RTD’s new security plan for Union Station: turnstiles, barriers, no more electric outlets

In recent months, the terminal has seen an increase in crime, including drug use and violence.

The Regional Transportation District plans to require fares to enter the underground bus concourse at Union Station in downtown Denver.

In recent months, the terminal has seen an increase in crime, including drug use and violence. Some people also use it for a place to sleep, charge their phones and stay warm in winter months, as Denverite reported in December.

The paid fare zone, complete with turnstile gates or similar devices, will require infrastructure changes and will be implemented no sooner than a year from now, RTD’s General Manager and CEO Debra Johnson told the agency’s board of directors on Tuesday night.

Entry gates would mark a “significant change” to how the terminal has operated since it opened in 2014, she said.

“I do not want to create an environment that does not appear to be inviting. However,” she said, pausing for a moment. “We have a very fine line we need to walk because we are not trying to penalize people.”