Letter: Recent rail coverage

The recent article on Eagle County rail would benefit from several clarifications. There are four vastly different options: 1) Fast, regular local commuter rail from Gypsum to Red Cliff using existing tracks that would serve residents and tourists, 2) New expensive commuter rail parallel to Interstate 70 from Denver-Avon, 3) Slow lumbering occasional tourist train using existing tracks, and 4) Heavy, noisy freight using existing tracks over Tennessee Pass. #2 is sexy but very expensive and impractical. #4 is scary and incredibly unlikely to happen because of cost, local opposition, and lack of need. #3 can be confused with #1.

Option #1, fast, regular, reliable local commuter rail, has significant potential to benefit Eagle County. It would make commuting from Gypsum/Eagle easier, it would revitalize several downtown areas, it would be reliable in weather, and it would be quiet and can easily be electrified (see Switzerland). The reliability and speed will get people out of their cars and encourage urban cores. The economics would be strong because it serves workers, skiers, mid-day tourists, and evening bar-hoppers. Trips up to Camp Hale and Tennessee Pass have good off-peak tourist potential. Eagle County has a linear shape with a transit and housing problem. The dormant rail line running down the middle is a big opportunity.   

Our local leaders can push the state to help more. I think Polis doesn’t support it because he is a bit too focused on connecting to the Front Range and perhaps because local leaders remember the old heavy, noisy freight too much. (A potential way to connect Vail to Denver is with a high speed tram, but that is another topic..) Sigh.  

Christof Stork
Golden