The plan requires an agreement with BNSF, which owns the tracks, and Amtrak, which will likely operate the service.
Colorado officials took a major step toward launching passenger train service between Denver and Fort Collins, reports Chase Woodruff in Colorado Newsline.
State officials announced a "joint service" plan between the Regional Transportation District and the Front Range Passenger Rail District on tracks owned by BNSF, a freight company.
According to Woodruff, "RTD and the state, through the Colorado Transportation Investment Office, would split the estimated $333 million in one-time capital costs required to launch the service, as well as the roughly $30 million in annual operating costs." The BNSF-owned rails require infrastructure upgrades and stations that are not currently necessary for freight operations.
Officials will begin negotiations with Amtrak over operating costs later this year, and service could start as early as 2029.
FULL STORY: Colorado reaches agreement with BNSF for Denver-Fort Collins passenger trains
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