U.S. Vintage Trolley Systems

John Smatlak - Railway Preservation Resources

Colorado Vintage Trolley Systems

The Platte Valley Trolley offers a pleasant excursion ride along the Platte River, paralleling a jogging and bike path for much of its run. The line is operated by the non-profit Denver Rail Heritage Society using a Gomaco-built replica of a New England open-air trolley car. The group operates the excursion over a 1.5 mile section of former Burlington Northern railroad, no longer used for freight service, as well as a 2 mile section of former electric interurban track. The trolley has a built-in diesel generator that powers its electric motors, and the line has no overhead wire. 

The entire right-of-way is owned by the Denver RTD, who acquired it in the 1980s for possible future transit use. RTD has been very supportive of the Platte Valley Trolley project, and has even assisted with track improvements. Long-range plans hold the possibility that this rail corridor may become part of Denver's new Light Rail system, but for now the Platte Valley Trolley is the only thing polishing the rails.  

Between April 1 and Memorial Day and after Labor Day through the end of October, the trolley runs every day except Monday. From the beginning of November through April 1, the
trolley runs weekends only, weather permitting. Two excursions are offered. The primary excursion is a 30 minute, 1.5 mile route along the South Platte River from 15th Street, through Confluence Park to West Colfax Ave. Stops include the Children's Museum and the Auraria foot bridge. On weekends, one trip a day runs the full 3.5 miles out to Sheridan Blvd. This one-hour trip utilizes the two miles of the old Denver Tramway interurban line that ran to Golden, Colorado. 

The Gomaco car is stored on an open-air siding adjacent to the former Denver Tramways powerhouse at the 15th St. end of the line. Until 1998, this historic building housed the Forney Transportation Museum, but has since become an REI outlet store. DRHS has also acquired Denver Tramway streetcar .04, which it plans to eventually restore to operation.