Industry News
A proposal to rejuvenate a passenger rail service is gaining traction among local officials. The plan aims to connect the Eagle County Regional Airport directly to the town of Vail. It is seen as a potential solution to the region’s growing transportation and environmental challenges.
Avon Mayor Amy Phillips, while skeptical about the rail service’s revival, acknowledges the potential benefits of a train line that would cater to both commuters and tourists, reports Colorado Newsline. Despite Avon’s neutral stance, Phillips, who also chairs the Eagle Valley Regional Transportation Authority, recognizes the strategic importance of Avon Station as a hub for such service.
Vail Mayor Kim Langmaid champions the initiative, citing the pressing need to address I-70’s overcapacity issues. With vehicle traffic at a tipping point, Langmaid argues for using the dormant Tennessee Pass Line, a rail line that has been inactive since freight service ceased in 1997 and passenger service ended in 1964.
The proposal envisions environmentally friendly, battery-powered, or electric trains that minimize the region’s carbon footprint. Transportation significantly contributes to Eagle County’s greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for over 40% of the total. The initiative aligns with the goals of the Eagle County Climate Action Collaborative, which seeks to reduce vehicular emissions through enhanced public transportation options.
However, the project’s success hinges on securing funding from federal, state, and private-sector sources. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is currently exploring the feasibility of passenger rail service expansion in Northwest Colorado, which has garnered support from state lawmakers.
Vail Resorts, a key stakeholder interested in both transit and ski industries, has expressed support for solutions that facilitate safe and accessible transportation for work and leisure. Christof Stork, a local advocate for the rail line, emphasizes the advantages of rail over bus transit, particularly regarding reliability during adverse weather conditions.
While the concept of a direct rail link from Eagle County Airport, one of the busiest airports in the state during ski season, to Vail garners support, it also faces challenges, including the need for a new route that diverges from the historical Tennessee Pass Line to serve Vail directly. The cost of such an endeavor was estimated at $16 billion in a 2010 study, underscoring the need for substantial investment.
As discussions continue, the vision for a revived passenger rail service in the Vail area represents a blend of ambition and pragmatism, aiming to enhance the region’s transportation infrastructure while preserving its natural beauty.
