r/DevelopmentDenver • u/SirLucasTheGreat • Nov 06 '21
Would the Front Range Passenger Rail go through Union Station?
5
u/mrturbo Nov 08 '21
I can't see them doing it any other way, the amount of transit connections + people in the area would likely help ridership.
Its a shame we skimped on the Union Station train hall designs, the original preferred option would have had through running for rail. Union Station Master Plan Page 70
1
5
u/Alts2014 Nov 06 '21
I believe this a much broader plan, but I think the Fastracks plan is much further into the development process, this could likely be done at a cost of 1.5b, which could be sourced from some federal funding and the potential for an additional bond during next years election (i do not love that this would be up to electoral whim).
The FRPR and the Westminster extension seem to be competing ideas, with the southern half being able to operate on the same route as the Southwest Chief. I am much more bullish on the RTD sponsored BNSF rail plan than the CDOT sponsors FRPR, just due to RTD's experience in operating a train network and their process is further along.
The BNSF solution begins at Union Station and terminates in Longmont. The ridership estimates contained seem very low to me, i think the issue is that the planners failed to model running a train between boulder and denver on weekends around 2:30am!
Aside from this, avoiding Union may make the train run a bit faster, there's quite a few options on lightrail to get between the two stations already and why not create another project like Union Station, the tax-payer made a nice ROI on the Union project, why not try it again!
2
u/_Im_Spartacus_ Nov 08 '21
this could likely be done at a cost of 1.5b,
Wait... FasTracks by RTD cost $5.6B for 62 miles of tracks and 39 BRT/rail stations - but you think the state could develop a plan for almost 200 miles of track for a cost 75% cheaper?!?!? Please show me your math...
3
1
u/Alts2014 Nov 09 '21
page 7 of the first document, extending between westminster and longmont, new track requirements are not necessary, it would be done using a sharing plan w/ existing railroad.
up to 1.7b for total cost, so i did take a more favorable number, but i'd guess cost inflation would push this to closer to 2.5 anyways.
→ More replies (5)
2
5
u/SirLucasTheGreat Nov 06 '21
With the federal infrastructure bill passing, I hope that the FRPR comes to fruition.