Update: RTD says A Line train running again after replacement of wire stolen from tracks

RTD is having problems with people stealing copper wires from light rail tracks. For several hours on Tuesday, that theft caused disruptions for the A Line service between Denver International Airport and Union Station.

The disruption happened at the crossing gates at Sable Boulevard and also at Chambers Road, causing malfunctions. Crews tell CBS News Colorado that thefts are happening so often they can't keep up. As soon as the wire is replaced, it's stolen again, they say.

Today, shuttles bused passengers around the closed area until shortly after 4 p.m. when the trains started running again. The line to the airport was shut down between the Central Park Station and the station at the intersection of 40th Avenue and Airport Boulevard.

According to investigators, the wire is stolen and then sold by thieves, who left passengers scampering to get to their destinations.

One passenger wasn't waiting, "I don't want to miss my flight so I'm just going to get an Uber."

Riders seemed in the dark about the delays, so CBS4'S Rick Sallinger boarded a train and let some of them know what was going on.

"Do you know why the train is delayed? Someone stole wire from the tracks. You're going to have to take a bus," Sallinger told passengers.

RTD had informed passengers only that track maintenance was taking place. 

"Pretty inconvenient. I wasn't in a hurry, maybe I am now," said another rider.

The theft of copper wire happened before on other rail lines in recent weeks, specifically the D and H lines.

The service disruption happened as Joel Fitzgerald took the reins as RTD's new chief of transit police and emergency management on Tuesday.