THE OPPORTUNITY
An opportunity exists for Glenwood Springs and Carbondale to have an excursion train.

January 31, 2005 RFTA staff put out a Request for Proposal to see if an excursion operator was interested in utilizing its operational railroad.  Iowa Pacific Holdings responded with a proposal. to establish a year-round rail service hauling diners, sightseers and freight between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. This proposal and benefits are explained in the IPH Proposal  Summary.

April 14, 2005 RFTA voted to reject the IPH proposal without response.  It is unbelievable, after spending $25,000 investigating the proposal, staff presented a very prejudice report and recommended turning down IPH.  IPH was not invited to present their position or respond to staff's concerns.  The cost to respond with a simple counter proposal was minimal.  By May 12th it would have been clear if a go situation existed.

AT&R is working to make this opportunity known to the community and business leaders and garner support..  The president of IPH has been invited to speak to select organizations and individuals.

GET ONBOARD

AT&R urges the public and communities of Carbondale and Glenwood Springs to help.  Take the time to review this website, recognize the "opportunity" that exists and let your representative know of your support ( Click here for a list and email). 

Excursion trains create national exposure and bring in significant tourist dollars to their surrounding communities.  An excursion train will complement  the valley's many tourist attractions and enhance its tourist based economy and vitality.

Mary and I rode the Georgetown Loop and the Leadville excursion trains this last fall.  They were a fun experience: each engine towed about six cars filled with tourists and made several trips a day.  That's a lot of tourists for September 25th!  Likely each of the riders spent a night,  Like typical tourists, Mary and I spent two nights in the area.  We dined out and spent lots on new clothes and rail souvenirs. 

Currently the rails are being used by the Western Colorado Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society to provide 'Speeder' rides by appointment (945-7044) from Glenwood Springs to Carbondale to give a hands on feel for the beauty and serenity of the route.  Weekend events are run in the Spring and Fall. 

I have taken several 'Speeder' rides from Glenwood Springs to Carbondale.  The views of the Roaring Fork River, surrounding red and white sandstone hills and Mount Sopris are invigorating. Quickly you sink out of sight and travel in a scenic world remote from the highways and sub-divisions.  Just before ending at Carbondale you cross over and stop above the Roaring Fork River on the 50-foot High Bridge.

Imagine riding this route in a  rail coach viewing the scenery with the conductor explaining the history of the valley in the background.  The same route traveled by passengers over 100 years ago.  Or, take the train one-way and return the other on the trail, hiking the route.