RTD receives approval to begin limited testing on the G Line testing to begin June 14, 2017

DENVER (June 13, 2017) —The Regional Transportation District (RTD) and its contractor, Transit Partners (DTP), have been given regulatory approval to begin testing along the G Line. Commuter rail trains will begin moving along the corridor from Wheat Ridge through Arvada and into unincorporated Adams County on June 14, 2017.

The initial phase of testing on the G Line will be limited, with only a few test trains running Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The number of trains and frequency will increase as testing progresses toward the fully published G Line schedule. Once full schedule testing is completed the G Line is expected to open to passengers in the second half of 2017.

“We are excited to be bringing commuter rail service to the communities along the G line. Authorization to perform testing on the G Line is evidence of the dedication RTD and DTP have in working with the regulatory agencies to ensure a safe system for our riders,” General Manager and CEO Dave Genova said. “Safety is RTD’s top priority, and it is important for the public to be aware and exercise caution when walking, biking or driving near the commuter rail alignment.”

Train horns will be used during testing leading up to the opening of the G Line. Train operators are required to sound horns along the line until quiet zones at the crossings have been established by rail regulatory agencies.

The current testing process is focused on communication systems, signaling systems and the communication of traffic and rail signals at railroad crossings. While these systems are tested, railroad or at-grade crossings along the alignment are subject to closures. Those who attempt to bypass the gate arms and enter the testing area are at risk for serious injury or death and are trespassing illegally.

Testing along the G line could last from 45 to 90 days during which time people should pay attention and obey all safety signage at railroad crossings and familiarize themselves with the new train activity. Anyone wishing to view the trains being tested should do so from safe, publicly accessible spaces. Construction areas at stations and various locations along the alignment are off limits for this purpose.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

RTD Public Relations will be on-site at • Federal Station on Wednesday, April 14th in the morning (time TBD) for media to conduct interviews, film b-roll and take still images of the commuter rail train as it begins testing that morning. The station is located at Federal Boulevard and 61st Avenue.

Interview topics will be limited to the testing of the G line and the Art-n-Transit program. The media is asked to stay on the sidewalk adjacent to 61st Avenue and not enter onto the station campus property.

# # #

The G Line commuter rail service will travel 11 miles between Union Station and Wheat Ridge, passing through Northwest Denver, Adams County and Arvada, and is part of RTD’s 2004 voter-approved FasTracks program to expand transit across the Denver metro region.

For route and schedule information, please call RTD’s Telephone Information Center at 303.299.6000. The speech- and hearing-impaired can call 303.299.6089.

RTD’s mission is to provide safe, clean, reliable, courteous, accessible and cost-effective bus and rail services across the eight-county district. The public transit agency fulfills more than 100 million passenger trips annually and is creating a larger, better and more accessible system through innovation, public-private partnerships and transit-oriented communities. For more information, visit www.rtd-denver.com.