Will trains make a comeback in Colorado?

A Long-Awaited Comeback

Colorado is reviving passenger rail service—three decades after the last passenger train left the tracks in 1967. The new Fort Collins-to-Denver route, set to launch in 2027, marks a bold step backward into the future of transit.

Back in the '60s, tunes like Penny Lane and Purple Haze filled the airwaves while trains faded into history. Today, the plan doesn’t stop at Fort Collins—future expansions could stretch all the way to Pueblo, New Mexico, and Wyoming. A new Moffat Tunnel route to Granby begins this fall, with potential stops in Steamboat Springs and Craig on the horizon.

From Boom to Bust: How Trains Shaped—and Nearly Broke—Colorado

Trains weren’t just a way to travel—they built the state. In the late 1800s, railroads raced to haul silver and other riches, giving birth to towns like Durango and Holyoke. But the rise of the automobile changed everything. Highways like I-25 replaced railroads, and by the 1960s, passenger trains were nearly extinct.

Traffic jams, rising costs, and the convenience of cars made railroads seem obsolete. Now, Colorado is betting big on trains again—but this time, with a modern twist.

Why Trains Make Sense Today

Forget nostalgia—trains are practical. They offer a cheaper alternative for commuters heading to hockey games or Rockies games in Denver. The state’s existing Bustang bus system already connects remote towns to the city, but trains could be even more reliable—no traffic delays, no parking hassles, just a smooth ride.

Earlier proposals for brand-new tracks proved too costly, but now, Colorado plans to repurpose underused freight tracks—a smart move as coal shipments decline.

The Skeptics: Will Trains Really Work?

Not everyone is sold. In Fort Collins, trains might not drop you at your exact destination. In Longmont, driving could still be faster. Some worry about self-driving cars disrupting transit, while others question if trains will ever return to tourist hotspots like Aspen or Glenwood Springs.

But for those tired of highway gridlock, trains offer a chance to relax, work, or simply watch the scenery pass by.

The Big Question: Does Colorado Need Trains?

The state’s growth is slowing, but Colorado isn’t shrinking. If trains prove efficient, they could be a game-changer—reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and giving travelers a smarter way to move.

For now, the comeback is just beginning. But one thing is clear: the rails are back—and Colorado is boarding the train.