for increased service frequency on core routes. “I live off the 104L, and it’s challenging to build a life around a bus route that runs once an hour,” he explained. “We need to make those core lines stronger and the connections better.”
Cost control is another cornerstone of his plan. Farrington wants to eliminate under‑performing services, citing FlexRide—a reservation‑based shuttle—as an obvious example of low efficiency. He noted that several routes now cost more than $40 per boarding, a figure he believes is no longer justifiable.
Revenue Strategies
To address the agency’s budget gap, Farrington proposes a two‑pronged revenue approach. First, he would explore land‑lease opportunities on RTD‑owned property near stations, looking to models used in Singapore and Hong Kong. Second, he supports expanding sponsorships such as the popular Broncos Ride program.
While RTD derives roughly 70 % of its revenue from sales taxes within the district, Farrington is cautious about asking voters for higher taxes in the near term. He suggests waiting until at least 2030 before pursuing a new tax measure, preferring to focus on delivering tangible service improvements and the upcoming Colorado Connector (CoCo) train project.
Support for the Colorado Connector
Farrington backs the state‑led Colorado Connector train, which aims to link Denver with Boulder, Fort Collins, and five additional stops by 2029. He stresses that completing Phase 1 of the project is a commitment RTD has already made and should be honored. “If a ballot measure for CoCo fails in November, voters have given us a clear indication they’re not interested,” he said, noting that RTD has already allocated millions, including $3.1 million for marketing, toward the first phase.
Endorsements and Competition
The candidate has secured endorsements from local officials, including congressional hopeful Manny Rutinel and state Sen. Julie Gonzales, as well as current RTD directors Chris Nicholson and Brett Paglieri. He will face Jessica Sandgren, another candidate for the open District K seat after incumbent Troy L. Whitmore reached his term limit.
Looking Ahead
Farrington’s campaign emphasizes a balance of operational efficiency, strategic revenue generation, and support for long‑term transit projects. By focusing on service frequency, cutting low‑performing routes, and exploring innovative land‑use options, he aims to make RTD a more trustworthy and financially sound agency for the residents of Adams County and the broader Denver metropolitan area.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
