With the awarding of billions of dollars from the stimulus bill to various big high speed rail projects across the nation, several smaller studies have been conducted on the feasibility of constructing and running faster train lines. The Rocky Mountain Rail Authority – “a multi-jurisdictional government body comprised of 52 Colorado cities, towns, counties and transit authorities” – has undertaken this study.
The greater Denver metropolitan area, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs – often referred to as the front range – recently completed the 18 month study, which looked at the practicality of a rail system connecting various parts of the state. The report found that a line connecting Fort Collins on the north end to Pueblo on the south and Denver’s International airport on the east to Eagle County (home to Vail ski resort) on the west would represent the best investment for such a system.
According to Colorado Public Radio, a one way ticket would cost approximately $40 from the airport to Vail. Current bus and shuttle options can run close to $100 each way. The trains would run in the neighborhood of 100mph, faster than most options in the United States. Whether or not this option would relieve congestion on Interstate 70 is up for debate. However, an economical alternative to the stop and go traffic or expensive shuttles would benefit the front range. Bus service from downtown Denver to Vail currently runs as cheap as $19 each way for tickets purchased three weeks in advance and more than $33 for tickets bought the day of travel.
While high speed rail has received lots of coverage lately, the roadblocks – including opposition, funding shortages, and lack of public support – are formidable. Just because high speed rail faces opposition in this country, does not mean Americans should resist the movement toward rail travel. At this juncture, the need for subsidies and initial investments that far exceed allocated stimulus funds may prove too great a barrier for high speed rail in this country. With a reported price tag of more than $21 billion, even the $33 billion purported economic impact may not be enough to help this project forward.
[image source: Rocky Mountain Rail Authority]
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