METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Denver commuter rail maintenance facility Gold LEED certified

Sustainable features of the CRMF include efficient mechanics and lights for energy savings, water-efficient plumbing fixtures for reduction in water usage and specially designed windows that prevent thermal transfer.

July 29, 2015
Denver commuter rail maintenance facility Gold LEED certified

Stored commuter rail vehicles at Denver RTD's Gold LEED-certified maintenance facility. Photo: Denver RTD

2 min to read


Stored commuter rail vehicles at Denver RTD's Gold LEED-certified maintenance facility. Photo: Denver RTD

Denver's Regional Transportation District celebrated its new Gold LEED-certified commuter rail maintenance facility (CRMF) by inviting the public to tour the state-of-the-art 230,000-square-foot facility.

The CRMF will be used to maintain, clean and store up to 80 new commuter rail cars that will operate on the East Rail (A) Line, Gold (G) Line, the Northwest Rail (B) Line to Westminster and North Metro Rail (N) Line.

The CRMF has received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold Certification, which demonstrates environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Ad Loading...

Sustainable features of the CRMF include:

  • Efficient mechanics and lights for a 32% energy savings

  • Water-efficient plumbing fixtures for a 39% reduction in water usage

  • Radiant floor heating served by an 89% efficient water boiler

  • Specially designed windows that prevent thermal transfer


Sustainable features of the CRMF include efficient mechanics and lights for energy savings, water-efficient plumbing fixtures for reduction in water usage and specially designed windows that prevent thermal transfer.

The innovative design of the Commuter Rail Facility will facilitate daily routine maintenance. There are six tracks that run through the building on trestles with mechanic bays under the rail to allow easy access for worker to perform daily routine maintenance checks.

The floor level provides access to the interior of the cars for repairs, cleaning and maintenance. The mezzanine level gives access to the roof of the cars for maintenance of the pantograph – the extendable arm that makes contact with the overhead wire, as well as the heating and air conditioning units.

The LEED® certificate was unveiled Saturday, July 25, 2015 during an open house attended by 500 people.

A bronze plaque was also dedicated to the RTD Board of Directors as a symbol of each member's leadership at the agency and commitment to progress.


More Rail

Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Education logo over railroad tracks background, representing rail safety awareness initiatives.
Railby News/Media ReleaseMay 4, 2026

Operation Lifesaver Awards Rail Safety Outreach Funds in 12 States

Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.

Read More →
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Carmen C. Cham of HNTB
Managementby Alex RomanApril 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.

Read More →
A Red Line Rendering
Railby StaffApril 27, 2026

Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site

The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.

Read More →
Trains at railroad crossings
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.

Read More →
WMATA 7000-series railcars at Navy Yard
Managementby StaffApril 24, 2026

WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares

While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.

Read More →
Denver RTD's A Line with passengers
Railby StaffApril 23, 2026

Denver's RTD Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the A Line

With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Passengers on a public transit vehicle.
Railby StaffApril 21, 2026

Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Program for Transit, Rail Investments

The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

Read More →