The Regional Transportation District is reminding customers and the public to exercise caution around trains and tracks as the agency increases rail service frequency starting this weekend.

The changes include more frequent trains on the B and G lines, an extension of the R Line to RidgeGate Station and a temporary T Line in the southeast corridor.

The adjustments come amid ongoing work on the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project.

The agency said vigilance remains essential near tracks. According to Operation Lifesaver Inc., more than 2,100 people are injured or killed in railroad crossing and trespassing incidents each year across North America.

In the United States, a person or vehicle is struck by a train nearly every three hours.

There have been 1,456 rail-related accidents since 2017 in Colorado, including 100 fatalities.

Rail-related deaths in the Denver area typically fall into two main categories: vehicle-train collisions at crossings and pedestrian strikes, often involving trespassers on or near the tracks.

Recent incidents in Denver have included multiple pedestrian fatalities involving RTD light rail and commuter trains.

RTD operates 10 rail lines spanning 114.19 miles of track and the agency has worked to improve its safety record in recent years.

Its light rail preventable accident rate dropped to 0.08 per 100,000 miles of revenue service in 2024, a 33.3 percent improvement from the previous year and well below the target of fewer than one per 100,000 miles.

Commuter rail trespassing incidents also declined to 399 in 2024 from 423 the year before, according to district reports.

Among peer transit agencies, RTD has demonstrated strong performance on key safety metrics, consistently meeting or exceeding internal and federal targets for minimizing incidents and fatalities. Despite those gains, every preventable death remains one too many, RTD officials said.

The agency and Operation Lifesaver offered several reminders for the public: Always expect a train because schedules can shift and freight trains do not run on fixed timetables. Never walk on the tracks because it is both dangerous and illegal. Trains cannot stop quickly.

A freight train traveling 55 mph needs more than a mile to come to a halt, while some RTD trains reach 79 mph. Trains always have the right of way, including over emergency vehicles. Modern trains are quieter and faster than many people realize.

Only cross at designated crossings and obey all signals. Stay alert and avoid distractions such as headphones or texting.

RTD has promoted safety through its Partners in Safety program since 2010, encouraging employees, customers and community members to work together. The agency also provides simulator training for light rail operators.
Customers can view RTD’s rail safety video on the agency’s website for additional tips.