RTD sees year-over-year reports of illicit drug activity decrease for the thirteenth consecutive month
Customer reports of illicit drug activity decreased an average of 65% per month in 2025 when compared to the same period last year
The Regional Transportation District (RTD)is experiencing year-over-year decreases in customer reports of illicit drug activity for the 13th consecutive month. On average, year-over-year reports are down 65% each month in 2025. June also marked the first time in more than three years that illicit drug activity was not the most frequently reported customer incident type. RTD has also recorded year-over-year declines in security-related calls for service in every month of 2025.
In 2023, RTD averaged 247 customer reports of illicit drug activity per month, with 350 incidents reported in January of that year. The monthly average declined to 177 in 2024, and has dropped further to 78 in 2025 to date. Customer reports of illicit drug activity accounted for nearly 60% of all Transit Watch reports received by RTD in 2023. Incident reports have declined by roughly two-thirds over the past two years. Last month, illicit drug activity represented 21% of all customer-reported incidents that were received by the agency via its Transit Watch mobile app.
For community transparency, RTD launched a Security-Related Metrics webpage earlier this year that details RTD Transit Police Department (RTD-PD) metrics and activity reports. The online information includes the number of security-related calls for service, incidents reported via the Transit Watch app, reports of illicit drug activity, rail fare checks, arrests, and calls for service per customer boarding, among other security metrics. The webpage also has a breakdown of customer reports made via the Transit Watch app going back to January 2023.
Security-related calls for service, a metric that includes calls and text messages into the RTD-PD Dispatch Center, as well as radio communications and incidents reported via Transit Watch, have also seen double-digit, year-over-year decreases going back to July 2024. Security-related calls for service reflect a wide range of customer and officer reports, including graffiti, noise complaints, illicit drug activity, theft, unattended bags, and other personal safety concerns.
RTD Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano attributes the increased visibility of the agency's officers as a significant factor in a systemwide reduction of security-related reports. “RTD-PD is taking a more proactive approach with officers actively patrolling areas, and we’re using metrics to identify high-need areas for increased patrols. In sharing our metrics with customers and the public, we're working to be transparent and help the communities we serve understand RTD’s commitment to their personal safety and security.”
While security-related calls and reports through the Transit Watch app declined, Transit Police officers simultaneously increased the number of proactive fare checks. RTD-PD officers and security personnel conducted 439,961 rail fare checks in July 2025 alone. That number reflects an increase of more than 500% in fare checks since August 2024, averaging 300,000-400,000 a month this year. Increasing fare checks is one part of RTD-PD's four-step security plan to support customers and employees. The plan also entails maintaining a high visibility of officer presence, educating customers about the Respect the Ride Code of Conduct, and using technology for real-time surveillance of stops, stations and, in the event of an emergency, vehicles.
Earlier this year, RTD added a Your Safety webpage to highlight multiple tactics the agency is using to reinforce personal safety efforts and promote a Welcoming Transit Environment.
RTD encourages customers to download and use its Transit Watch app. The mobile application empowers customers to discretely or anonymously report suspicious or unsafe activity, as well as communicate directly with a police dispatcher 24 hours a day. The app is free and available in English and Spanish. Customers who do not have a smartphone can contact RTD-PD by calling 303.299.2911 or texting 303.434.9100. In the event of an emergency, customers should always call 911. Emergency phones are also available at select rail stations and transit facilities, directly connecting individuals with RTD's dispatchers.