Safety on the Rails: RTD's Struggle to Reassure Riders Amid Rising Concerns
March 15, 2025, 9:34 pm
Public transit should be a lifeline, a thread connecting communities. Yet, for many riders of the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Colorado, that thread feels frayed. Safety concerns loom large, casting shadows over the light rail and bus systems. With incidents of violence and misconduct on the rise, riders are calling for help more than ever. The numbers tell a stark story: over 130,000 calls for police assistance in just three years. This is not just a statistic; it’s a cry for help.
As of July 2025, a staggering 81% of light rail trains lack the live surveillance systems that have been installed on buses. These systems, funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security, allow bus drivers to activate cameras and alert dispatchers silently. But on light rail, riders are left vulnerable. The state has mandated that RTD install these systems by June 2027, but for now, the clock is ticking.
RTD is not sitting idle. The agency has committed to hiring more police officers, aiming for 150 by year’s end. Currently, about 100 officers patrol the system, supplemented by contract security guards. Together, they provide over 8,600 hours of coverage weekly. Yet, despite these efforts, fear still grips the hearts of many riders.
The data reveals the nature of these fears. Illegal drug use tops the list of reported incidents, followed closely by fights, disturbances, and even sexual harassment. Last year alone, there were 1,627 security incidents on light rail trains. Buses and stations saw fewer incidents, but the numbers are still alarming. The message is clear: riders feel unsafe.
The RTD's communication channels are open. Riders can call, text, or use the Transit Watch app to report issues. In 2024, they made an average of 3,592 calls each month. But what happens after the call? RTD has not disclosed how often police respond to these requests. This lack of transparency breeds further distrust.
The agency's spokesperson emphasizes that police response times vary based on location. But for riders, this is cold comfort. Many incidents of violence spill over from the streets into transit. RTD cannot tackle these issues alone; they require a community effort. Yet, the burden of safety seems to rest heavily on the shoulders of the riders.
Two RTD board members are taking action. They are forming a working group to create a “welcoming transit environment.” Their goal is to transform RTD into a space that feels safe for riders and unwelcoming for those who would do harm. Cameras are just one piece of the puzzle.
Grassroots advocates echo this sentiment. They argue that safety is essential for restoring ridership, which has plummeted to 65.2 million last year—38% below pre-pandemic levels. A reliable transit system could attract more riders, creating a sense of community that naturally deters misconduct. But until then, the need for better policing and surveillance is urgent.
One rider’s experience highlights the issue. While on a bus equipped with live surveillance, he was punched in the face by a stranger. The incident was captured on camera, but he chose not to report it, believing police wouldn’t be able to track down the assailant. Instead, he brought the incident to the attention of RTD’s board. His story is not unique; it reflects a broader sentiment of frustration and helplessness among riders.
Comparisons with other cities reveal a troubling trend. In St. Louis, transit police ride buses and trains 900 times a month. In contrast, RTD officers boarded trains and buses only 40 times over three months last year. This disparity raises questions about the effectiveness of RTD’s policing strategy.
The situation is dire. For many riders, the choice between public transit and rideshare services is becoming clearer. A $2.75 bus fare pales in comparison to the perceived safety of a $9 Uber ride. This shift in behavior could have long-term implications for RTD’s ridership and revenue.
As RTD grapples with these challenges, the path forward remains uncertain. The agency must act decisively to restore trust. Upgrading surveillance technology is a step in the right direction, but it must be coupled with a commitment to respond effectively to incidents. Riders need to feel that their safety is a priority.
The call for change is loud and clear. RTD must listen. It’s time to transform the transit experience from one of fear to one of safety and community. The stakes are high. Public transit is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about fostering connections and building trust. Without safety, that foundation crumbles.
In the coming months, RTD has the opportunity to reshape its narrative. The agency can choose to be proactive, to engage with the community, and to implement real changes. The clock is ticking, and the riders are watching. They deserve a transit system that prioritizes their safety and well-being. It’s time for RTD to rise to the occasion.
As of July 2025, a staggering 81% of light rail trains lack the live surveillance systems that have been installed on buses. These systems, funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security, allow bus drivers to activate cameras and alert dispatchers silently. But on light rail, riders are left vulnerable. The state has mandated that RTD install these systems by June 2027, but for now, the clock is ticking.
RTD is not sitting idle. The agency has committed to hiring more police officers, aiming for 150 by year’s end. Currently, about 100 officers patrol the system, supplemented by contract security guards. Together, they provide over 8,600 hours of coverage weekly. Yet, despite these efforts, fear still grips the hearts of many riders.
The data reveals the nature of these fears. Illegal drug use tops the list of reported incidents, followed closely by fights, disturbances, and even sexual harassment. Last year alone, there were 1,627 security incidents on light rail trains. Buses and stations saw fewer incidents, but the numbers are still alarming. The message is clear: riders feel unsafe.
The RTD's communication channels are open. Riders can call, text, or use the Transit Watch app to report issues. In 2024, they made an average of 3,592 calls each month. But what happens after the call? RTD has not disclosed how often police respond to these requests. This lack of transparency breeds further distrust.
The agency's spokesperson emphasizes that police response times vary based on location. But for riders, this is cold comfort. Many incidents of violence spill over from the streets into transit. RTD cannot tackle these issues alone; they require a community effort. Yet, the burden of safety seems to rest heavily on the shoulders of the riders.
Two RTD board members are taking action. They are forming a working group to create a “welcoming transit environment.” Their goal is to transform RTD into a space that feels safe for riders and unwelcoming for those who would do harm. Cameras are just one piece of the puzzle.
Grassroots advocates echo this sentiment. They argue that safety is essential for restoring ridership, which has plummeted to 65.2 million last year—38% below pre-pandemic levels. A reliable transit system could attract more riders, creating a sense of community that naturally deters misconduct. But until then, the need for better policing and surveillance is urgent.
One rider’s experience highlights the issue. While on a bus equipped with live surveillance, he was punched in the face by a stranger. The incident was captured on camera, but he chose not to report it, believing police wouldn’t be able to track down the assailant. Instead, he brought the incident to the attention of RTD’s board. His story is not unique; it reflects a broader sentiment of frustration and helplessness among riders.
Comparisons with other cities reveal a troubling trend. In St. Louis, transit police ride buses and trains 900 times a month. In contrast, RTD officers boarded trains and buses only 40 times over three months last year. This disparity raises questions about the effectiveness of RTD’s policing strategy.
The situation is dire. For many riders, the choice between public transit and rideshare services is becoming clearer. A $2.75 bus fare pales in comparison to the perceived safety of a $9 Uber ride. This shift in behavior could have long-term implications for RTD’s ridership and revenue.
As RTD grapples with these challenges, the path forward remains uncertain. The agency must act decisively to restore trust. Upgrading surveillance technology is a step in the right direction, but it must be coupled with a commitment to respond effectively to incidents. Riders need to feel that their safety is a priority.
The call for change is loud and clear. RTD must listen. It’s time to transform the transit experience from one of fear to one of safety and community. The stakes are high. Public transit is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about fostering connections and building trust. Without safety, that foundation crumbles.
In the coming months, RTD has the opportunity to reshape its narrative. The agency can choose to be proactive, to engage with the community, and to implement real changes. The clock is ticking, and the riders are watching. They deserve a transit system that prioritizes their safety and well-being. It’s time for RTD to rise to the occasion.