Take Carlos Braceras on the California Zephyr!

As evidenced by the post made by Benjamin Wood, UDOT executive director Carlos Braceras' lack of understanding of Amtrak is indicative of a larger lack of institutional knowledge of passenger rail by UDOT. Therefore, the Utah Rail Passengers Association is endeavoring to raise funds in order to give Mr. Braceras firsthand experience riding Amtrak's California Zephyr! We feel that this may be the most effective way to build support within UDOT for efforts currently underway to expand Amtrak in Utah, such as the proposals to restore service between Boise and Salt Lake City and between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

While subject to change, the plan would be for Mr. Braceras and Utah Rail Passengers Association executive director Mike Christensen to fly to Denver, stay two nights in downtown Denver, and then ride the westbound California Zephyr back to Salt Lake City. The flight is to avoid the 3:30 am departure of the eastbound California Zephyr, which Mr. Braceras might not be amenable to. Mr. Braceras would also experience riding RTD's A Line from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station.

The full day in Denver is intended to give Mr. Braceras the opportunity to experience Denver Union Station and the redevelopment that surrounds it, which is hoped to foster support for the Rio Grande Plan in downtown Salt Lake City. Additionally, a visit to CDOT headquarters to attend briefings on CDOT's statewide bus service Bustang and also on CDOT's efforts planning Front Range Passenger Rail could also be made.

If we are successful in raising the funds for the trip but are not successful in convincing Mr. Braceras to take the trip, the funds will go to support the general mission of the Utah Rail Passengers Association.

More information about Utah Rail Passengers Association: The Utah Rail Passengers Association works to promote the broader diversity of transportation options for residents of and visitors to Utah by educating citizens and policy makers about available transportation options. Our organization seeks funders, volunteers, and others interested parties to help us connect Utahns across miles and geographies in a more cohesive and sustainable way.