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FAQ (Frequently asked Questions)
Why Trolleys after 20 years?
In the past the Trolley Proposals and supporters, working more than less behind the scene, relied on the City Council for encouragement and approval. Trolley supporters have been encourage by several city councils, but in the end the Trolley Proposals always took a back seat to other City Council issues. Because of this approach, the public has not been well-informed of the proposals, the benefits, the opportunity , or the issues. Now a new, updated, and evolving Trolley Proposal is being brought to the public. The updated Trolley Proposal fits well into the new Civic Master Plan, the 2000 Aspen Area Community Plan, and the Aspen Infill reports.
What will it cost taxpayers?
Nothing. The Aspen Street Railway Company, a non profit corporation, will raise the funds, build the system, and donate it to the City.
How are you going to raise the money?
Funds will be raised through private and corporate contributions in exchange for philanthropic, corporate advertisements, and or acknowledgment considerations. The Aspen City Convenience and Welfare of the Public land (COWOP) Process is being considered. Using the COWOP process the trolley barn can be built with upper story "Free Market" units. The profit from the FM units will contribute significantly to Aspen Trolley development costs.
Is it replacing the Galena Street Shuttle?
Yes. The trolley will provide in town and Rio Grande service.
Will we lose service in Hunter Creek?
The shuttle bus will no longer run in downtown Aspen. New options are available for linking Hunter Creek buses with the Trolley at the Post Offices. A route to extend the Trolley to Hunter Creek is available, but doubles the track costs. The issue of making sure Hunter Creek needs are met will be addressed in the final solution approved by the City.
What will it cost to operate the trolleys once RFTA takes over?
The Trolleys will be operated in place of the Galena Street Shuttle in the downtown. The operating costs of the trolley are estimated at no more than the Shuttle. It is recognized that some additional bus service may be needed for Hunter Creek.
Will trolleys cost a lot more than buses?
The Trolleys will last many years more than the shuttle busses. Trolleys do not have to be replaced every few years. The trolleys will use modern serviceable electric motors and batteries. There are no hidden or unusual maintenance costs. When the system is gifted to Aspen, it receives four historic maintainable trolley and saves itself the cost of four shuttle buses.
Will we have to string wires?
No.
Will the trolley tow a generator?
No.
How will the trolleys be powered?
The trolleys will be powered using rechargeable batteries. The system will be very efficient. Power will be recovered when breaking.
Will running the trolleys pollute the atmosphere?
No significant emission result from the trolley's battery-powered operation. Dust and particulate pollution will be greatly reduced when compared to the shuttle busses. The batteries will be recycled. No carbon fuels are required. Colorado's hydroelectric generators will supply the energy.
Can Trolleys run up Aspen's steep hills.
Most of the Trolley route is relatively flat, but there are several short stretches where a 5% grade is encountered. The electric power system is designed to handle these grades. Of course the trolley will slow when climbing.
Can trolleys run in the winter?
Yes. There are a number of trolley systems operating in the winter. The trolleys can drop sand on the track when it is wet or snow covered, this would only have to be done on the short, steeper grades. The normal plows will keep Galena street clear. If needed, one trolley will be equipped with a light snow plow to clear the rest of the tracks.
Will Trolleys make a lot of noise - squealing and clickity clack?
No. The noise of the wheels on the rail is less than a bus tire on the road. The rail joints will be welded. There are no sharp turns in the route. Electric motors are quieter than combustion engines.
I have heard it will cost half a million to restore each trolley. Is this true?
A quote of $500,000 was given to the City Council by a trolley restoration company which completely rebuilds a trolley replacing it with new interior, etc. and destroying its true historic nature. A replica trolley could be purchased for the same cost. The $500,000 quote also refers to a trolley a lot larger than Aspen's trolleys. It is the belief of the Aspen Street Railway Corporation that restoration, including redesigning and installing a modern efficient maintainable power system, will be much less. The restoration costs are included in the capital budget for creating the Aspen Trolley. The restored trolleys will be gifted to the City.
Will it be fun to ride?
You bet. Studies have shown that passengers will select a trolley over a bus even if it looks like a trolley and even if it travels a shorter route and costs more. These trolleys will be another unique Aspen experience. The ride will be remembered. The trolleys create and stimulate an atmosphere where people enjoy each others company and get acquainted.
What will it cost to ride?
Service to valley residents will be free. Discussion has taken place for charging tourists a souvenir "Aspen Token".
Will Aspen and Aspen's Businesses really benefit?
Absolutely. Surveys of existing trolley systems show that in tourist communities the businesses along the trolley route benefited from increased customers. The highest benefits took place when the trolley system was installed in conjunction with a downtown revitalization plan such as the Aspen Civic Master Plan and Aspen Infill plans currently being considered.
Will a Trolley Barn be compatible with Rio Grande Park?
Yes. The barn will be in-scale with the area, designed in character with Aspen and its history. Its location will not subtract from the park In addition, the trolley route will provide stops in the park, including the Obermeyer complex, Art Museum, and the Theater in Park.
Will the trolley route interfere with the Rio Grand trail?
No. The Trolley route will parallel the Rio Grand trail at the north side of the park above the trail to the post office and not alter any of the existing walks. It will cross the walks in a few places and share a path from Galena Street to the Rio Grande Park.
Will the Trolley interrupt street traffic?
The only part of the trolley route sharing a street is on Galena Street. Here dual tracks will be laid flush in the road surface of each traffic lane permitting shared use of bikes, automobiles, and trolleys. No parking will be lost. At Puppy Smith and Mill Street the trolley will cross Mill to the travel down the south side of Puppy Smith. This is a four way stop with a pedestrian cross walk.
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