Mountain Rail project advances with funding and expanded Winter Park Express service

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) held a Transportation Commission Workshop on May 14, 2025, focusing on the progress of the Mountain Rail service development plan. This initiative, which began in October 2023, aims to enhance multimodal transportation options in the region, particularly through the expansion of rail services.

Key discussions highlighted the successful implementation of a congestion impact fee and an oil and gas fee, which have provided dedicated funding for the project. Over the past winter, CDOT conducted three rounds of public open houses across the Mountain Rail corridor, gathering feedback from local communities in the Yampa Valley, Fraser Valley, and the Denver Metro Area. A total of nine open houses were held to discuss project ideas and incorporate local input into the planning process.

One significant outcome from the funding was the expansion of the Winter Park Express service. The service now operates for a longer season, starting in December and running until March, with increased capacity and additional service days. The expansion included adding more train cars and extending routes to Fraser, resulting in a remarkable increase in ridership from 17,000 to over 40,000 passengers during the season. The fare reductions also contributed to this surge, demonstrating that improved service frequency and affordability can attract more riders.

CDOT has also made progress in negotiations with Union Pacific Railroad, securing a renewal of the Moffat Tunnel lease and permission for passenger rail operations on their right-of-way. This summer, CDOT plans to finalize the service development plan, which will outline operational and financial feasibility, including route details, infrastructure needs, and estimated costs.

The service development plan is crucial for determining the project's viability and will follow Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines, although it is primarily funded through state dollars. This local funding allows for a more expedited process, enabling CDOT to advance project implementation and aim for train operations by the end of next year.

As the project moves forward, CDOT will continue to engage with the community and stakeholders, ensuring that the final service options align with the goals of enhancing transportation in Colorado.