Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Today, Denver International Airport (DEN) unveiled the debut of its initial new train car crafted by Alstom, marking the beginning of an upgrade to the transportation system shuttling passengers between the Terminal and Concourses A, B, and C. Anticipated throughout 2024, a total of 26 train cars are set to arrive in Denver, with the initial vehicles expected to ferry passengers during the peak of summer travel.
DEN’s CEO, Phil Washington, highlighted the airport’s proactive measures for the future amidst a surge in passenger traffic, projected to surpass 78 million by year-end and aiming for 100 million annually within the next three to five years. Initiatives such as the revamping of the Great Hall, the expansion of concourse gates, and the enhancement of train capacity signify DEN’s commitment to meet this anticipated demand.
Washington emphasized that the new train cars will substantially bolster passenger throughput, elevating the number of individuals transported to the gates by approximately 850 per hour. This enhancement aims to minimize wait times between train arrivals, optimizing operational efficiency and promising a smoother travel experience for passengers at DEN.
Moreover, these newly introduced Alstom train cars boast enhanced energy efficiency. Constructed with lightweight aluminum bodies from recyclable materials and employing a more resource-effective power system, they achieve over a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption, setting a benchmark as the first of their kind in North America.
Currently, DEN maintains a fleet of 31 train cars, 16 of which have surpassed their intended operational life of 29 years, logging over 1.4 million miles. The phased introduction of the new cars, scheduled to be fully operational by summer 2024, aims to replace these aging 16 vehicles. Additionally, DEN plans to expand its train fleet to 41 vehicles during 2024, with potential further expansion, ensuring the airport’s ability to manage both current and future passenger volumes while preserving these critical assets.
DEN’s dynamic scheduling, adapting to passenger demand, presently accommodates a maximum of seven four-car trains during peak periods. With the forthcoming additional cars, the airport will increase its capacity, enabling the operation of up to eight four-car trains. Additionally, DEN is exploring expanded train car configurations to offer greater capacity and passenger convenience as the facility approaches an annual volume of 100 million passengers.
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