Every time a traveler steps onto the sleek, glass-walled platform at Denver International Airport (DIA) to catch the automated train to the terminal, they are riding on a system that just secured its future for the next seven years.
The Denver City and County Council has officially adopted a $161,946,934.15 contract with Bombardier Transportation (Holdings) USA, Inc. This agreement ensures the continued operation and maintenance of the Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS), the network of driverless trains that shuttles passengers between the terminal and the distant concourses.
The deal, effective through December 31, 2024, covers far more than just the trains themselves. It encompasses the upkeep of the tracks, the complex control systems, power distribution networks, and the uninterruptible power supplies that keep the system moving even during grid failures. For a facility that handles over 69 million passengers annually, the reliability of this infrastructure is non-negotiable.
This resolution was filed on November 15, 2017, and cleared the Council's 30-day review period without a scheduled public hearing on the final vote, as the last regular meeting within that window occurred on December 18, 2017. The approval marks a significant financial commitment for the city, locking in costs for a critical piece of aviation infrastructure that has served Denver since the airport opened in 1995.
Residents and travelers concerned about the oversight of this expenditure can attend future public meetings related to city contracts and airport operations at Denver City Hall. For detailed records of the legislation and voting history, the public may visit the Denver Council portal at denver.legistar.com.