In a region with a full calendar of transit construction projects and high hopes for a positive stream of news, a premier and historic project has not gone as smoothly as hoped.
John Aguilar reports: "The price tag to man the 11 at-grade crossings along the 23-mile train route out to Denver International Airport since it opened a year ago: nearly $6 million and counting, according to calculations made by The Denver Post."
The high price tag isn't being paid by taxpayers (the Regional Transportation District's private sector partner Denver Transit Partners gets that privilege), but it's "perhaps the most visible and vexing sign that the state’s pre-eminent transit project has had a far rockier rollout than many had hoped."
Moreover, the problems with the gates have "ripple effects" to other parts of the RTD's capital investment program. According to Aguilar, "[a]s long as hang-ups persist with the timing of the gates that stop motorists from driving onto the tracks, there can be no progress on opening the G-Line to the western suburbs."
The cost comes from stationing officers in both the Denver and Aurora police departments at the crossings, as well as flaggers. RTD and Denver Transit Partners officials have not set any timetable for the reduction of staffing requirements at the A-Line's grade crossings.
Is it Fair to Blame Commuter Rail Woes on Private Operators?
Recent problems on the commuter rail operations contracted out by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Denver's Regional Transportation District caught the eye of Governing's transportation and infrastructure reporter.
Denver Train Problems Caused by Tall Buildings: RTD
The A and G Lines use GPS for their crossing gates, they claim that a new software patch and other improvements would resolve those issues and put the G line on schedule.
Train to Denver Airport Threatened with Closure over Crossing Gate Woes
The Federal Railroad Administration is threatening to revoke the waiver that allows the A-Line to operate with flaggers at grade crossings unless the Regional Transit District presents a plan by mid-month to fix the crossing gate problems.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
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The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
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Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)