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Safety & Security

At RTD, your safety and security are our top priorities
Our system-wide safety plan encompasses many safety concerns related to RTD’s operations, our passengers, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. As an intrinsic member of the metro-area community, RTD has created the following programs to create a safer transit environment. Together, we can make our buses and trains safer for everyone.


Partners in Safety

Partners in Safety is a collaborative effort between RTD employees, our passengers, and the general public. As community partners, we all need to work together to create awareness of safety issues and take actions that promote a safer environment around our vehicles. Chances are, it’s been a while since you last used your superpowers, but we think you’re a hero all the same. Together, we can make our buses and trains safer for everyone.

    Partners in Safety key messages
  • Always look both ways before crossing light rail tracks.
  • Never walk, bike or drive across the tracks when you see a moving train or red traffic signal.
  • At the station, stand behind the yellow warning strip until the train stops and the doors open.
  • Never chase or hit a moving bus or train.
  • Never try to outrun a train on foot, bike, or any other vehicle.
  • Yield to bus as it enters the flow of traffic – it’s the law.
  • Never walk or bike along train tracks.
  • Buses have blind spots, don’t follow too closely.

You’d be amazed at how many people think they can catch a moving bus, or cross the light rail tracks in front of an oncoming train. Awareness and vigilance can prevent accidents and save lives.

Use Night Stop for added safety
Traveling by bus after dark? From 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., ask your bus driver to drop you off at any safe location along the route. Inform the driver that you would like a special stop, at least one block in advance.
The driver will determine a safe stopping point and ask that you exit through the front door of the bus.

Night Stop service is available along all RTD bus routes, except the downtown Denver area bordered by 11th Ave., Grant St., 23rd St., Speer Blvd., and I-25 due to the frequency of established stops as well as numerous police patrols.

Learn more about Partners in Safety
For more information or to schedule a school or group tour, call 303.299.6000

For specific information about Night Stop, call:
Denver/Boulder 303.299.6000
Outside (303) Area Code 800.366.7433
Longmont 303.776.4142

Yield to Bus. It’s safe, AND it’s the law.
Did you know that a bus driver’s most-difficult task is re‑entering traffic from a bus stop?
In an effort to enhance the flow of traffic, improve transit reliability, and make roads safer for everyone, Colorado created the Yield to Bus Law. Motorists must yield the right-of-way to transit buses merging into traffic from a bus stop.

How does the law work?
When an RTD bus signals its intention to re-enter traffic, all drivers approaching from the rear or in the lane adjacent to the bus are required to slow down or stop to allow the bus to merge.

Is there a penalty for not yielding to a bus?
Yes, the failure to yield is a moving Class A traffic violation, punishable with a fine and points on your driver’s license.
What should I do when I see a merging bus?
Be super smart, responsible, and use your best judgment. Follow these simple guidelines.
  • Always use caution
  • Watch for the illuminated Yield to Bus light on the back of all RTD buses
  • Slow down or stop to allow the bus to merge back into traffic
  • Safely change lanes if you no longer want to travel behind the bus
  • Do not attempt to change lanes quickly to overtake the bus
  • Do not speed up to prohibit the bus or other motorists from entering the lane



Thank you for your cooperation in helping to make our roads safer.

If you see something, say something

Transit Watch is an innovative program that trains RTD Transit Police and Security Officers in the latest law enforcement techniques and counter-terrorism measures. From increased patrols and electronic surveillance, to unannounced security sweeps of RTD vehicles and facilities, we take every precaution to ensure the security of our vehicles and passengers.

As a vital part of Transit Watch, we rely on our passengers and the general public to be aware of and alert to any suspicious or dangerous activity on RTD buses and trains. We ask for your help in identifying and reporting such behaviors, including the following:

Suspicious appearance
A person or persons wearing clothes unsuitable for the time of year

Anything protruding in an unusual manner underneath a person's clothing

A person trying to blend in with surroundings, even though he or she appears out of place
Suspicious behavior
Nervousness, tension or excessive sweating

Individuals abandoning a package and hastily departing the area

Walking slowly while surveying the area or running in a suspicious manner

Taking unauthorized photos of transit operations and equipment
Suspicious items and packages
Electrical wires, switches or electronic devices sticking out of a bag or clothing

Unattended bags, packages, boxes or backpacks

Unexplained smoke, mist, gas, vapor, odor or leaking fluid

Spray bottles or aerosol canisters
    Tips for staying safe on trains, buses, and platforms
  • If you see something suspicious or someone involved in dangerous activity on an RTD vehicle, contact RTD's
    security command center by using the phone located on the train platform or the police by calling 911.
  • Be prepared with a plan to maintain contact with family or friends in the event of an emergency.
  • In the event of an emergency, stay calm, listen carefully and follow instructions.
  • Notify a train operator from the emergency intercom outside the operator's door at either end of the train.
  • Emergency exit procedures are listed on all windows, ceiling escape hatches and doors.

Contact Transit Watch
Report suspicious behavior or packages, 24/7 to RTD Transit Watch:


Lead by example:
Join RTD’s Community Emergency Response Team!

RTD’s CERT program is a free three-day training course that provides volunteers with basic-level training from homeland security experts in disaster preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, medical operations, search and rescue, and basic emergency management skills.

Participants are trained to provide immediate emergency assistance to fellow passengers and learn proper evacuation procedures on RTD vehicles. CERT is part of a national program to promote disaster preparedness and support people helping people.

    To become a CERT volunteer, you must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older
  • Be a regular RTD bus or light rail rider
  • Pass a background check
  • Make a two-year commitment to the program
  • Complete a free three-day training session
  • Be able to participate in one training exercise per year
  • Be available to assist with any RTD bus or light rail system emergency

Contact us
To register for classes or to learn more about CERT, please call 303.299.2650 or email CERT@rtd-denver.com.

Training schedule
You must complete all three classes to receive your certification of completion and CERT backpack. All classes are held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Regional Transportation District located at 1600 Blake Street (rooms T & D) in Denver.
January series 01-14 • 01-21 • 01-28
February series 02-11 • 02-18 • 02-25
March advanced series 03-10 • 03-17 • 03-24
April series 04-14 • 04-21 • 04-28
May series 05-12 • 05-19 • 05-26
June advanced series 06-09 • 06-16 • 06-23
July series 07-14 • 07-21 • 07-28
August series 08-11 • 08-18 • 08-25
September advanced series 09-08 • 09-15 • 09-22
October series 10-13 • 10-20 • 10-27
November series 11-03 • 11-10 • 11-17
Advanced continuing education classes are available to current CERT members only. Meals are not provided. Attire is casual.


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Denver, Colorado 80202

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