Western Rail Coalition > Why Rail?
Frequent chaos on I-70…
The Interstate 70 (I-70) Mountain corridor remains one of the largest and most visible transportation challenges faced by Coloradans today due to mountain towns and ski resorts being dependent on a highway that has been crammed in to the numerous picturesque valleys and canyons. The result is a road that is challenging to drive, and suffers from frequent (at least once a month) closures due to vehicle crashes or bad weather.
Vehicle crashes on I-70 are frequent, often closing the highway for extended periods.
The rail alternative…
Rail offers a solution that is safe and reliable in poor weather conditions which is not exposed to traffic or vehicle crashes. Passengers can relax in the knowledge that their journey is being managed by trained professionals backed up by the latest safety systems.
Trains offer a vastly superior on-board experience when compared to buses and planes with features such as large reclining seats, tables to work or play games at, food and drink service, and ample storage for all types of baggage and sports equipment viewed as standard.
Due to the efficiency of the steel wheel / rail interface, trains are the most energy efficient mode of transport out there, even when powered by traditional diesel engines. That said, the electrification technology to completely eradicate emissions at source (‘Scope 1 emissions’) has been around for decades and is widely proven in the U.S. The rail industry is also embracing new sources of energy provision and storage such as battery and hydrogen power.
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