The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has seen “tangible” improvements in safety and security at Union State over the last three years.

RTD launched the “Reclaim Union Station” strategy in March 2022 in an effort to reduce crime and improve safety for the riders and employees at the transportation hub in downtown Denver.

On Friday, RTD reported that it saw a 60% decrease in security-related calls at the station since the implementation of the new security strategy. It also saw a three-year decrease in reports of criminal activities between 2022 and 2025 at Denver Union Station, according to a news release from the public agency.

“Union Station is RTD’s primary intermodal transit hub. For many people, it’s their first impression of the agency and the services provided,” Debra A. Johnson, RTD’s general manager and CEO, said in the release.

In the first quarter of 2022, RTD logged approximately 5,000 security-related calls for service at Union Station, according to the release. RTD saw only 2,127 in the first quarter of 2025.

“Month-over-month comparisons reflect similar reductions going back to early 2022 when RTD first doubled down on efforts to improve personal safety and security at the intermodal transit facility,” the agency said.

Calls for service include customer reports of graffiti, drug activity, noise complaints, unattended bags and other personal safety concerns.

Overall, the strategy involved hiring new officers for RTD’s transit police department and establishing consistent patrols throughout the station, rail platforms and underground bus concourse 24/7.

In 2022, the agency had fewer than 20 full-time officers on its force, and that number has since grown to approximately 100 officers, RTD said. The department aims to have 150 officers by the end of the year.

Along with the increase of patrols and police presence at the hub, RTD’s police department also implemented Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) efforts to reduce crime and create an “overall welcoming environment for customers,” the agency said.

These environmental improvements included new lights on platforms, smoke detectors in bathrooms, landscaping redesigns to reduce loitering and classical music added to the concourse.

“These improvements to personal safety and security at Union Station have been noticed and appreciated by RTD’s employees, customers and the public,” RTD Acting Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano said.

Along with the improvements at Union Station, the agency reported last month that security-related calls for service have been cut “in half” across RTD’s buses, trains, stops and stations throughout the metro.

“Similar month-over-month decreases were also noted going back to July 2024, shortly after RTD implemented 24/7 patrols and gained momentum in recruiting additional police officers,” the agency said.