BusRail

RTD prepares for frigid temperatures this weekend

DENVER (Jan. 17, 2025) – As the Regional Transportation District (RTD) prepares for this weekend’s cold,customers should plan ahead by signing up for Service Alerts and bundling up.If heavy snow falls, delays and slower travel times can be expected as train and bus operators continue to navigate frigid conditions from the forecasted Arctic blast.

RTD’s ultimate goal is to deliver everyone safely to their destinations but cautions customers that travel on adverse weather days sometimes takes a little longer. While snow is expected, if icy conditions do exist, bus schedules can be affected by the same road conditions the public encounters while driving their own vehicles, including traffic delays. Rail vehicles can be delayed because of the need for slower speeds around train stations and through crossings. Access-a-Ride and FlexRide customers should expect delays and consider rescheduling non-essential trips.

RTD staff will be on alert and will take care of issues that may occur. Transit vehicles and infrastructure are designed to sustain in this type of weather. Here are some winter weather procedures RTD implements on the system.

Rail Operations:

  • Rail Operations will monitor conditions and run “sweep trains”if needed to keep the overhead wires from icing up
  • Light rail steps are heated to avoid ice and snow build-up
  • Crews will exercise track switches as needed so they do not freeze
  • Operators and vehicle maintenance technicians will exercise train doors to mitigate ice buildup on thresholds from moisture that can create issues for the doors to function properly 
  • Vehicle maintenance teams will have technicians staged in case there are mechanical issues
  • Crews will verify all track switch heaters operate and function as intended 
  • Crews will monitor all grade crossings and install water repellent to signal lenses and flashers as required
  • Crews will be on trains and on rail network inspecting track and wire prepared to make repairs as necessary

Bus Operations and FlexRide:

  • Bus operators undergo annual refresher training for driving in snow and ice
  • Bus operators will not shut down in-service vehicles so they will stay warm and to avoid difficulty restarting
  • Bus Maintenance checks vehicle heaters in advance of cold weather, fuels vehicles with lower freeze point diesel fuel, prepares service trucks and tow trucks for response or recovery events 
  • Additional street supervisors are on the system to ensure that stuck buses and accidents due to weather are addressed quickly, and they can monitor bus stops for customers; supervisors will monitor for impacts due to ice and cold and assist in early morning cold-starts to help meet pullout
  • Bus operators are trained on how to put chains on tires if needed on mountain routes
  • RTD buses navigate through the same traffic and road conditions as personal vehicles, so customers are asked to be patient and leave as early as possible for their destination

Access-a-Ride:

  • Bus operators undergo annual refresher training for driving in snow and ice
  • Additional street supervisors are on the system to ensure that stuck buses and accidents due to weather are addressed quickly; supervisors will monitor for impacts due to ice and cold and assist in early morning cold-starts to help meet pullout
  • RTD buses navigate through the same traffic and road conditions as personal vehicles, so customers are asked to be patient and leave as early as possible for their destinations
  • Reservations staff actively engages customers through automatic callouts on pending bad weather events and asks them to consider rescheduling non-essential appointments

Facilities:

  • Crews monitor the situation and will be out clearing crossings and walks as necessary 
  • Customers should watch for ice when boarding vehicles as wet shoes can create icy conditions on vehicle steps and in aisles. When necessary, crews will apply ice/snow melt materials.

RTD customers should plan ahead, stay informed and prepare to be outside by dressing appropriately for extreme temperatures. To access the most current information:

  • Sign up for Service Alerts
  • Check Next Ride for real-time locations of light rail trains and buses
  • Call Customer Care, 303.299.6000, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.,Saturdays/holidays;closed Sundays

Written by RTD Staff