Front Porch file photo by Steve Larson

A demand for copper is creating travel issues for commuters along the Regional Transportation District’s lines and neighbors may be hearing more train horns because of the thefts.

In late July, RTD reported five thefts over one week near track signals, switches, and rail crossings. The copper wire connects to a low-voltage system that powers the signals at rail crossings. RTD says most of the thefts have happened overnight and that the thieves are hitting different locations.

The thefts continue to be an issue across the entire system, disrupting rail operations and creating noise for neighbors along the rail lines.

In some cases, RTD says the thefts cause issues with the Positive Train Control (PTC) systems which means trains run on an Automatic Train Control (ATC) system. Federal regulations require drivers to sounds a horn at each crossing when the train is using ATC and that’s why neighbors in Central Park and elsewhere have been hearing more train horns.

Front Porch photo by Linda Kotsaftis

The copper wire is being replaced and repaired so trains should be able to run under PTC. Denver Transit Operators, RTD’s operations and maintenance concessionaire for the A, B and G lines, will evaluate the lines to make sure it was the copper theft causing the rail issues and not some other issue.

RTD is asking for the public’s help in stopping the thefts. If someone sees something suspicious near rail tracks, contact Transit Police through the Transit Watch app or call 303-299-1911.

A similar trend in thefts disrupted rail service in 2022. At that time, the transportation district used methods to discourage thieves including greasing the wires to make them less valuable.

RTD has also created a webpage to provide the latest information on train horns: https://www.rtd-denver.com/trainhorns.