The University of Colorado A-Line train that carries passengers between Union Station and the Denver International Airport broke down for hours Friday afternoon, causing frustration among stranded passengers who took to social media to voice their concerns.
According to the Regional Transportation District, a train leaving the airport around 3:57 p.m. had its pantograph — a device on the train’s roof that collects power through contact with an overhead wire — “knocked off” the power system above. Westbound trains behind the defunct one were also held up. At the time, RTD said things would get rolling within 5 to 10 minutes, but it soon became clear to the nearly 200 passengers impacted that this wasn’t the case as the hours ticked by.
At 5 p.m., RTD tweeted that there were two disabled trains near Pena Station causing “severe delays.” The transportation district said bus shuttles were in place as an alternative.
An hour later, RTD updated the community through Twitter, alerting customers the A-Line train service remained suspended between DIA and 61st and Pena Stations until further notice. Bus shuttles service was operating eastbound and westbound between these stations, RTD said. Crews were trying to connect operating trains to the disabled trains to get them moving again.
Passengers onboard continued to ask for more information via social media, pleading for assistance after being stuck on the trains for hours without bathrooms.
@KyleClark please send help to stranded passengers on A Line! 3 hours — no one can make a decision! They won’t let us off and no bathrooms!
— HedgehogsRCool (@MargaretHunt103) April 21, 2018
This was our 1st visit to Denver and we’re only here for the weekend to see the Cubs and Rockies game and it may be the last. We were on the 2nd train that was stuck shortly after 4:00pm yesterday with no water and bathroom for 4 hours. This is in acceptable.
— helen (@jusmehb1) April 21, 2018
As customers began asking RTD to refund them for missed flights and other activities stranded passengers incurred the costs for, the transportation district said they could refund passengers for tickets but could not refund customers for alternative methods of transportation or other fees because they’re a taxpayer-funded agency.
So, let me get this straight. You operate the very train that caused this mess. And it was your train that caused some to miss flights, transfers, etc. and you can't re-imburse the passengers because you're a tax funded entity?
— Samuel Frahm (@SamuelFrahm) April 21, 2018
Nearing hour four stranded on the trains, passengers began to worry about heating and lighting issues.
Crews will be by to move you to a lit car now or in just a few minutes. You'll be on the move after that transfer is complete.
— RTD (@RideRTD) April 21, 2018
Near 8 p.m., RTD said both disabled trains were moving again and to expect delays for the next hour as trains got back on schedule.
“We sincerely apologize for the delays our passengers experienced,” wrote Scott Reed, RTD spokesman, in an email. “This clearly did not meet RTD’s expectations or standards. RTD and Denver Transit Operators are conducting a complete review of the incident to determine what occurred, how responses were made and how this may be prevented and properly handled moving forward.”
