Earlier, I wrote about the debate between proponents of electric multiple unit (EMU) and diesel multiple unit (DMU) technologies for the Northwest Rail corridor.  Each side makes a strong case on multiple competing values, ranging from environmental concerns to cost efficiencies.  Please check-out my previous write-up for some details of these arguments.

All the time, though, it has been clear that EMU would need to overcome a significant construction cost barriers.  Stringing electric power lines between Denver and Longmont, as well as other associated expenses, is estimated to cost an additional $130million.  RTD staff analysis finds that predicted operations savings from EMU never fully compensate for this significant price differential.  On behalf of EMU proponents (and to satisfy my own instinct in support of this technology choice), I have been testing staff’s assumptions concerning everything from long-term fuel cost estimates to alternative financing mechanisms that might bridge the initial construction expense for EMU.  Staff has been very responsive to these inquiries. 

However, a recent letter from Burlington-Northern (the owner of the planned Northwest Rail tracks) to RTD staff recently landed like a lead balloon on the EMU v. DMU debate.  The letter details a veritable laundry list of additional requirements that RTD needs to meet if it selects EMU technology for the Northwest Rail corridor.  I have attached the letter for your review along with a staff analysis concerning the impact of Burlington-Northern’s requirements and a Q&A that FasTracks staff prepared on the issue.

Suffice to say, the hurdles that Burlington-Northern places in front of EMU are daunting.  The most serious is the requirement for 26 feet clearance under the overhead electric wires that would power an EMU system.  A rough estimate is that this would add $400 to $565 million in additional construction expenses to the project, as RTD would be responsible for replacing upwards of 10 road bridges along the Northwest Rail route to meet the 26 feet height requirement.  Burlington-Northern’s letter also raises the specter that an EMU system would exceed the current rail right-of-way if RTD ever had to initiate future expansion to a third rail line.

Having just completed the first round of hearings for the Northwest Rail environmental analysis, it is clear that public sentiment vastly favors electric overdiesel technology.  I understand these sentiments and will continue to challenge staff’s analysis and seek further clarification from Burlington-Northern regarding its conditions for an EMU system.  However, I am also committed to delivering the commuter rail system that was promised to the voters of Boulder County.   We can not let the technology issue distract us from that goal.

So, stay tuned . . . the final technology decision for the Northwest Rail corridor is slated for the RTD Board’s October meeting.  In the meantime, please continue to give me your feedback and suggestions for further lines of inquiry.

Burlington-Northern Letter: EMU Requirements

Burlington-Northern Letter: RTD Staff Analysis

Burlington-Northern Letter: F&Q from FasTracks Staff