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Community Benefits |
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Climb Onboard
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 fun and exciting. 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.
We have also taken a 'Speeder' over the rails 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 while the conductor explains the rich history of the valley. Or, take the train one-way and hike the other. This is same route hiked and traveled by passengers in 1887. |
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The Roaring Fork valley can have a significant tourist attraction excursion train anchored in Glenwood Springs.
Heritage Railroad Tourism is BIG BUSINESS: Look what it has done for Antonito, Canon City, Durango-Silverton, and Georgetown-Silver Plume!
Imagine what a Heritage Excursion Train will do!
* Generate yearly revenues over $1 million resulting in $3-5 million in tourism sales.
* Create jobs and require the services of many local businesses.
* Increase tourism and provide national exposure while promoting our rich western/rail history.
* Revitalize areas surrounding stations.
* Increase exposure and tourism thru marketing and presence.
* Complement existing attractions giving tourists more to enjoy.
* Complement and speed development of the Aspen to Glenwood trail system.
* Preserve and put the unused rail road to work earning revenues for RFTA and valley businesses.
Management of the Glenwood Caverns, Hot Springs Lodge and Pool, resort lodges and the Chamber Resorts Association are just a few who are very excited about the potential of these trains.
Please contact us to learn more! Kip Wheeler 544-1971 Jan Girardot 928-8721 Website kipwh.com/train.
Prepared by Rails and Trails, interested valley citizens and community advocates seeking to preserve our rail asset and history and boost our tourism, economy, and vitality. 10/22/05 |
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The Glenwood Heritage Train will operate on 4.75 miles of track south of Glenwood Springs running two excursion trains per day on weekends during the summer. They will provide a unique train ride for all passengers on an open air car, historic coach and caboose pulled by the Glenwood Museum's small center cab diesel.
A historical narrative relating the history of the valley and of the railroad will entertain passengers along the route. The Railroad will present different entertainment themes such as "Train Robbery", "American Indian Culture" and "The Rich Railroad History of Colorado".
The GHT will offer a train/trail ticket with a return down the trail to Glenwood. If RFTA will grant the use of an additional .7 miles, it will also offer a raft/train ticket with a return on the Roaring Fork. A box car will carry equipment and packs.
Will a parallel trail cost more? No R&T has analyzed using a boardwalk in sloping terrains which it believes is no more expensive than building on the roadbed. RFTA is reviewing the concept.
Will the excursion train delay the trail? No RFTA can build the parallel trail for no additional cost or delay. Any additional cost is a problem as RFTA is already under budgeted for completion by 2010.
Is parking available? Yes There is unutilized space along the rails in the wye. With Glenwood approval, additional space may become available in two adjacent city parking lots.
Will trains block intersections and backup traffic? No Trains will be flagged by the brakeman coordinated with the traffic light. The 3 trains/day will quickly pass through the intersections at off peak times.
Will crossing be safe? Yes The train will stop at traffic intersection and be flagged through by the brakeman only when clear for all. The trail plan avoids crossing the railroad.
Will the trains be noisy? No The horn will only be sounded at the four signalized intersections which are unpopulated or surrounded by businesses. A small diesel will pull the train.
Will the GHT limit itself to weekends and summer operation? No Running more weeks, days and trains is planned as are evening excursions, private parties, special events, holidays and tour packages.
Do the train and trail need be separated by barriers? Yes, but infrequently In banked terrain where boardwalk will be employed, the rails and trails may have to be placed in close proximity. The boardwalk's fencing will provide separation.
How does RFTA benefit? From earned income RFTA will receive $30,000/year from a lease. Salvage income is delayed, not lost. Operations, maintenance and liabilities fall on GHS, without burdening RFTA. |
