Overview

At the Regional Transportation District, the safety and security of our riders is a top priority. Our system-wide safety plan encompasses safety topics related to RTD's operations, our passengers, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. As a key member of the metro-area community, RTD is constantly working to create a safer transit environment.

With trains and buses always on the move, it is important to educate our riders and the public about the importance of safety on and around our transit system. RTD launched the Partners in Safety program in 2010, which is a collaborative effort between RTD employees, passengers and the public to create awareness of safety issues and take actions to promote a safer environment around our buses, trains, tracks and crossings.

  • Always wear a properly fitted helmet and securely fasten the chinstrap.
  • Ride in the same direction as traffic and follow traffic signs and signals.
  • Never user electronics while riding--they are distracting.
  • Watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
  • Wear bright-colored clothing.
  • Stand a safe distance from the curb and stay clear of the bus until it has stopped.
  • Never chase or hit a moving bus.
  • Hold on at all times as sudden stops may occur.
  • Remain seated while approaching your bus stop.
  • Don't speak loudly or make loud noises that could distract the driver.
  • Eyes up, phone down. Look up from your phone and pay attention--don't be distracted!
  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
  • Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets.
  • Cross at intersections or crosswalks, not in the middle of the road or between parked cars.

Train Ride Safety

  • Mind the gap. Watch your step while getting on and off the train.
  • Train doors close automatically; stand clear and listen for the warning chime.
  • Take time to review the Emergency Procedure signs posted in each train car.
  • In the event of an emergency, notify the train operator using the emergency intercom at either end of the train.

 Train Track Safety

  • Cross only at designated crossings and follow traffic rules.
  • Never walk or bike along the tracks; it is illegal and dangerous.
  • Look both ways before crossing the tracks--trains can travel from either direction at any time.
  • Remove your headphones when you are around trains or near the tracks.

Platform Safety

  • Stay behind the yellow line at all times.
  • Never sit on the platform edge or touch the outside of a train.
  • If you drop something onto the trackway, do not attempt to retrieve it.
  • Walk--do not run--on the platform. If you miss a train, wait for the next one.

Riding the Bus

  • Take an earlier trip. Buses move only as quickly as traffic allows.
  • Stand back. Buses may slide on snow as they approach the curb.
  • Make yourself visible to an approaching bus especially on dark winter mornings.
  • Bus steps become slippery from snow. Kick the snow from your shoes before stepping on the bus. Use the handrails and take your time.
  • Dress warmly and put on an extra layer. Even a short wait at your stop can be dangerous if you're not dressed for the weather.
  • Remember, your driver is doing his or her best to ensure you arrive at your destination despite bad road conditions.

Riding the Train

  • Although winter weather shouldn't slow travel times for trains, consider taking an earlier trip to ensure timely arrival.
  • Be careful on the platform during winter weather. Walk slowly and stay away from the platform edge until the train completely stops.
  • Snowy floors can be slippery. Kick the snow from your shoes before getting on the train.

Safety Quiz

A. Wherever you can see 1/4 mile in each direction

B. Only at designated crossing locations

C. Anywhere you can't see "No Trespassing" signs

D. It is never safe to cross the tracks


Answer: B. It is only safe to cross the tracks at designated crossings. Crossing anywhere else is unsafe and illegal. Always follow safety signage and obey warning devices like flashing red lights and gate arms.

A. Inspect the bag to see if electrical wires, switches, or electronic devices are sticking out

B. Yell loudly to warn others about the potential threat

C. Try locating the owner of the bag

D. Evacuate the area and immediately report the bag to RTD Transit Watch


Answer: D. If you see an unattended bag or item that looks unusual or suspicious, evacuate the area and notify authorities immediately. Do not attempt to examine or move the bag. Contact the transit police through the RTD’s Transit Watch app available on Android and iOS.

