The Regional Transportation District (RTD) took delivery Nov. 21, 2014 of the first electric commuter rail cars that will operate on four of its new FasTracks rail lines: East Rail Line to Denver International Airport, Gold Line to Arvada/Wheat Ridge and Northwest Rail to Westminster, all opening in 2016, and the North Metro Rail Line to Thornton, opening in 2018. The rail cars completed a journey from the assembly plant in Philadelphia. Four cars every month starting in December until all 66 are received will arrive in Denver at the commuter rail maintenance facility. Photos courtesy Regional Transportation District.
Photos: Denver RTD commuter railcar delivery 2014
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) took delivery Nov. 21, 2014 of the first electric commuter rail cars that will operate on four of its new FasTracks rail lines: East Rail Line to Denver International Airport, Gold Line to Arvada/Wheat Ridge and Northwest Rail to Westminster, all opening in 2016, and the North Metro Rail Line to Thornton, opening in 2018. The rail cars completed a journey from the assembly plant in Philadelphia. Four cars every month starting in December until all 66 are received will arrive in Denver at the commuter rail maintenance facility. All photos courtesy Regional Transportation District.
Through Commerce City - The BNSF delivery train passes the ConAgra Foods facility in Commerce City headed into Denver. RTD
Waiting for the Trains - Media outlets and other interested people wait on Union Station's commuter rail platform. RTD
Backing In - The train cars are lined up closely with the platform, allowing for level boarding at all doors. RTD
Looks Just Right - Just a few inches separate the rail car from the platform edge. RTD
Separation- For the first time since departing Philadelphia on Oct. 31, the commuter rail cars are on their own. RTD
Union Station - Looking back west, the facade of Union Station anchors the platform and canopy. RTD
RTD
Headed for Denver - The rail cars were shipped on the rails with flatbed cars between them and the regular freight to add to the braking power. RTD
Into the Last Switch - The rail cars are switched onto Union Station Track 1, which will be used for service to Denver International Airport in 2016. RTD
Through the "Throat" - A BNSF switcher engine pushes the commuter rail cars through a set of switches in a narrow area called "The Throat" behind Coors Field and into the Union Station platform area. RTD
Checking the Clearance -
Since this is the first time a rail car has entered track one, Denver Transit Partners workers closely watch the clearance between the rail car and the edge of the platform. RTD
Uncoupling - A BNSF Railway worker uncouples the commuter cars from the flatbed. RTD
Delivery Done - Crews prepare to button up the rail cars. RTD
RTD's first four commuter rail cars parked at Denver Union Station RTD