Commuting Solutions reports on Northwest Rail Feasibility Study

Commuting Solutions held its membership meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at the Hampton Inn in Gunbarrel, where members were presented with an update on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Safety and Mobility Improvements Project as well as the results of the Northwest Rail Peak Service Feasibility Study that was prepared by RTD. Commuting Solutions serves as the transportation management organization for the northwest region.

The report on the BRT Rapid Transit Safety and Mobility Improvements Project is addressed in a separate article in this edition of the Courier. This article addresses the information provided at the meeting regarding the RTD Northwest Rail Peak Service Feasibility Study.

An update regarding the RTD Northwest Rail Peak Service Feasibility Study was provided by the project manager, Patrick Stanley.

The feasibility study was intended to assess the feasibility of initial rail service that would run at peak commute times from Denver Union Station to Boulder, then terminate in Longmont, and eventually run all day.

The initial proposal is to run service from Longmont to Denver with three weekday southbound morning trips and three northbound evening trips.

The feasibility study is looking at partnering with local jurisdictions for new stations in downtown Longmont, Boulder Junction at Depot Square, downtown Louisville, Flatirons, Broomfield at 116th Street and downtown Westminster.

A 39-mile extension from Westminster Station to Longmont is proposed to use existing freight railroad tracks that are owned by BNSF Railway. Thus coordination must occur between RTD and BNSF. BNSF delivered a 30% preliminary design package which outlined needed improvements to upgrade the freight infrastructure for higher speed passenger travel including railway, drainage, crossings and structural uplifts to design and build all trackway improvements.

The one time capital cost estimate of $650M in 2024 dollars includes costs for infrastructure and easement access.

The annual operating costs estimate of $12-$16M in 2024 dollars includes the maintenance of the trackway and the dispatch and coordination of train operations.

According to the report for the period of 2025-2029, after meeting current fiscal policy, RTD has no additional funding available for capital or operations expansion. However there are additional funding opportunities through new debt issuance for capital expenses with committed ongoing state funding for debt service and Operations and Maintenance expenses.

Additional new revenue bond issuance would require voter approval.