A false alarm about possible cutbacks on upcoming commuter rail service between Denver and Boulder this week inadvertently provided a “teachable moment,” reminding us that express bus services can sometimes be faster, cheaper and less polluting than their steel-wheeled rivals.
Regional Transportation District spokesmen said upcoming rail services between Boulder and Longmont might not operate between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the FasTracks network opens in 2014.
That’s because RTD expects to run its commuter trains to Longmont on a single track line it shares with Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight trains. On the more heavily traveled corridor from Denver’s Union Station to Boulder, RTD will share a two-track line with BNSF.
Tuesday, RTD said BNSF had warned that it might have to ban commuter trips for four midday hours to properly maintain the single track line — unless RTD can spring for another $45 million to double- track the Boulder-Longmont leg.
Somehow, briefers went on to imply that the Denver to Boulder line might also be closed at midday. Wednesday, the transit agency hastened to correct the record: There may be midday closures on the Boulder-Longmont run but not on the Boulder-Denver double-track line.
Correction noted. But we’d like to go on record as firmly opposing spending extra money now to double-track the Boulder-Longmont leg.
The exact type of trains on that run haven’t been decided yet, but the various candidates are diesel powered and carry between 100 and 175 passengers. That makes them ideal for inter-city runs during rush hours, when buses would be caught in traffic on the Longmont diagonal.
But luxurious “coach” buses, which seat about 55 people, are better choices for midday runs with few riders because they can be scheduled more frequently and go directly to downtown locations. Putting 40 riders on a bus also uses less energy — and produces less carbon dioxide — than putting the same 40 riders on a train designed for 150 people.
Trains are optimal in some situations and buses in others. The Boulder-Longmont run is a case where trains at rush hour and off-peak buses combine for the fastest service and the smallest carbon footprints.
