RTD has shut down all bus and rail lines into downtown Denver "until further notice" because of planned protests over police violence against people of color, the transit agency announced.
Big events are typically a time when transit agencies double down on service. In the past, RTD has added routes for special events like Rockies and Broncos games. That was before Thursday's violent event in which police officers clashed with protesters aiming to make a point about the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police.
Two more protests at the Colorado Capitol are planned this weekend, with one starting at noon on Friday that's expected to bring 2,000 people. A Saturday protest is expected to bring 10,000, RTD estimates.
"Given the nature of the protest yesterday, taking that to consideration, it's all about safety for us and we wanted to make sure we're running a safe service," said Christina Zazueta, an RTD spokesperson.
Zazueta said there were no incidents of drivers or train operators being hurt to her knowledge, but that could be because RTD suspended transit operations during Thursday's protest.
The transit agency's leadership made the decision in concert with Mayor Michael Hancock's administration and the Denver Police Department, Zazueta said.
