RTD working to resume normal operations after ‘significant’ delays from tech outage

DENVER ( KDVR ) — The Regional Transportation District is experiencing significant delays on Friday following the ongoing global technology outage that caused “communications failure” on many RTD lines.

RTD posted on X about the incident just before 6 a.m. saying the D Line is suspended between Interstate 25/Broadway and Union Station after a “communications failure.” RTD also posted that there was limited service on the E, H, R and W Lines.

At about 5 p.m., RTD reported that the global Microsoft outage had initially disrupted bus and light rail operations, but bus operations were resolved at about 8 a.m. The outage did not affect the commuter rail services on the A, B, G and N lines.

RTD confirmed with FOX31 that is part of the worldwide outage. The global outage “significantly impacted services” beginning early on Friday.

This is an ongoing problem as major companies are dealing with a Microsoft and CrowdStrike outage, according to the Associated Press. This affected banks, media and flights across the world, including at Denver International Airport.

According to the RTD, the outage impacted servers, some of which have already been restored. RTD’s servers resumed full operations at about 2:30 p.m.

For those taking the D line Friday, RTD said there are bus shuttles between Littleton/Mineral and I-25/Broadway, then riders can transfer to the H or E lines for service to Union Station. The bus shuttle will continue due to an unrelated project that is repairing the overhead electrical lines near the Englewood Station. RTD said the repair will be completed “shortly” and normal operations will resume within 24 hours.

While this is an alternative route, RTD said riders should still expect significant delays throughout the day on light rail lines. The company said at about 5 p.m. that it “will take some time for light rail operations to return to normal service levels, so customers should plan ahead and continue to expect delays.”

For the latest information, riders can sign up for Service Alerts for all bus and rail services. Customers are also encouraged to use the Next Ride app to be aware of delays.

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