RTD police personnel prepare for end of year events
KDVR Fox 31
DENVER (KDVR) — The Regional Transportation District is gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year with Broncos football games and holiday events scheduled for the coming months.
FOX31 reported a recent survey of rail customers showed 63% said they were feeling “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with RTD services, down from 78% last year.
Over the past six months, RTD has switched from using contracted personnel to using sworn police officers with 24/7 transit security, dividing its eight-county district into five sectors.
“For fans that are using buses and trains to reach Empower Field, this means that they’ll be able to get there in a way that is more safe and secure; we’ve increased patrols,” spokesperson Stuart Summers told FOX31.
Fans told the Problem Solvers many will ride RTD to games and other events to save money on parking.
“It’s a lot cheaper — it’s environmentally friendly,” one rider told FOX31.
RTD’s police force now consists of 80 officers, up from 19 in August 2022. The Department has budgeted for 96 officers and two detectives by the end of 2024.
RTD told FOX31 that rider feedback is a priority.
“They need to provide more trains and try to fix the rail so it goes a little faster,” said one frequent rider.
Customers can find resources for providing feedback on RTD’s website. Riders will also see an Impact Team on platforms serving as employee ambassadors. Riders can report problems through the Transit Watch app.
“Customers are telling us in real-time when they see a concern or challenging situation on our buses and trains at a stop or a station we can address those,” said Summers.
Eight RTD security recruits will graduate in December. Four will enter the academy in January 2025.