Christian LenhartWhen Salt Lake City was presented with the hard decision of consolidating the rail lines in downtown, an eye-brow raising idea was pitched.
Video Credits: Research, Script, & Editing: Jesse Mayo Narrated: Christian Lenhart
Music from the YouTube audio library: Like You Mean It - Dan Lebowitz Riding Into The Sun - Telecasted Before the Loss - Nathan Moore Doc and Wyatt - Everet Almond Go on the Go - Chris Haugen Allégro - Emmit Fenn Subharmonic Bliss - Loopop Midnight Special - E's Jammy Jams
Salt Lake City’s Original Rio Grande PlanChristian Lenhart2025-04-13 | When Salt Lake City was presented with the hard decision of consolidating the rail lines in downtown, an eye-brow raising idea was pitched.
Video Credits: Research, Script, & Editing: Jesse Mayo Narrated: Christian Lenhart
Music from the YouTube audio library: Like You Mean It - Dan Lebowitz Riding Into The Sun - Telecasted Before the Loss - Nathan Moore Doc and Wyatt - Everet Almond Go on the Go - Chris Haugen Allégro - Emmit Fenn Subharmonic Bliss - Loopop Midnight Special - E's Jammy Jams
Rio Grande Plan Variations video: youtube.com/watch?v=i4zXmZxzYO8&The Alameda Corridor #train #RioGrandePlanChristian Lenhart2025-09-30 | Thank you to Fred Jenny for editing down the original Alameda Corridor video into this YouTube Short. To get involved with the Rio Grande Plan, reach out to us via our website, or our other social media channels!
https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareReport Blocked Crossings! (Advice from Councilman Alejandro Puy)Christian Lenhart2025-09-30 | This is a short clip from our live event, held September 12th, 2024. Salt Lake City Council member Alejandro Puy encourages us to report blocked railroad crossings, and some clever editing by Fred Jenny shows us how to do it.
Thank you to everyone who has reported crossings blocked by stopped trains! If we all keep reporting every incident, then grade separation of these crossings will become a higher priority under FRA rules, and eligible for larger grants.The Alameda CorridorChristian Lenhart2025-09-09 | The Alameda Corridor is one of the biggest and most underrated success stories in American Infrastructure. What was once a gridlock of trains and cars is now a higher speed, sealed rail corridor that passes almost entirely unnoticed through multiple suburbs of Los Angeles. Even though it is only for freight trains, the impact on the local communities was enormous! We here, in Salt Lake City, can enjoy those benefits too. The Rio Grande Plan needs YOU!
Borrowed Video: youtube.com/watch?v=XKwEXMsSV98&t=1s youtube.com/watch?v=dgfAQoGOpGU Music: Clean and Dance – An Jone The Life and Death of a Certain K. Zabriskie – Chris Zabriskie Speak the Truth – Go by Ocean – Ryan McCaffreyWalk and Talk: Timelines for Statewide Rail, Practical and SpeculatoryChristian Lenhart2025-09-01 | Hello all! It's been a busy month through August, so my planned videos are running behind. In this Walk and Talk - for better or worse - I unleash some of my deeper thoughts about the future of passenger rail in the United States, once transportation as a service (rather than vehicle ownership) becomes the predominant way people decide to move about the land. Any way you cut it, trains will factor in much more heavily to any transportation market, and it baffles me that planners and governments are not taking this obvious evolution more seriously.
My thoughts this time are certainly more raw and less articulate than last time, and I welcome the discussion that will come from this video! Please leave your responses in the comments, I will read every one!
Visit our Rio Grande pages here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareThe Rio Grande Depot brought to life! #train #railroadChristian Lenhart2025-08-29 | Thank you to Jed Ballif for sending us this delightful AI recreation of the opening day at the Rio Grande Depot! Thank you also to Fred Jenny for fading to the footage of present day.
Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareUtah Statewide Passenger Rail, Pt 4 Provo to YellowstoneChristian Lenhart2025-07-29 | Let’s catch a train to Yellowstone! Of all the branches and rail service that gets me excited, this one is the most exciting of all, since it also connects my old hometown (Rexburg, ID) to my current hometown (SLC, UT). What a beautiful and useful ride this would be!
If you want to get involved, find us on our social media pages: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_share Our website also has an easy contact us page: www.RioGrandePlanSaltLakeCity.org
Music: Blackest Crow – TrackTribe Long Road Ahead B – Kevin MacLeod Burden Laid Down – The Westerlies Triumph on the Prairie – Trevor Garrod Twilight Train – Dan Lebowitz Who Can Say – The 126ers Snowy Peaks pt1 – Chris Haugen Longer Distance – TrackTribe Moonrise – Reed Mathis Hitchcock would have… - Chris Zabriskie
We would not only elinitate multiple crossings, but would restore service to the historic and beautiful Rio Grande Depot. Lastly, it would create $12 billion dollars in value for Utah Taxpayers. That's a win-win-win situation!Utah Statewide Passenger Rail, Pt 3 Provo to St GeorgeChristian Lenhart2025-06-20 | www.RioGrandePlanSaltLakeCity.org
We're back with Part 3! Will the train be able to beat the car for travel time? There's only one way to find out!
