They look like an old design. They don't look modern at all. Are they cheaper than more modern trains? Too bad the video didn't show the inside of the cabin.
It's good to see new public light rail lines being built in the USA, but I'm not sure this is how it should be done. I love that the entire line is grade separated, but then why not have the trains run somewhat faster? Also, I'm sure these tracks were once for freight. I say that because I noticed that not one single station (except the very end) was located anywhere near anything that was within walking distance. All you saw were parking lots and maybe some industrial businesses or houses about half a mile away at the nearest. It's so weird. I've never seen a light rail passenger line in a location like this. What's the point? Is it only meant as a means to get to the city center?
Yeah that's a huge problem with the RTD system, I don't know why, it's terrible because more people got cars since covid and now everyone's like where'd the ridership go? Of course it's not there if things aren't accessible. Look at the light rail in the I-25 corridor, awful and so loud.
Honestly these commuter rail lines are mostly "drive-to-station," not serving much directly but allowing people to drive a shorter distance and take the train to downtown or to the airport. Much as I like them, they don't really offer compelling advantages over driving unless parking will be problematic. This might change over time with "transit oriented development" (gentrification), instead of serving existing residences new ones are built near the stations. Agree that it seems a little silly, which is why they don't get used a lot - there aren't that many people for whom they are useful for on a regular basis.
@@quillmaurer6563 Agreed. I hope the development you speak of happens sooner rather than later. In LA, it's finally beginning to happen more often. In the last few years, there have been more constant development popping up close to our transit stations. And, yes, the gentrification thing can be an issue too. In LA there is more vocal interest in local communities getting a voice as to how the development is being designed and for whom.
@@theexmann My hope would be for at least some of it to be affordable housing. One complex near the closest station to my house, according to a sign in front of it, has the units (which I'm guessing are pretty small) selling for $500k. That's pretty high even by current standards in this area. Asking a real premium for being near the station. Doesn't feel like it's helping those who really would benefit from it most.
Just curious, does anyone know the reason for the view-blocking wall beside the track from 17:34 to 18:14? It appears to be blocking views of a sewage treatment plant and oil refinery, which doesn't seem like something that would have either secrecy or privacy concerns.
Hilarious how they build a brand new right of way, new steel rail, brand new concrete ties, overhead catenary, bridges, everything.... and they’re running it at horse and buggy speeds 😂😂😂 they should be throttling it to at LEAST 70mph if they want folks to choose the train over their car. Isn’t it supposed to be rapid??? (sure hope they didn’t waste taxpayer money by not building it to high-speed specifications. then again, y’all voted for it so 🤣)
It is good to see electric trains in the USA.
Philly has those same type cars (only they’re dual platform for low and high platforms) These “MountainLiners” are what The Mile High City needs)
I think the overall door-count and/or location of the doors might be different, too.
They look like an old design. They don't look modern at all. Are they cheaper than more modern trains? Too bad the video didn't show the inside of the cabin.
It's good to see new public light rail lines being built in the USA, but I'm not sure this is how it should be done. I love that the entire line is grade separated, but then why not have the trains run somewhat faster? Also, I'm sure these tracks were once for freight. I say that because I noticed that not one single station (except the very end) was located anywhere near anything that was within walking distance. All you saw were parking lots and maybe some industrial businesses or houses about half a mile away at the nearest. It's so weird. I've never seen a light rail passenger line in a location like this. What's the point? Is it only meant as a means to get to the city center?
It was formerly a freight line. But it is indeed in an odd location!
Yeah that's a huge problem with the RTD system, I don't know why, it's terrible because more people got cars since covid and now everyone's like where'd the ridership go? Of course it's not there if things aren't accessible. Look at the light rail in the I-25 corridor, awful and so loud.
Honestly these commuter rail lines are mostly "drive-to-station," not serving much directly but allowing people to drive a shorter distance and take the train to downtown or to the airport. Much as I like them, they don't really offer compelling advantages over driving unless parking will be problematic. This might change over time with "transit oriented development" (gentrification), instead of serving existing residences new ones are built near the stations. Agree that it seems a little silly, which is why they don't get used a lot - there aren't that many people for whom they are useful for on a regular basis.
@@quillmaurer6563 Agreed. I hope the development you speak of happens sooner rather than later. In LA, it's finally beginning to happen more often. In the last few years, there have been more constant development popping up close to our transit stations. And, yes, the gentrification thing can be an issue too. In LA there is more vocal interest in local communities getting a voice as to how the development is being designed and for whom.
@@theexmann My hope would be for at least some of it to be affordable housing. One complex near the closest station to my house, according to a sign in front of it, has the units (which I'm guessing are pretty small) selling for $500k. That's pretty high even by current standards in this area. Asking a real premium for being near the station. Doesn't feel like it's helping those who really would benefit from it most.
Just curious, does anyone know the reason for the view-blocking wall beside the track from 17:34 to 18:14? It appears to be blocking views of a sewage treatment plant and oil refinery, which doesn't seem like something that would have either secrecy or privacy concerns.
Is the inside of the Denver commuter trains always that noisy?
They might not be AMTRAK, but TheRIDE’s (RTD) cars may have the HVAC on...
Nice vid! But why is the train running so slow?
Because its a new track
And just in case if the crossing guards malfunction
@@ambergreyhawk250 That makes no sense. They test these things for at least six months before opening the line.
It's good that the USA is investing in public transport but why such ugly, slow trains?
it’s not so slow anymore
Hilarious how they build a brand new right of way, new steel rail, brand new concrete ties, overhead catenary, bridges, everything.... and they’re running it at horse and buggy speeds 😂😂😂 they should be throttling it to at LEAST 70mph if they want folks to choose the train over their car. Isn’t it supposed to be rapid??? (sure hope they didn’t waste taxpayer money by not building it to high-speed specifications. then again, y’all voted for it so 🤣)
Especially since the line seems to be completely grade separated. It should run faster.
it runs faster now