"when are we going to start talking about getting a rail from Denver to Springs? whoever can mastermind would be in the hall of fame."
I started my transportation research company with the express intent of showing that trains can be effective and pay for themselves. After doing extensive research I had to admit failure because trains are not effective and, aside from Tokyo, don't come close to meeting their costs. Light rail here is subsidized 74% and riders still complain about the cost.
Consider the oft-proposed ski train. Using CDOT's best numbers, for construction alone we would spend approximately $25 million per month for 20 years. During ski season the trains would be full and still not break even, and during the off season would likely be empty, yet we'd still have to cough up that $35 million.
That's reality.