Jack McCroskey, a longtime transportation advocate in Denver and past chairman of the Regional Trans­portation District (RTD) Board of ­Directors, died Jan. 8.

In 1980, McCroskey helped to lead a ballot initiative proposing to change the governance of the RTD to a 15-member board composed of individuals elected to serve the district in which they reside. Voters approved the initiative in 1980 and McCroskey was one of the original board members elected in 1982.

“Jack was very passionate about light rail and helped to bring it to life here in Denver,” said RTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Phillip ­Washington. “Serving on the RTD board is a major commitment, and we honor and appreciate his service to the public.”

McCroskey served on the RTD board for 12 years, including terms as chairman and treasurer. As chairman he advocated for creating the city’s first light rail line.

McCroskey was an economics ­professor at the University of Denver and served three terms in the Colorado House of Representatives.