MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. — Our Colorado has so many stunning landmarks, but the Pikes Peak Cog Railway tops many lists for iconic treasures.
Denver7 has been closely following the Broadmoor Hotel's decision to shut down the popular railway this season, upsetting many.
People in Manitou Springs and nearby communities are worried that the cog's closure will lead to more car and shuttle traffic on an already crowded roadway.
Ken Jaray, Manitou Springs' mayor, is hoping the railway will reopen because it brings at least 3,000 people every year to the mountain town.
“People come for all kinds of things. They certainly come for our attractions, the Cog being one, but they come for our natural beauty,” said Jaray.
Business owners told Denver7 they are losing traction without the Cog Railway to entice tourists. Locals say it’s also worsening the already existing traffic problem.
At a town hall meeting Tuesday evening, hosted by El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn, residents sounded off and suggested ways to de-rail the traffic problem, with or without the Cog Railway.
“Other places that have this problem, they change the tourist traffic around the infrastructure,” said one resident and business owner.
They told town leaders even with new shuttle service, there need to be more signs to direct tourists.
“It may be a little inconvenient for the tourists, but as long as they have advanced notice and people know that, other great places in the world do this,” said the resident.
Denver7 has reached out to the Broadmoor Hotel for a response on the current status of the Cog Railway.