'Signal Issue' Leads To Delays On First Full Day Of Rail Service To Westminster

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4)- Some riders on the first full day of commuter rail service from Union Station to Westminster on Tuesday had to take the bus instead.

What RTD called "a signal issue" led to delays Tuesday afternoon for commuters heading home on the B Line train. After a wait of up to 45 minutes, RTD brought in buses to transport dozens of passengers the six mile trip from Union Station to the Westminster station.

RTD management was frustrated for the delay, especially with the chance to attract new customers on a new line. Nearly all the riders on one of the buses said they would continue to ride the train despite the delay.

RTD spokesman Nate Currey said Monday's first day ridership, after the ceremonial late morning opening, was considered a great turnout with 6,400 riders.

RTD expects about 800 customers on the B Line on a normal weekday. The B Line is RTD's shortest rail service ride with only one stop.

The train runs each way between Union Station and the Westminster station at 70th and Grove Street once each half hour during rush hour, once an hour the rest of the day.

The FasTracks much longer A Line commuter rail to Denver International Airport has not experienced recent delays after lightning strikes and other technical problems caused disruptions of service more than a dozen times since opening April 22.

The B Line and all other RTD rail lines will be free all day Saturday from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. along with station parties at Union Station and Westminster.