Train tracks running through an open landscape at sunset with dramatic clouds.

Corridors

Pilot Study: Colorado Springs–Denver Commuter Line

1. Route Focus: Colorado Springs–Denver

The proposed corridor connects two of Colorado’s fastest-growing urban centers — Colorado Springs and Denver — through the Castle Rock–Douglas County growth belt. The line closely follows the existing Union Pacific (UP) right-of-way, paralleling Interstate 25, which currently experiences some of the state’s most congested highway conditions.

This corridor is a critical missing link for sustainable intercity commuting. The use of existing UP infrastructure transforms this from a billion-dollar new-build to a practical, scalable mobility project.

2. Length & Timing

The service is designed to be competitive with peak-hour highway driving, offering a reliable alternative for daily commuters.

85-90

Mins Travel Time

~55 mph

Average Speed

6x Daily

3 AM & 3 PM Departures

3. Stations

Proposed stations are selected for operational feasibility and commuter density, with designs prioritizing minimal infrastructure additions.

Station	Function	Key Features
Colorado Springs Depot	Southern Terminus	Access to downtown business district; connection to Mountain Metro Transit.
Castle Rock	Midpoint Commuter Hub	Park-and-ride facilities, serving Douglas County residents and regional workers.
Lone Tree (Sky Ridge Area)	Northern Suburban Hub	Connection to RTD Light Rail; proximity to employment centers and Sky Ridge Medical campus.
Denver Union Station	Northern Terminus	Integration with RTD rail network, bus services, and intercity Amtrak routes.

4. Ridership Potential

Based on U.S. Census LEHD data, the corridor has a significant daily commuter flow, offering a substantial market for a new rail service.

15k-18k

Daily One-Way Trips

10-15%

Target Mode Shift

1,500+

Daily Rail Boardings

Achieving this would remove over 1,200 cars from I-25 during peak hours.

5. Track & Operations

The service would operate on Union Pacific’s Joint Line, a corridor with moderate freight activity where shared use is technically and operationally feasible. A critical partnership with UP is required, for which precedent exists on other successful passenger rail lines.

Key Operational Facts

FRA Class 4 Track (79 mph max)
Requires siding, signal, and station upgrades
Access agreements and dispatch coordination with UP

6. Economic and Strategic Rationale

Low Capital Requirement

Reusing existing freight infrastructure reduces upfront costs by 60–70%.

Regional Integration

Links two major labor markets, supporting state economic growth.

Scalable Model

Provides a template for future corridors like Fort Collins–Denver.

Environmental Gains

Replaces thousands of single-occupancy vehicle trips, reducing emissions.

7. Corridor Map

Primary Alignment: UP Joint Line

Close-up view of multiple curved rail tracks representing a rail network.

Colorado Springs ↔ Castle Rock ↔ Lone Tree ↔ Denver Union Station

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