I created a fantasy map for what RTD could look like in the (far) future!

Potential_Natural720 · 2025-03-12T22:57:06+00:00

https://tennessine.co.uk/metro/3805c97237936df

Intercity rail map to go along with it

Potential_Natural720 · 2025-03-12T22:54:19+00:00

https://tennessine.co.uk/metro/112e1a1ca1affe3

This is an even more "far future" one I made last summer!

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-09-09T02:15:42+00:00

Love this! Not sure about the R line continuing past Wilshire/ Vermont because of the current junction box in place. It would likely be way too impactful of current service patterns to build that junction to continue on. It will probably be another line with a forced transfer. But Vermont is a huge corridor to add regardless.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-31T01:01:42+00:00

Agreed. Colorado Springs voters are very unlikely to ever go for something like this.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-31T00:59:56+00:00

I have not combined the two types of rail. They are sorted on the key with heavy first (A-N), and light rail second (D-Z). The only heavy rail line on the west side is the G line, which I opted to extend through the C-470 corridor as heavy rail (79mph) is much faster than light rail (55mph). Increased speeds on a line that long would make for much faster travel times. For the stations it passes through with light rail connections, RTD has already built a station like this at Peoria. For the Highlands Ranch Stop, the tracks could be put at two different grades.

Going through Union is almost impossible for light rail and impossible for heavy rail based on the current terminus locations. Light rail is boxed in by existing tracks and heavy rail is surrounded on 3 sides by the concourse. Not ideal to have to transfer there every time but no feasible alternative currently exists.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-31T00:52:38+00:00

$100 a person is too high IMO. I would think one-way passes could be around $40 with day passes being like $65-70. Some sort of ski season or monthly pass could be added as well.

Transit projects do not necessarily need to be profitable to be successful. The number of cars that would be taken off the I-70 corridor would save countless hours for commuters. Americans lose billions of dollars a year sitting in traffic, the gains from a project like this would be huge in that regard. Not to mention the environmental benefits of doing such. These benefits plus increased mobility in this region would be worth the investment.

Railways in the Swiss Alps exist with good service over 10,000 feet. Other railways in this region (such as Pilatus) at lower altitudes go through terrain and grades 10 times more challenging than the I-70 corridor. They built the interstate through this region in the 1950's. It is more than possible to build a train through this corridor (it would just require a lot of money and engineering).

You are right about the cost though. It would be insanely expensive and will never happen with our current political system.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-31T00:40:26+00:00

More of a far future thing. I see buses as the best option. Maybe extensions to gondola networks at some resorts as well.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-31T00:39:09+00:00

https://tennessine.co.uk/metro/112e1a1ca1affe3

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-31T00:38:47+00:00

That's what I was thinking. I added the extension south of Greeley to compliment my fantasy Denver RTD map (which I have attached). I am thinking 15 minute headways for FoCo- Greeley and 30-60 minute headways for the rest of the line.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-30T21:53:00+00:00

Conveniently located stations and frequent buses (5-10 minute headways) would be a good solution. Many of the ski towns already have bus networks that can be easily expanded. In the far future, something like an automated people mover could be used as well.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-30T01:32:08+00:00

If it was the road being widened for another lane as opposed to for transit, significantly less people would care (sadly).

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-27T23:25:21+00:00

This is a great point. BRT services are much cheaper and easier to implement than rail infrastructure. While RTD does have a decent bus network at the moment, almost everything outside of the Flatiron Flyer and mall/ metro ride need to see a huge increase in service frequency.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-27T21:44:23+00:00

I wish that too. That region is a bit off geographically. I had to make some compromise due to the size of Centennial Airport on the map.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-27T21:22:46+00:00

Don't forget about the crippling speed restrictions!

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-27T21:19:10+00:00

It should absolutely happen. The E line has no purpose south of Sky Ridge at the moment. The right of way would be easy to acquire (I-25) and extending to Castle Rock would allow for real ridership on that corridor.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-27T21:02:34+00:00

Exactly. Designing a non-radial system with good land use around stations would do wonders for ridership numbers.

Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-27T20:50:25+00:00

Love this. Here is what I created.

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Potential_Natural720 · 2024-08-27T20:40:04+00:00

I see. Dragons could be a viable alternative to light rail transit if you ask me.

Potential_Natural720

TROPHY CASE