A. Slow down and proceed cautiously past the bus

B. Stop until the flashing red lights are no longer operating

C. Continue driving and honk your horn to warn pedestrians you are passing

D. See up so you can get through the area as quickly as possible


Answer: B. You must stop at least 20 feet before reaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection. You must remain stopped until the flashing red lights are no longer operating. Watch carefully for children near the school bus and children crossing the roadway before proceeding.

A. Remain seated while approaching your bus stop

B. Use handrails when boarding or exiting the bus

C. Hold on at all times while the vehicle is in motion if standing

D. Leave your luggage sitting in the aisle to make room for passengers to sit


Answer: D. Placing large items in the aisle is a safety hazard that prevents passengers from quickly evacuating the bus during an emergency. Able-bodied passengers traveling with large items, such as luggage, grocery caddies, and strollers must sit behind the bus Wheelchair Securement and Priority Seating areas and position their items so they are out of the aisle.

A. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets

B. Look up from your phone and pay attention

C. Do not cross the street in the middle of the road or between parked cars

D. All of the above


Answer: D. It is important for pedestrians to stay alert, be aware of their surroundings and obey traffic signs and signals. Stay visible to drivers at all times and make eye contact with them whenever possible. Pedestrians and drivers both share the responsibility of keeping themselves and others on the road safe.


DenverTrack Badge

Our partners at the Denver Police Department are committed to reducing auto thefts in Denver with their DenverTrack program. DenverTracks works with vehicle GPS systems to track stolen vehicles in real time. To learn more and register your vehicle, click here.

RTD Safety Facts

  • More than 400 security team members to serve you.
  • More than 300 hours of specialized operator training to operate any vehicle.
  • Two dispatch centers with 911 certified operators who can connect you with emergency response resources whenever needed.
  • More than 12,000 cameras across our stations to deter criminal activity and secure footage to aid in investigations.

Become a partner in safety by taking the safety pledge:

I pledge to be safe around buses and trains.

 
pledges so far

Together, we can make our buses and trains safer for everyone.

Spring cleaning safety checklist:

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. These detectors should be tested every month and batteries replaced at least once a year.
  • HEPA air purifiers and HVAC air filters – HEPA or high efficiency particulate air systems help eliminate small particles from the air in your home, which can be helpful for people with seasonal allergies. HVAC filters should be replaced on a regular basis to keep your HVAC system running efficiently. Furnace filters and air conditioning filters promote healthy living.
  • Check your medicine cabinet and first aid kits for outdated medications that should be properly disposed of, or check for items that need to be restocked like bandaids, antibacterial ointments, fever or pain reducers.
  • Visually inspect your home for water leaks or mold which can grow in cold, dark and damp places around your home. Mold can cause a variety of health issues from mild irritations to serious illnesses.
  • Spring cleaning can be tiring work. Do not rush or continue to work when you’re tired. Remember to take breaks, drink lots of water, and rest instead of being unsafe.
  • Be careful moving large pieces of furniture and appliances. Use the proper lifting technique and find someone for assistance for items too large for one person to move.
  • Be safe on ladders and step stools - having someone available to hold the ladder steady is good rule of thumb.
  • To prevent a fire hazard, clean dryer vents and chimney flues.
  • Remove tripping hazards by keeping stairs, landings, and walkways clear of boxes, bags and other clutter.
  • Always follow cleaning product labels, safety instructions and recommendations.
  • Wear a mask when cleaning dusty areas.
  • Put away all cleaning supplies when done as a preventative measure around children and pets.
  • Reevaluate your home’s security. Check all windows for locks and screens, and all door entrances for secure locks including garage doors. Garage door codes should be changed on a regular basis. Secure window wells, crawl spaces, porches, decks and fencing to make sure your yard is safe for you, kids and pets. Ensure locks on gates are secure. Install lighting and motion sensors, especially for back entrances that aren’t visible to the public.
  • An overall home inspection and necessary maintenance will keep your home safe for years to come