DENVER (KDVR) — Mayor Michael Hancock and RTD Manager and CEO Debra Johnson discussed the safety challenges at Denver’s Union Station bus terminal on Wednesday.

This comes after Johnson discussed short and long-term improvements to the transportation hub in a news conference just last week.  You can see RTD’s plans here.

“What we are seeing here is not homelessness, this is about the sale and use of deadly illegal drugs,” Mayor Hancock said.

“This is pivotal to the vitality of the city and county of Denver,” Johnson said. “And we are committed, let me stress that, we are committed to ensuring that people feel safe and secure.”

A few months ago the union representing RTD called Union Station a “lawless hellhole.” Since then, several travelers have expressed growing concern with drug use and a rise in crime in the area.

Hancock shared how a “firm compassion” approach to cleaning up drug use at Union Station has led to more than 700 arrests in the first two and a half months of 2022. He also said that Denver Public Safety worked with the Denver City Attorney’s Office to place area restrictions on repeat offenders this year.

As of March 1, Hancock reports there have been 101 arrests due to violations of area restrictions.

“What I will say is safety is improving. We’re not where we want to be, but in partnership with RTD, our other city partners, we will get there,” Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen said. 

The FOX31 Problem Solvers have done extensive reporting on the concerns at Union Station.

Watch the full press conference on FOX31 NOW.