RTD-Denver logged fewer accidents, trespassing and injuries in 2024

The Regional Transportation District–Denver (RTD) this week reported it logged fewer light-rail accidents, commuter-rail trespassing incidents and on-the-job injuries in 2024 than in 2023. 

RTD credits the improvements to its 2024 Vision Zero resolution and safety improvement projects across the light- and commuter-rail networks, RTD officials said in a press release.

Light rail’s preventable accident rate per 100,000 miles of revenue service fell 33.3% in 2024 compared to 2023. This met RTD's target reduction of less than one accident per 100,000 miles of revenue service. Commuter-rail trespassing incidents fell from 423 in 2023 to 399 in 2024, RTD officials said. The agency credits the reduction in trespassing to its partnership with Operation Lifesaver and the outreach done in communities along rail corridors. 

RTD reported 182 physical assaults and 314 non-physical assaults in 2024. Non-physical assaults defined as threats and harassment. While the number of reported physical assaults between 2023 and 2024 remained stable, non-physical assaults jumped 62%, because the Federal Transit Administration updated its reporting requirements for assaults on transit workers to include wider criteria for non-physical assaults, RTD officials said.

“While an increase in reportable events like non-physical assaults may seem negative at first glance, it actually reflects progress made to create a stronger safety culture,” said RTD Deputy CEO Angel Pena.