Safety and Security

Whether you’re waiting for a connection or traveling on a bus or train, RTD is focused on providing a Welcoming Transit Environment every step of your journey.

Our police officers and customer support teams work around the clock to ensure you safely reach your destination, and also have the information and tools needed for a comfortable and convenient connection.

We’re doubling down on our efforts to enhance your personal safety and security. RTD continues to add police officers, increase patrols, and upgrade cameras and lighting at facilities to improve safety and surveillance. Our recently enhanced and real-time reporting tools, such as live look-in cameras on vehicles and the Transit Watch smartphone app, make it easier for RTD to quickly respond.

Here's how we're making transit safer for you.

With RTD’s Transit Watch app, you never ride alone.

The app is a quick, easy, and anonymous way for riders to communicate directly to Transit Police about safety and security concerns. La aplicación Transit Watch ya está disponible en español.

Don't have a smart phone? Call or text RTD's Police Dispatch Center. In an emergency situation, always call 911.

Call: 303-299-2911
Text: 303-434-9100

Adding Live Look-In Cameras on All Vehicles

A major technology project has added live look-in cameras on all buses, and the installation of similar cameras on light rail vehicles is currently underway. The system enables RTD’s public safety dispatchers to both view and hear individuals, situations, and events occurring on a vehicle in the moment.

Monitoring Park-n-Rides and Garages

With more than 70 Park-n-Rides in RTD’s service area, the agency closely monitors all parking lots and garages, pedestrian bridges, and elevators. Security officers periodically check parked vehicles on its properties to ensure they are locked with windows closed and valuables out of sight. The officers leave behind a “report card” letting vehicle owners if they pass or fail the inspections so they can better keep their vehicles and belongings secure.

Increasing Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

RTD regularly cleans all vehicles, rail stations, and transit facilities to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for customers. Regular cleanings reduce hazards like spills and debris, removes graffiti, and reinforces public confidence in transit services.

Expanding the Customer Experience Elevator Program

In 2024, RTD reprogrammed elevators at select stations to rest with their doors open, an operational adjustment that limits and deters illegal and unwanted activities from taking place. Following the pilot program’s noteworthy success at three locations, the program was expanded to six light rail stations, and it is now being expanded to 70 additional elevators.

Installing Vinyl Seats on All Vehicles

A comprehensive project is underway to replace cloth seats on light rail vehicles with vinyl. The decades-old wool blend fabric is being swapped out for vinyl-covered seating that is easier to clean and maintain. Crews are adding the updated seat coverings to additional light rail vehicles each week.

Upgrading Lighting at Stations

To deter potential threats and support a more secure environment, RTD has installed brighter, well-placed lighting at stations and facilities to not only improve visibility and security, but reduce the risk of slips, trips, and other accidents. Do you have a suggestion for a location that needs enhanced lighting?

Installed Bus Operator Barriers

RTD has added bus shield barriers to its fleet to support a safer environment for operators. The custom-built shields feature a safety glass system that is reinforced by a steel door. The barriers are engineered to withstand blunt force objects.

In 2024, RTD had more than 65 million boardings. During that same time, there were approximately 43,000 security-related calls for service, or an average of 118 each day. That number includes all calls and text messages to RTD’s Transit Police Dispatch Center, as well as all incidents reported via the Transit Watch mobile application.

In January 2025, RTD received 2,774 security-related calls for service to the agency’s dispatch center. During that same month, RTD had approximately five million customer boardings, which equates to approximately one security-related report for every 1,800 boardings across the entire system. This metric includes everything from reports of graffiti and drug activity to noise complaints and unattended bags. Customer calls and reports allow RTD-PD to know what is happening in real time across the entire system, become aware of problematic areas that need addressed, and employ data-driven policing strategies.

We also know that customers are not reporting everything they see or experience, which limits our ability to identify patterns, prevent potential threats, and create a welcoming transit environment for everyone. When you take the time to report a suspicious activity or concern, it makes transit safer and more secure.

To see a full breakdown of all reports and metrics, visit our Performance Dashboard.