Welcoming Transit Environment

In Progress

Updated October 5 2023

Increase cleaning frequency – ONGOING
Upgrade interior and exterior lighting – IN DESIGN
Affix “ENTER” and “EXIT” labels to the sliding doors leading to the concourse, and place handrails and directional signs, to facilitate customer flow and mitigate loitering – COMPLETED
Replace inoperative lighting throughout the bus concourse – COMPLETED
Deactivate or cover electrical outlets in walkway areas – COMPLETED
Broadcast pre-recorded audio announcements in English and Spanish, to include information on services, fares, and public safety – COMPLETED
Convert commuter rail platform stairs to emergency exit only – COMPLETED
Install barriers to prevent access to the area between the elevators and glass walls at Wewatta and Chestnut pavilions – COMPLETED
Install signage to encourage movement and discourage loitering – COMPLETED
Install smoke detectors in the restrooms – COMPLETED
Install TV monitors displaying security camera feeds at the main entrances to the concourse, so that security personnel can observe activity throughout the facility – COMPLETED
Establish a paid fare area, ensuring that only individuals in possession of appropriate fare will have access to the bus concourse. To facilitate a paid fare area, changes will include:
- Updates to RTD’s paper tickets, transfer passes, mobile tickets and EcoPasses – UNDERGOING ANALYSIS
- Installation of turnstiles, exit gates or other barriers at concourse entryways – IN DESIGN

Project Overview

2023

Public transit is interwoven into the fabric of the communities it serves. Public spaces and services throughout the Denver metro region, including those within Denver’s urban core, and in particular Denver Union Station and its bus concourse and surrounding areas, have been harshly impacted by individuals engaging in unwanted activities.

The safety and security of RTD’s customers, employees, and all who use the agency’s services and facilities are of the utmost importance to RTD. In every regard, the public entrusts RTD to deliver them to their final destination in a manner that is safe, comfortable, and dependable.

Bus concourse restrooms have reopened

Restrooms are available for use from 5 a.m. to midnight daily. To ensure a safe and welcoming transit environment for all customers, RTD implemented new protocol for restroom use:

A security officer will be stationed next to the restrooms during hours of operation
Only two people are allowed into the restroom at a time
The restrooms are available to customers by badged entry provided by the security officer; customers can exit the restrooms at any time
Security officers will monitor the time customers are inside and will conduct periodic checks to make sure the restrooms are being used for their intended purpose
Any customer engaging in inappropriate conduct will be asked to leave the restroom immediately

TV Monitors Added to Bus Concourse Entrances

Several large screens have been mounted at the southeastern entrance to the bus concourse, as well as the other main entrances to this space, at Chestnut and Wewatta pavilions. These monitors display security camera feeds at these locations – and also serve as a reminder that all individuals inside the concourse are on camera. As is the case across all RTD properties, the high-definition cameras placed throughout the concourse can be observed 24 hours a day by RTD security staff.

Cleaning Notice

Union Station is closed from 12:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. daily for cleaning.

Changes to Policing Structure

RTD in April 2022 restructured its forces into four patrol-specific impact teams, focused on bus, rail, community engagement, and mental health and unhoused outreach. “We changed our deployments to be more visible and proactive and engaged,” said Interim Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano. “The prior model was very reactive. It’s better to be at locations in real time to deter criminal activity and to be available for customers.” This new approach will allow each team to focus its efforts within respective areas of responsibility.

RTD Transit Police Careers

The RTD Transit Police Department is projected to grow by over 40 officers in a year as we expand to better serve our communities. Learn more about the plan to expand how the team will grow.