AURORA | Commuters can look forward to more than just avoiding highway traffic to the airport when the Regional Transportation District’s East Rail line opens in 2016. They will also be riding in the state’s first electric commuter rail cars.
The first four stainless steel cars that will transport passengers from Denver Union Station to Denver International Airport have arrived from their assembly plant in Philadelphia. Officials say riders can get to or from the airport in 35 minutes.
“They’re completely different from light rail,” RTD spokesman Kevin Flynn said about the passenger cars. “They’re larger and frankly, they’re the more appropriate type of rail car to use on a longer system.”
RTD estimates the East Rail line will have 28,000 riders daily in the first year.
The East Rail line will make six stops during its 23-mile trip from Denver to DIA and will connect to light rail lines throughout the metro region, including Aurora’s Interstate 225 line.
“No matter where you live in metro Denver, you’re a potential rider of the East line,” Flynn said.
The commuter train will travel at 79 miles per hour versus a light rail car, which can only go up to 55 miles per hour, according to RTD.
Flynn said the commuter cars will be more accessible than light rail because the East Rail line will have level boarding.
“You will be able to board at any door because the platform is higher,” he said. “It will make a big difference for people in mobility devices, and it’s also good for people going to the airport with luggage.”
Flynn likened the feel of the East Rail line to the Metro-North railroad that runs between New York City and the northern suburbs in New York and Connecticut.
There will be two places to catch the commuter line in Aurora: the first at the Airport Boulevard Park-n-Ride next to DIA, the second at Peoria Street and Smith Road.
The station at Peoria Street and Smith Road will serve as the last stop for Aurora’s I-225 Line. That line connects with Nine Mile station and is also set to open in 2016.
Flynn said that stop will also serve the new VA hospital being built on the Anschutz Medical Campus a few miles south.
Tom Tobiassen, RTD board member, whose district covers Aurora, said when the line is open, it will mark another major milestone for public transportation in the city.
The rest of the cars for the East Rail Line will be delivered and tested throughout the year. In total, RTD will have 66 commuter cars operating on not only on the East Rail Line, but on the Gold Line coming from Arvada and the Northwest Rail line that will travel as far north as Longmont.
The public can tour the cars at Denver Union Station from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m through Dec. 6.
Germany had these 40 years ago. We are just now catching up.