RTD customers can use 2020 10-Ride or Access-a-Ride ticket in 2021

COVID-19 restrictions a factor in decision to extend use and exchange period

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is extending the use and exchange period for 2020 10-Ride and Access-a-Ride ticket books through the end of 2021.

The agency made the decision because many RTD customers did not have an opportunity to use or exchange pre-purchased 2020 10-Ride and Access-a-Ride tickets before they expired, due to COVID-19 safety concerns, service reduction or limited vehicle capacity.

Usually, RTD allows customers to use or exchange unused 10-Ride tickets or Access-a-Ride tickets for credit toward ticket books or monthly passes until Jan. 31. Exchanges can still be made in person at RTD-operated sales outlets or by mail if a customer chooses.

Customers should note that Free Ride Coupons and monthly passes that expired on Dec. 31 are not included in the exchange and cannot be used as valid fare in 2021.

Jefferson County to open its vaccination clinic to adults age 70+

In an effort to help more people in Jefferson County access the COVID-19 vaccine, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is expanding availability of its vaccination site to those aged 70 and older. To date, JCPH has focused its efforts on healthcare workers and first responders, as directed by Gov. Jared Polis’ office and the Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE).

“We believe we’ve come close to saturation among our Jeffco healthcare workers and first responders — that’s good news, because it means more of our frontline, essential workers are going to be protected against COVID-19 moving forward,” said Christine Billings, Manager of the Office of Pandemic Response at JCPH.

JCPH will begin offering vaccine in limited quantities to adults 70 and older at our clinic at the Arvada Fire Protection District Training Center, 6651 Indiana Street, beginning on February 3, 2021. This clinic is hosted with support from the Arvada Fire Protection District, Arvada Police Department and volunteers from organizations around the county. The vaccine will also continue to be available to those classified by CDPHE in Phase 1A and 1B.1.

Our Government

White House

The President signed into law: H.R. 335, which provides an exception to a restriction on appointing a Secretary of Defense who, within the past seven years, had been on active duty in a regular component of the armed forces.

Colorado Governor

Governor Polis extended an Executive Order temporarily suspending statutes to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and Children’s Basic Health Plan enrollees. The Governor also amended and extended an Executive Order ordering expedited unemployment insurance claim processing to provide relief to Coloradans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The amendment reinstates the work search requirement for unemployment insurance benefits.

Denver Mayor

The City and County of Denver is receiving nearly $22 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Launched by the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Emergency Rental Assistance program makes available financial assistance to families that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Up to 90 percent of the funding can be used for rent, utilities and home energy costs, back rent, utilities and home energy costs, and other expenses related to housing. Up to 10 percent of remaining funds are available for administrative costs and housing stability services, including case management and other services intended to keep households stably housed.