RTD ramps up public safety campaign aimed at new rail lines

The Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) soon will begin a public outreach campaign to educate area residents about the need to practice safety around three new commuter-rail lines the agency plans to open in 2016.

Through the national Operation Lifesaver model, RTD will plaster "Safety first" on every light-rail vehicle and bus to raise awareness, agency officials said in a press release.

The comprehensive campaign will focus on the East Rail Line to Denver International Airport (DIA), the first segment of the Northwest Rail Line to Westminster and the Gold Line to Arvada/Wheat Ridge.

The campaign along the East Rail Line will begin this month because testing and commissioning will begin there in spring, RTD officials said. That means the new rail cars will be operating on the track between downtown and DIA. Outreach for the Gold Line and Northwest Rail Line to Westminster is expected to begin later this year.

One focus of the program includes making sure everyone is aware of the 25,000-volt AC overhead electrical system that powers the trains, RTD officials said.