Denver International Airport Automated Guideway Transit System
| Company type | Automated people mover system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Denver , United States |
| Products | Automated Guideway Transit System (people mover) |
| Parent | Denver International Airport |
Denver International Airport's Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS) functions as a continuous people mover within the airport premises in Denver, Colorado. Launched concurrently with the airport in 1995, it provides a vital link between the remote concourses and the central terminal, known as the Jeppesen Terminal.
History
The AGTS was introduced in October 1992 with an estimated investment of $84 million and commenced operations on February 28, 1995. Initially, the system operated with 16 vehicles arranged in sets of four, traveling on rubber tires along a concrete guideway inside tunnels. The technology was developed by AEG Westinghouse, which was acquired by Bombardier Transportation in 2001 and subsequently by Alstom in 2021.
The fleet underwent several expansions: six additional cars were added by 1996, five more in 2001, four in 2007, and a significant increase of 26 vehicles in 2021—comprising 16 replacements for the original fleet and 10 new units—resulting in a total of 41 automated Innovia APM 100 vehicles. Each vehicle can accommodate up to 100 passengers.
In 2024, the system will integrate 26 new vehicles based on the Innovia APM 300R model. Delivery was postponed from an initial target of 2021 due to manufacturing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Once these arrive, the original batch of 16 cars from 1995 will be phased out. Together with the previously added 10 units, this will maintain the fleet size at 41 vehicles. This upgrade aims to enhance both capacity and efficiency at Denver International Airport.
Layout and operation
Operating within secure zones of the airport, the AGTS runs bi-directionally on a pinched-loop track layout through dual tunnels beneath aircraft taxiways and concourse structures. The system serves four stations: Concourses A, B, C, and the Jeppesen Terminal, which accommodates check-in counters, ground transportation services, and baggage claim areas. The AGTS provides exclusive access for departing travelers to Concourses A, B, and C (the pedestrian bridge to Concourse A remains closed due to ongoing construction). Its design and functionality are comparable to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s The Plane Train, also originally constructed by Westinghouse.
During peak periods, trains operate at intervals of approximately 1.5 minutes and complete a full circuit in about 11 minutes. Stations at each concourse feature an island platform positioned between the two tunnels, whereas Jeppesen Terminal employs the Spanish solution, utilizing an island platform for boarding departing passengers and side platforms for arrivals. Typically, trains discharge and board passengers at Jeppesen Terminal before reversing direction; they switch tracks via a crossover located north of the station to continue service toward the concourses. In high-traffic situations, trains unload arriving passengers at Jeppesen Terminal, then transition between tunnels behind the station prior to boarding departing travelers.
Crossovers situated between stations offer operational adaptability by allowing trains to bypass any stalled units. A maintenance facility past Concourse C permits trains to change tunnels and reverse their direction after passenger unloading.
During overnight hours, service is scaled back to a single train shuttling continuously within one tunnel.
Transit art
Approximately one percent of Denver International Airport’s construction budget was dedicated to artistic installations, including three pieces featured along the AGTS route.
"Train Call"
The AGTS features an audio installation known as "Train Call," which delivers station announcements and safety messages using the voices of prominent Denver figures, enhanced by musical sound effects. Sound artist Jim Green developed this installation with the intention of creating an engaging, approachable, and easily recognizable experience. Green also contributed audio works to other significant Denver venues such as the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Convention Center.
Among the current narrators are Alan Roach, former announcer for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies, alongside KUSA-TV anchor Kim Christiansen. Each announcement begins with musical introductions featuring electric guitar riffs in a Western style, organ, and piano tones. Travelers are welcomed personally by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s voice; special occasions have featured greetings from previous mayors and other notable Denver residents, including events like the Super Bowl and the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The initial version of "Train Call," recorded by Green between 1995 and 2007, included local radio personality Pete Smythe and Reynelda Muse, Colorado’s first African American female news anchor from KCNC-TV. Its soundscape incorporated bells and wind instruments inspired by Western folk melodies. This original iteration was even mentioned in Lee Child’s 2007 novel Bad Luck and Trouble.
After retiring the original in 2007, the airport commissioned Green to produce a refreshed version featuring Alan Roach and former KUSA-TV anchor Adele Arakawa, updating phrasing to reflect changes in concourse announcements and baggage claim details.
In 2018, "Train Call" underwent another update: Kim Christiansen replaced Adele Arakawa following a public online vote that retained Roach’s involvement. Most sound effects from the 2007 edition were preserved.
Ownership rights to "Train Call" now reside with the airport authority, allowing modifications without Green’s participation. Jim Green passed away in September 2024.
"Kinetic Light Air Curtain"
Located in the east tunnel serving northbound trains, the "Kinetic Light Air Curtain" was created by Antonette Rosato and William Maxwell. This installation consists of 5,280 blue-lit propellers affixed to the wall. Some propellers rotate due to wind generated by passing trains. The total number of propellers corresponds to Denver’s elevation above sea level in feet, while the combined blades represent the height of Colorado's tallest fourteener, Mount Elbert, at . These propellers serve decorative purposes exclusively and do not produce electrical power.
"Deep Time/Deep Space, A Subterranean Journey"
On the west tunnel for southbound trains is "Deep Time, Deep Space: A Subterranean Journey," designed by Leni Schwendinger. This artwork comprises over of colored reflective metal strips arranged into various images, complemented by sheet metal silhouettes of mining tools. The composition transitions from historical industrial themes to space-age technology and is illuminated by sensors triggered as trains pass by. The piece reflects Colorado’s rich mining and industrial background.
Failure
The train system is essential for airport functionality as it provides exclusive passenger access to Concourses B and C and is necessary for reaching Concourse A during construction phases (excluding international arrivals). Walkways were not constructed due to both the train’s high dependability and cost considerations. In infrequent cases of system failure, shuttle buses serve as alternative transportation between concourses.
A significant disruption took place on April 26, 1998, when damage to a routing cable caused a power outage across the system lasting approximately seven hours. United Airlines—Denver’s largest carrier operating at Concourses A and B—reported that about 30% of flights were delayed or canceled, impacting roughly 5,000 passengers. This incident is referred to internally as "Black Sunday."
More recent malfunctions, including a major mechanical failure on August 20, 2021, have renewed discussions about adding pedestrian walkways to provide redundancy. Following this, Denver International Airport issued a request for information from private companies to evaluate additional passenger transit solutions. By 2023, several concepts such as bridges, tunnels, and gondolas had been proposed; however, high construction expenses have delayed implementation.
Denver’s terminal layout takes inspiration from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, yet unlike Atlanta’s Plane Train system—which includes walkways connecting concourses—Denver’s absence of alternative routes intensifies operational challenges during train outages.