This is one of Amtrak’s wonderful Superliner services, which takes several days to complete its journey. The only trains to serve the station in recent years have been the two California Zephyr services (one each way) per day, on the Chicago to San Francisco route. Photo by Daniel Wright via this flickr album Much photographed is its illuminated “Travel by Train” sign, erected in the 1950s in an (unsuccessful) attempt to stem the post-war decline in railroad passenger traffic. Local transport authority RTD has planned a network of four commuter rail lines, plus other light rail lines, under the FasTrack project umbrella, with the first two due to open in 2016.Īt the heart of this new network is Denver Union Station, a famous local landmark. Denver is just the latest city to turn to commuter rail in its attempt to relieve road congestion and provide a more sustainable alternative to car use. It’s a model that is slowly becoming more popular again. Photo by Daniel Wright via this flickr albumĭespite the sudden and massive decline in long-distance railroad usage as Americans switched to cars in the post-Second World War boom, many cities retained commuter rail networks, connecting them to other settlements in their economic hinterlands. The 2014-built train hall at Denver Union Station. One such success story comes from the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, which is now in the final stages of opening/reopening its thoroughly modernised Union Station. And when I say local rail, I mean at the state level, so the distances covered by ‘local’ trains in America wouldn’t disgrace those on inter-city routes in many European countries. Partly the explanation is that while national rail might be staggering along apparently in imminent fear of collapse, local rail seems to be doing quite nicely in some places. In contrast, many of its stations are either incredibly well-maintained historic survivors, or impressive new constructions. Yet somehow it carries on despite delays on services which can run into the hours, rather than the minutes, and trains which run once a day, calling at many cities in the middle of the night. The national state operator Amtrak lurches from one financial or operational crisis to the next, providing long-distance services that often seem of more interest to tourists than American citizens. The trains are fast and the intersection will open up quickly.It can be hard work trying to get your head around developments on America’s passenger railways. Never stop on the tracks, never try to beat a train through an intersection and be patient. Notice the stopping areas at the intersections they look different than at other intersections in the city. A common light rail accident includes cars turning left or right and crossing illegally in front of trains or on red lights. In Golden, the Light Rail crosses at 6th Avenue and Johnson Road and Ulysses Street. Stay alert and never walk on the tracks or in front of a moving train. Light rail trains are quiet, so look for the flashing headlights and listen for warning bells and horns. Allow other passengers to exit the train before trying to board, and always use the handrails when boarding. Don’t ever run for a train - another one will come along shortly. ![]() Adults should hold the hands of small children at all times. When you first visit the station, check the markings on the platform, noting where it is safe to stand. In Golden, there is the large station at the Jefferson County campus at 6th Avenue and Johnson Road. The best solution to avoid light rail accidents is education and prevention. More secure bike parking is provided by 12 bike lockers located just outside the parking garage. ![]() Bike parking consists of racks adjacent to the platform, as well as covered racks just inside the parking garage. ![]() There are pedestrian linkages from the station to Jefferson County campus sidewalks and the Highway 6 and C 470 shared use paths. A total of 700 of these garage spaces have been designated for West Rail Line passengers. Garage and Bike ParkingĪ new parking garage has been constructed adjacent to the Golden end-of-line station that holds 835 vehicles. Automated ticket kiosks are also be available adjacent to the station platform. Similarly, for those taking the Community Call-n-Ride bus in Golden to the Golden station for travel to downtown Denver, riders can purchase a ticket for $4.00 on the bus and use that transfer to continue their journey aboard the train at no extra cost.
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