Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission
DENVER — The initial version of a passenger rail operation along Colorado’s Front Range could see two to six round trips a day between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs, mostly on existing lines, and cost $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion.
Colorado Public Radio reports that concept was presented by consultant HDR to the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission in a draft report on Friday, along with a second stage that would extend service south from Colorado Springs to Pueblo for an additional $200 million to $300 million.
The long-term vision — probably 20 to 30 years away — is a system that would allow speeds of 90 to 110 mph, with trains running every 30 minutes during peak periods. That project could cost $7.8 billion to $14.2 billion.
The commission still needs to determine funding for that initial version, along with such possibilities as Amtrak involvement, or collaboration with Denver’s Regional Transportation District. The RTD’s commuter rail B Line from Denver to Boulder and Longmont, Colo. — which now is not likely to be built before 2050 — coincides with one of the three possible routes for the Front Range service.
The consulting firm will finalize its initial report, and offer recommendations on routes and a timeline for developing the service, by the end of the year.
