RTD’s “Honoring” Move Sparks Real Questions About Disability Access

A local transit agency recently rolled out a bus wrapped in a drawing of a well‑known disability activist. The picture, created by a local artist, was meant to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The activist, who rides RTD buses every day and has spoken publicly about the need for affordable, accessible transit, had no idea her likeness was being used. She learned of it when a friend in Denver took a photo of the bus and sent it to her.

The incident is part of a pattern. Earlier this year, RTD renamed a downtown station after Wade Blank, the founder of ADAPT and leader of the historic Gang of 19 protests that pushed for accessible buses. Blank’s family said the change happened without their input and felt it was a publicity stunt tied to rising costs for a subsidized ride‑share service. The activist, who also runs a popular hip‑hop band and is an outspoken advocate for disability rights, calls the gesture “tokenizing” and “exploitative.”

She points out that Denver’s public transit still faces serious problems: high fares, limited service hours, and a lack of accessible options for people who rely on buses after 10 p.m. She worries that upcoming budget cuts—potentially cutting services by 20% if a $40 million state grant falls through—would hurt those who depend on the system.

The artist behind the bus wrap, Justin Bravo, said his goal was to spark dialogue about disability visibility. He has not confirmed whether he asked the activist for permission before using her image. The agency’s statement claimed it learned of the likeness only recently and that the design was chosen from a community contest.

In short, while RTD wants to appear inclusive, many in the disability community feel the agency’s actions fall short of genuine support. The activist says true progress would involve expanding, not cutting, services so that people with limited incomes can travel safely and affordably.