Denver RTD light-rail derailment prompts safety action plan

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has ordered the Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) to file a corrective action plan that outlines the safety measures the agency has taken since a light-rail train derailed in Aurora in January.

The PUC will begin a standard investigation into the R Line derailment that injured nine passengers. RTD’s internal investigation determined the derailment occurred because the train was speeding. The train's operator has been terminated, according to an RTD press release.

In response to the accident, RTD has taken the following safety steps: 

• enhanced training of all operators;
• added speed limit signage;
• created operator bulletins that address issues as they arise;
• shared safety information through daily train orders; and
• added unannounced observations of train operations to ensure compliance.

 “As soon as this incident occurred, we began analyzing our processes and started taking action right away,” said RTD Chief Safety Officer Mike Meader. “We will continue to partner with the PUC to address all of their concerns and respond as necessary as we work to enhance safety across our entire rail system.”