Denver's 'Train To The Plane' Has Had Multiple Problems In Its Short History

DENVER (CBS4) Dozens of frustrated passengers had to be escorted off a stalled RTD train Tuesday after it got stuck at an elevated part of the track. It was the latest in a string of delays and outages for the A Line, which runs from downtown Denver to Denver International Airport.

"The University of Colorado A Line is currently experiencing power issues," a recorded message announced at a station.

It was the passengers who were feeling the impact.

"It's embarrassing," one woman told CBS4.

"I'm a little frustrated, right now," another man said.

RTD officials said the power outage on Tuesday stopped travel from Denver's Union Station to DIA, and those trying to catch the train, from those stations or anywhere in between, were shuffled around by buses.

"But time is running out," said one frustrated passenger.

The plan may have been implemented with good intentions, but many passengers said it was poorly executed.

RELATED: A Line Power Outage Was Caused By Lightning Strike

"The driver had no idea where she was going. The passengers were telling her where to go. She stopped and did u-turns," one passenger told CBS4.

An even bigger concern was that this is far from the first issue that RTD has had to apologize for. Two days after its debut in late April, the A Line experienced its first problem. In May there were at least 10 more service disruptions.

May 2 – Delayed

May 12 – Delayed

May 16 – Delayed

May 17 – Delayed

May 18 – Delayed

May 19 – Delayed

May 21 – Down

May 22 – Delayed

May 23 – Down

May 24 – Down

"Did we expect this to happen? Not at all. And is it desirable? Not at all," said Nate Currey, a spokesperson for RTD.

Currey told CBS4 that the transportation district is working to identify and correct every issue. Currey said that RTD is confident things will smooth out going forward.

"Just hang in there with us," he added.

RTD said it was aware that some passengers may have missed their flights due to the problems on Tuesday, but it's their policy not to offer refunds for those tickets. That is something they will be willing to readdress.

Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.