Denver Train Problems Caused by Tall Buildings: RTD

The A and G Lines use GPS for their crossing gates, they claim that a new software patch and other improvements would resolve those issues and put the G line on schedule.

1 minute read

December 20, 2018, 8:00 AM PST

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


RTD Train

RTD

Denver's crossing gates have caused a series of headaches for the city’s transit system. Now the Regional Transportation District (RTD) says the problem is tied to blocked GPS signals. “The document said Denver’s rising skyline around Union Station regularly blocks GPS signals the system relies on to keep the University of Colorado A-Line running smoothly and safely,” John Aguilar writes for the Denver Post. RTD says they have a software patch to fix this issue that they can put into place quickly if the plan is approved at the federal level. “RTD says it is ready to open the long-delayed G-Line to Denver’s western suburbs in the first quarter of 2019 if the Federal Railroad Administration accepts its action plan,” Aguilar reports.

The use of GPS also features in the federally mandated safety feature known as positive train control (PTC). While operators do not currently need to employ PTC, the due date is coming up. RTD officials say they will be ready. Some observers have pointed out that many of the transit systems around the world are in cities with more tall buildings than Denver, without experiencing similar issues.

Monday, December 17, 2018 in The Denver Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

6 seconds ago - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

1 hour ago - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

2 hours ago - Arizona Republic