DENVER — Increased frequency and capacity and lower prices have led to a significant boost in ridership for Amtrak’s Winter Park Express ski train.
Colorado Public Radio reports that one-way tickets were priced as low as $19, thanks to use of a state fee on rental car funds designated for rail projects. Trains were also lengthened and the number of operating days were increased from 40 to 69 [see “Amtrak’s Winter Park Express ski train expands …,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 4, 2024]. The result? More than 41,000 bookings this season compared to about 16,000 last year, Piper Darlington, director of the Colorado Transportation Investment Office, told the state’s Transportation Commission at a Thursday meeting. The train concludes its season March 31.
“This was really a great quick win,” Darlington said, calling the ski train “someplace where we could invest those new congestion impact fees to get people excited about the expanded train service.”
Darlington said the state hopes to expand the ski train partnership with Amtrak and Winter Park Resort. Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari told CPR that Amtrak is “happy to see the state’s confidence in the route proven by these ridership numbers.”
The Winter Park Express launched in 2016, reviving rail service to the trackside Winter Park Resort that the Denver & Rio Grande Western and successor operators ran until 2009. Service has gradually but continually improved since, with the addition of a lounge car in 2018 and a slow but steady increase in the number of operating dates.
We rode the train this past Monday. I’d estimate 75% full, onboard hosts said it was a higher load than on most Mondays because of Spring break. Lots of families with kids. A useful alternative to driving on crowded I-70, especially on weekends, then driving 2-lane U.S. 40 over treacherous Berthoud Pass. I had checked for a ticket on the website for the previous Saturday but it was sold out. A definite “win” for Amtrak and the state support.
2.4 times number of riders and only 1.7 number of trips. Now do not know total number of seats increased from last year. This is just another indication of how important it is for Amtrak to increase its capacity to meet the unrealized demand. Just look at the NEC when Amtrak increased the capacity in FY 2024.
IMO regional and especially LD riders would increase if fares were more reasonable with a capacity increase. Maybe Gardner fought the doggie about increasing capacity. Not likely but who knows.
I agree, Mr. Jones. Over the many years (I am almost 71) that I have been following passenger rail (Amtrak and pre-Amtrak), I have seen this scenario play out time and again. You may recall I recently commented that it is time to add more service on the Empire Builder route with a more local emphasis.
This all proves that a good, reliable service with sensible pricing can bring in amazing levels of ridership. I couldn’t help but notice the train in the picture was not pulled by Charger locomotives.
Be interesting to see if eventually a private entity doesn’t take a stab at this. You already have the train to Moab which is soon going to expand to Salt Lake City. Would be a good off season use of that equipment.
Note that while onboard, you’ll enjoy a trip in Coach class featuring wide, reclining seats with a big picture window, ample legroom and no middle seat. Be sure to visit the bi-level Sightseer Lounge offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and Moffat Tunnel from upstairs and café service with snacks and drinks for sale downstairs. One-way fares start at $19, with kids fares (age 2 – 12) starting at just $9.50.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Rode it a week ago. Comparable fare on a shuttle to the Denver airport is over $100. Route is also beautiful with 5 mile long Moffat tunnel right at Winter Park and another 25 or so shorter ones. Nice touch to have volunteer car hosts in each car.
An exemplary service that should definitely be continued by Amtrak.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün