Denver transit advocate slams bus image use as rtd cuts loom
Denver’s Kalyn Rose Heffernan, a former mayoral candidate and accessibility champion, isn’t mincing words – or, in this case, letting a transit agency get away with exploiting her image.
A flashy bus, a furious response
Heffernan, known for her passionate advocacy for free and accessible public transit, was blindsided this week when an RTD bus, emblazoned with her likeness as part of a 35th anniversary design contest, appeared in circulation. The image, a stylized rendition of her promoting the ADA, was deployed without her prior consent – a detail she describes as deeply concerning.
“I’m being used and exploited and tokenized to promote this service that isn’t even helping,” she stated bluntly. The sentiment is particularly stinging given RTD’s recent proposal to slash 20% of its operating budget – a move Heffernan vehemently opposes, citing her own long-standing reliance on the system and its persistent shortcomings.
Beyond the logo: a system in crisis
Heffernan’s frustration isn’t simply about a poorly handled design contest. She points to the broader issues plaguing Denver’s transit network: unreliable service, exorbitant fares, and a frustrating lack of coverage, especially during evening hours. “Just wild and maddening,” she exclaimed, recalling countless instances of being stranded after midnight, unable to access essential services.
Justin Bravo, the artist behind the winning design, has offered an apology, framing the project as an attempt to ‘honor history.’ However, Heffernan remains steadfast. “I think a mistake, but a forgivable mistake on his part. I'm not here to drag that artist,” she conceded, though her words carry the weight of a significant breach of trust.
The RTD spokesperson, currently awaiting legal approval for a formal response, remains tight-lipped about the bus’s fate. But for Heffernan, the situation represents more than just a branding oversight; it's a symptom of a deeper problem – a transit system failing its riders and a disregard for the voices of those who depend on it. The proposed budget cuts, she insists, will only exacerbate the situation, leaving countless Denver residents stranded and underserved.
“I rely on RTD, and I’ve been a rider most of my life, and I've been left stuck many times past 10 p.m. and where we don't have great service, and our fares are high, and our service isn't great.”