Denver Transit To Boost Security Presence

Colorado’s Regional Transportation District, which serves the Denver area, “says a proposed security contract extension would result in a more visible presence of officers across its system as the agency grapples with recurring drug use, harassment of operators and other problems,” according to an article by Jon Murray in The Denver Post.

“The overall changes would increase security staffing and make guards more visible on buses, trains and platforms across metro Denver, with brighter uniforms to make them stand out, said Steve Martingano, RTD’s interim transit police chief. That’s on top of Allied’s recent headway in reducing double-digit vacancy rates, according to its reports to RTD, boosting its actual staffing by three dozen this spring.”

Murray notes that despite the proposed staffing increases, “it’s clear the coming year won’t bring an overwhelming security surge. Or, as some riders have hoped, the assurance of a security presence onboard every light-rail train and bus — a likely impossible task.”

Around the country, “Other big transit agencies have faced security challenges as they’ve contended with slow pandemic ridership recoveries, the opioid epidemic and other problems spilling onto their platforms and vehicles. Though RTD’s ridership has improved over the last year, in April it stood at just 55% compared to April 2019.”