Aspen, CO
Trolley Planning Ends
Planning for the introduction of a heritage trolley system in Aspen, Colorado
dates to the very early days of the heritage trolley movement in the United
States, having been initiated in the 1970s. Discussions have continued ever
since. The most visible step forward was made in 1982 when the nonprofit Aspen
Street Railway Company (ASRC) donated to the city six small, narrow gauge
streetcars from Lisbon, Portugal (similar to those in use in
Detroit). However, plans have never quite
advanced to the implementation stage. Recently the end of the matter appeared
definitive when the city widely advertised its intention to dispose of the cars,
offering to donate them to other cities that would use them in heritage service.
Groups representing numerous cities have since contacted Aspen officials to
indicate their interest in the cars. However, the nonprofit ASRC thereafter
continued to
advocate construction of a heritage line, including raising the necessary
financing. The ASRC supported a ballot initiative in November,
2002 to decide the matter once and for all.
However, the initiative was soundly defeated. The following news notes from
Rail Transit Online describe the final outcome and disposition of the
heritage cars:
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