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RTD's Controversial Renaming Decision
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has officially renamed Civic Center Station to honor the late Rev. Wade Blank, a disability rights activist known for advocating transit access. But while this move is intended as a gesture of respect, it has sparked significant controversy and criticism from disability advocates, including Blank's own daughter, Caitlin Blank. She condemned the renaming as nothing more than a "publicity stunt" and stated that her family was not consulted regarding this decision.
Concerns Among Disability Advocates
Disability rights activists have expressed outrage not just at the renaming but also at recent changes to RTD's Access-on-Demand service, which has been a lifeline for many individuals with disabilities. RTD has increased costs, now only covering up to $20 of each ride instead of the previous $25, making it less accessible. Mary Henneck from ADAPT Colorado has indicated that a name change without real improvements in service is not sufficient to honor Rev. Blank's legacy.
Future Actions and Accountability
RTD chair, Patrick O’Keefe, noted that while the renaming will proceed without celebration, he is open to regular meetings with ADAPT to pursue greater accountability and to seek better outcomes for disabled riders. Dawn Russell, another advocate, articulated that while the name change is appreciated, RTD needs to focus on reversing the detrimental service changes, emphasizing that actions speak louder than words.
What This Means for Denver's Disabled Community
As a community deeply intertwined with these issues, the outcome of this situation will likely resonate with many in Denver. With RTD operating under a $1.5 billion budget for 2026, residents are watching closely to see if this translates into improved services for the people who need them most. The ongoing dialogue raises important questions about how communities can best fight for equitable access and honor those who have paved the way for change.
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