Providing transit services to a metro region is a complex endeavor that requires more than simply deploying buses to stops or trains to stations. An impressive level of orchestration happens behind the scenes daily to serve RTD’s thousands of customers safely and efficiently. When the system runs well, customers tell us.
When maintenance projects and disruptions impact the public’s ability to travel as planned, people also let us know. Anyone who has recently used RTD is likely aware that a lot of work is underway, with multiple projects occurring simultaneously.
While it is not our intent to inconvenience anyone, maintaining a reliable transit system is critically important. RTD is working as responsibly as possible to prioritize a backlog of projects that are essential to ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of services. Many maintenance projects have been deferred for years and must happen now. Continuing to wait any longer will introduce larger problems and unexpected issues.
Managing and maintaining assets and infrastructure maximizes benefits, reduces risk and provides quality assurance for all individuals who entrust RTD to deliver them to their destinations. It also lengthens the system’s life and improves its integrity. As the general manager and CEO of the agency, it is paramount that I ensure our assets are in a state of good repair. It is not lost on me that maintenance activities result in disruptions, which impact convenience. All projects require coordination with local governments and third parties, often months or years in advance.
At any given moment, between 10 and 15 maintenance projects are underway, with most work impacting the agency’s 220-plus miles of rail track. Work usually takes place at night or within a relatively short window. Additionally, maintenance work is significantly weather-dependent. This means that the suitable window for projects in Colorado is mid-May to the end of September. Maintenance also requires sufficient staffing, an ongoing issue impacting RTD and other organizations.
RTD rail cars, which have already traveled more than 6 million miles this year, traverse a maturing rail network that now requires maintenance to ensure the infrastructure is in a state of good repair. Much of the original rail in the downtown Denver loop was installed in the early ’90s and has never been replaced. That section of track has been subjected to heavier use by an increasing volume of train and vehicle traffic.
RTD also knows well that the best laid plans are often interrupted by unexpected conditions. We have watched that truth recently play out with many factors affecting planned projects:
Heavy rain delayed the start of work to reinforce the caps installed on top of retaining walls along light rail’s southeast corridor that runs parallel to I-25.
RTD’s maintenance of way staff, which supports the agency’s right of way, has experienced a personnel vacancy rate of approximately 40% for more than two years.
In early June, an unexpected network issue impacted the computer system that manages automated processes for light rail, including the lowering of crossing arms at four locations along the R Line in Aurora. This issue required staff to pivot and respond during a three-week period.
People power challenges led to a delay of pre-planned overhead wire work that caused a three-day disruption at a few light rail stations.
When asked about RTD’s system and the possibility of future expansion, I often relate that RTD is similar to owning a home. Home ownership requires continual upkeep, ongoing repairs and routine maintenance. Sometimes, community members hypothetically want RTD to add a pool to the home’s backyard before replacing a leaky roof. While a pool would be nice, foundational repairs need to be made first to ensure the existing home is safe and habitable.
As RTD strives to provide the highest level of service, there will be challenges along the way. All project planning is guided by safety, and the agency is working toward minimizing and mitigating the impact while sustaining service. I extend my deepest thanks to RTD’s customers and all who have made time to contact me about these disruptions. While maintenance is a reality of public transportation, my team will always find a way to keep the agency’s vehicles moving and making lives better through connections.
Debra A. Johnson is the general manager and CEO of the Regional Transportation District (RTD).
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