Operational problems plaguing the new University of Colorado A-Line are giving the Regional Transportation District a black eye, say some RTD board members.
This is in spite of respectable passenger and on-time numbers.
Since the A-Line opened to paying customers in April, the train system between Denver International Airport and Union Station enjoys an on-time performance average of 89 percent, said Dave Genova, RTD’s general manager. And overall ridership during its sixth week of operation — from May 30 to June 5 — hit a new weekday average of 16,910.
But board members said during a study session Tuesday night they were concerned about persistent delays, some high-profile, involving the A-Line.
“Yes, we have good averages for on time, but we also have a series of problems that is impacting our reputation,” said board member Judy Lubow.
Genova admitted there were “things we did not see in testing. And I’m not satisfied with our performance as it is,” he said.
Lightning strikes halted A-Line service in May and again Monday, which prompted board member Ernest Archuleta to wonder about lightning safeguards. “I just can’t see lightning bringing that whole system down,” Archuleta said. “I don’t understand it.”
RTD workers are still at 10 train crossings along the A-Line route to make sure gates are working properly, said RTD spokesman Nate Currey.
Genova said he meets daily with Denver Transit Partners, contractors who oversee the A-Line, to work out problems.
