RTD takes every precaution to provide safe transit operations every day. We're constantly upgrading and evaluating all of our security measures to ensure the safety of our employees and passengers. From increased patrols and surveillance cameras to other behind the scene measures, RTD takes safety very seriously. We've even developed several programs to help keep everyone who uses RTD as secure as possible while still providing fast, efficient service.

Transit Watch – RTD's Safety and Security Awareness Program

We're Partnering For Your Safety
Dedicated RTD Transit police and security officers service and protect one of the metro area's most valuable asset - public transit. RTD's security division works diligently to maintain the integrity of the entire system for your safety.

The RTD Transit Police and Security Division has partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide you with valuable information concerning possible threats to our transit system and what to do in case of such an event. Together we can work to maintain a safe way to keep you on the move.

We're Always On Watch
The RTD Transit Police and Security Division officers are educated in counter-terrorism measures in addition to the extensive training in the latest law enforcement techniques. Officers routinely patrol bus and light rail lines and conduct unannounced sweeps of transit centers, bus and train stations, park-n-Ride lots and bus stops/shelters. Monitoring systems are installed at transit stations and park-n-Rides to further enhance surveillance capabilities.

Working in conjunction with federal counter-terrorist intelligence organizations, RTD is creating a safe environment for its passengers.

Helping You Spot a Potential Threat
RTD is prepared to respond in the event of a crisis and has a plan in place to ensure the continued safety of our riders. Together we can work to actively make our transit system safer by keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings. Remember, if you see something, say something.

Be Alert
When we all make a commitment to be alert when riding transit, the result is a first-rate line of defense against a natural or man-made disaster. Look for the following:

External 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 clearly trying to blend with the surrounding population, by dress and/or behavior, even though he or she appears out of place

Suspicious behavior

Nervousness, tension and excessive sweating
Individuals in the act of abandoning a package and hastily departing the area
Walking slowly while surveying the area or running in a suspicious manner
Taking 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, backpacks
Unexplained smoke, mist, gas, vapor, odor or leaking fluid
Sprayer bottles or aerosol canisters

Staying safe on train platforms

Contact RTD's security command center by using the phone located on the platform or the police by calling 911 on your cell phone.
Remember an emergency situation could create crowds; therefore, it is important to stay calm and act in an orderly fashion. Listen carefully for station announcements and follow instructions quickly and calmly.
Platforms are equipped with cameras that are monitored by RTD's security division monitors.

Staying safe on buses and trains

Always follow the operator's instructions quickly and calmly. Emergency exit procedures are listed on all windows, ceiling escape hatches and doors.
If you see someone involved in a dangerous activity on an RTD vehicle, keep your distance and contact the RTD bus or train operator immediately.
Notify a train operator by using the emergency intercom located outside the operator's door at either end of the train.
Most buses and all trains are equipped with cameras that record on-board activity

General Safety Tips

If you see someone leave a package, politely bring it to their attention.
Create a plan in advance for maintaining contact with family members or friends by creating an emergency quick reference card with key phone numbers.
Avoid using cellular phones, radios, or anything that emits an electronic signal within 300 feet of materials or devices that look explosive.
If you are involved in a threatening situation, when authorities arrive remain calm and answer any questions.

If you see something, say something!
Report suspicious behavior or packages, 24/7 to RTD Transit Watch:

Community Emergency Response Team

RTD Challenges Employees and Riders to Stand Up!
If this were an emergency, would you take it sitting down?

If you’re the type of person who takes action in an emergency, RTD needs you to be a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer. You will be trained by experts in homeland security to provide immediate assistance and aid until first responders reach the scene. CERT is part of a national program to promote disaster preparedness and support people helping people.

Light Rail Safety Tips
Please follow these guidelines when you are near light rail tracks:

The number-one light rail safety rule is "Do not trespass."
Always look both ways before crossing the tracks.
Never walk or drive across tracks when you see a moving train or a red traffic signal.
Stand behind the yellow warning strip at light rail stations until the train stops.
Never walk or bike along train tracks.
In case of an emergency on the train, use the intercom on the operator's cab door at the front and back of each train car. Press button to talk to the operator for assistance. Each train has a two-way radio to contact authorities.
Use common sense and courtesy on trains and at light rail stations, especially when crowds are boarding and exiting.
Stay away from electrical wires and couplers between the train cars; they are dangerous.
Overhead electric lines and connectors between the train cars carry high voltage. If you see an overhead line hanging free, do not touch it or let anything else touch it. Please notify RTD immediately at 303.299.6000.

Night Stop
Traveling by bus after dark? Between 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., the Night Stop program allows you to ask your bus driver to drop you off at any safe location along the route. It can be a regular stop or closer to where you need to go. This service is provided to help riders feel more secure when arriving at their stop after dark.

How to Use Night Stop Service

At least one block before you want to get off, move to the front of the bus and tell the driver you want a special stop.
The driver will determine a safe stopping point for you and the bus. Drivers will not allow passengers to exit in unsafe areas such as unlit or unpopulated locations, or in ditches or snowdrifts.
Exit through the front door of the bus.
The driver will ask other passengers to wait for the next stop. This ensures that you will be the only passenger to depart at your requested stop.

Night Stop Service Area
Night Stop service is not available in the downtown Denver area bordered by 11th Ave., Grant St., 23rd St., Speer Blvd., and I-25 because of the frequency of stops already made in this area by RTD bus drivers as well as the amount of police patrols.

Night Stop Information
Denver/Boulder 303.299.6000
Outside (303) Area Code 800.366.7433
Longmont 303.776.4142

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