Car Trains
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jarthur
Mar 14, 2008, 3:46:25 PM3/14/08
to Fix I-70 Now
Many years ago we vacationed in Switzerland. Almost all of our travel
was by automobile.
When crossing from the Rhone Valley to Interlaken, crossing a major
mountain chain, our host suggested the auto-train.
We drove up onto a double decker train car, set the brakes, and turned
off the engine. The train went through a series of tunnels and we were
at Interlaken, where we drove off.
A similar system could be set up here in Colorado within months. Have
the train load up in Denver, with stops at Winter Park, Kremmling,
Dotsero, and Glenwood Springs.
The tracks are already in place. There might be some construction at
the off loading/loading areas. Once the program appears to be working,
new rail lines could be extended up the Blue River, Eagle River, and
Roaring Fork.
What would it cost? The purchase of some automobile carrying rail cars
and construction of loading ramps. $10,000,000? $20,000,000? In any
event, millions, not billions, to add automobile capacity for peak
months of winter.
Advantages:
- Customers would have the use of their automobiles at their ultimate
destination.
- No major expansion of right of ways along I-70 corridor.
- Major fuel savings as trains carry a ton of material, average
weight of automobiles, 450 miles at the cost of a single gallon of
fuel. Which translates to fuel consumption of round trip of a single
gallon of fuel versus 4 or 5 gallons by automobile.
- People on train would have an enjoyable and scenic ride through the
Rockies without the stress of driving. They could even sleep on their
way there.
- System can be adjusted for demand. Perhaps completely shut down for
summer. Or maybe not. Maybe many would enjoy the ride during the
summer.
- No need to spend large sums on expanding I-70.
- Drop in pollution.
We could start off with a single train. If the experiment fails
through lack of interest, we cut our losses and shut it down. If
popular, expand quickly. Not hard to do, just add more trains.
Regards,
Jack
was by automobile.
When crossing from the Rhone Valley to Interlaken, crossing a major
mountain chain, our host suggested the auto-train.
We drove up onto a double decker train car, set the brakes, and turned
off the engine. The train went through a series of tunnels and we were
at Interlaken, where we drove off.
A similar system could be set up here in Colorado within months. Have
the train load up in Denver, with stops at Winter Park, Kremmling,
Dotsero, and Glenwood Springs.
The tracks are already in place. There might be some construction at
the off loading/loading areas. Once the program appears to be working,
new rail lines could be extended up the Blue River, Eagle River, and
Roaring Fork.
What would it cost? The purchase of some automobile carrying rail cars
and construction of loading ramps. $10,000,000? $20,000,000? In any
event, millions, not billions, to add automobile capacity for peak
months of winter.
Advantages:
- Customers would have the use of their automobiles at their ultimate
destination.
- No major expansion of right of ways along I-70 corridor.
- Major fuel savings as trains carry a ton of material, average
weight of automobiles, 450 miles at the cost of a single gallon of
fuel. Which translates to fuel consumption of round trip of a single
gallon of fuel versus 4 or 5 gallons by automobile.
- People on train would have an enjoyable and scenic ride through the
Rockies without the stress of driving. They could even sleep on their
way there.
- System can be adjusted for demand. Perhaps completely shut down for
summer. Or maybe not. Maybe many would enjoy the ride during the
summer.
- No need to spend large sums on expanding I-70.
- Drop in pollution.
We could start off with a single train. If the experiment fails
through lack of interest, we cut our losses and shut it down. If
popular, expand quickly. Not hard to do, just add more trains.
Regards,
Jack
Princess...@gmail.com
Mar 19, 2008, 11:32:24 PM3/19/08
to Fix I-70 Now
Jack ~
I believe there is a similar set up in Mexico for RVs. An elderly
security guard at a building I used to work at took a trip like that
leaving from San Diego with his RV and said it was an amazingly slick
set up. I've often wondered why we didn't have something like that
here! You're a genius my man, sheer genius!
I also think that adding toll booths and anything else to cause
additional reasons to slow already snarled traffic along the I-70
corridor would be a HUGE mistake.
I would wholeheartedly support a use-tax based measure to raise
funding for such an auto-train endeavor!
Great suggestion!!!
Namaste ~
Princess Kindness
I believe there is a similar set up in Mexico for RVs. An elderly
security guard at a building I used to work at took a trip like that
leaving from San Diego with his RV and said it was an amazingly slick
set up. I've often wondered why we didn't have something like that
here! You're a genius my man, sheer genius!
I also think that adding toll booths and anything else to cause
additional reasons to slow already snarled traffic along the I-70
corridor would be a HUGE mistake.
I would wholeheartedly support a use-tax based measure to raise
funding for such an auto-train endeavor!
Great suggestion!!!
Namaste ~
Princess Kindness
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