To learn more about the Utah Rail Passengers Association and their Link Utah proposal, follow this address: utahrpa.org/link-utah
Link to our own Via Rio Grande social media channels (& website!) https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Both are awesom channels, please go give them a watch!
Music: Leaning On the Everlasting Arms – Zachariah Hickman Leafing Through the Days – Nathan Moore Hopping Trains – Nathan Moore Guera Encantadora – Casa Rosa Yard Sale – Silent Partner Uptown – Topher Mohr and Alex Elena Twilight Train – Dan Lebowitz Hitchcock Would Have… – Chris Zabriskie
Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for other rail journies begining at the Rio Grande Depot!The Rio Grande Plan Summary #train #railroad #saltlakecityChristian Lenhart2025-06-05 | ...More Alternatives to the Rio Grande Plan, Pt 2Christian Lenhart2025-05-30 | It's finally here - and boy am I glad I broke this video into two parts!
This video reviews one of the last, and best, suggestions I've received to help make the Rio Grande Plan a more conventional, feasible construction project. Breaking it into 3 phases that can be built independently of the others may seem like it makes the project bigger and more complicated, but it actually does just the opposite.
Be sure to follow us on our social media channels, there are several to choose from!
Music: Galactic Damages – Jingle Punks Wolf Moon – Unicorn Heads Balearic Slide – Jeremy Black Clover 3 – Vibe Mountain Country Gentleman – Endless Love Hitchcock Would Have… - Chris Zabriskie
Next time, I'll get back to our statewide rail network, I promise! :DThe Rio Grande Plan Economic Impact Report: A RecapChristian Lenhart2025-05-12 | A brief description of how the recently released Economic Impact Report changes the conversation on the Rio Grande Plan. A big Thank You to Fredrick Jenny for adding the visuals!
Find the report itself at our website:
www.RioGrandePlanSaltLakeCity.org
Music: Chris Zabriskie: Hitchcock would have... youtube.com/watch?v=ON8O9q1r8x4Economic Impact Analysis Press Conference, Part 2: Q & AChristian Lenhart2025-04-29 | Welcome back to Part 2 of the Economic Impact Analysis Press Conference, held April 23, 2025. The indefatigable Fred Jenny joins with the 6 presenters and answers questions from the assembled reporters.
Thank you to everyone who made this event, and this report, such a huge success! It has been amazing to see everyone getting excited for the Rio Grande Plan!
Have we convinced you that the Rio Grande Plan is a good idea? Consider joining with Via Rio Grande as a volunteer! Reach out to us via email, or any of our social media channels: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
A speical thank you to Nathan Carlin, who handles all our tech needs, including making this recording. You ROCK too!
Music: Outside the Box, by Patrik PatrikosEconomic Impact Analysis Press Conference, Part 1: PresentationsChristian Lenhart2025-04-28 | April 23, 2025 will be remembered as a critical day in the path of the Rio Grande Plan. On this day, we released an econmic impact analysis, completed by the USU Huntsman School of Business, which shows that the monetary benefits vastly outweigh the costs of building the Rio Grande Plan. As articulated by Frederick Jenny, "this analysis provides the second half of the equation." Where the Kimley Horn Screening Analysis provided only the cost, this study shows all the benifts that cost will buy. As you will hear Curtis Bishop say: "it sounds like a screaming deal to me!"
Speaking at this press conference was: Frederick Jenny, Via Rio Grande (MC) Christian Lenhart, Via Rio Grande Pedram Jahangiry, USU Curtis Bishop, USU Laurie Stringham, Salt Lake County Council Dr Ray Ward, House District 19, Utah House of Representatives Alejandro Puy, District 2, Salt Lake City Council
Thank you to all the Via Rio Grande Volunteers who made the USU study and the press conference happen! Noah, Brett, Taylor, Nathan, Fred, Jesse, Andrew, Max, Brittney, Nathan, and so, so many others. You are, sincerely, the absolute best!
Link to the Via Rio Grande LinkTree, including the USU analysis:
https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareStatus Update April 2025Christian Lenhart2025-04-14 | Apologies for the washed-out video... the perils of recording long videos outside!
It's been a long and eventful winter. It's time for a Status Update!
All the important links are here:
https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareMore Alternatives to the Rio Grande PlanChristian Lenhart2025-03-28 | Bet you didn't think I'd get a video out for March, did you? Neither did I! Rather than wait a month to release this video as a half-hour monster, I thought we'd both be happier to discuss this topic in parts. Here are 5 more alternative designs to the Rio Grande Plan, with the 6th to follow on as its own video in about a month.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to me with their questions and suggestions! The amazing excitement from the community is the reason I have so much confidence in the Rio Grande Plan! If you'd like to do more to help the cause, reach out to us, volunteer with us, or help us fundraise (with merchandise!) here:
Music: Sunny Travel, Nico Staf Vital Whales, Unicorn Heads Pienso Viento, Casa Rosa Dusty Fingers, DJ Williams Cielo, Huma HumaChairwoman Stringham Speaks (2)Christian Lenhart2025-03-27 | Further clips from the interview with Salt Lake County councilwoman Lauri Stringham, regarding the RIo Grande Plan.
Follow us and learn more at: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareChairwoman Lauri Stringham Speaks (1) #riograndeplan #saltlakecityChristian Lenhart2025-03-17 | Salt Lake County Councilwoman Lauri Stringham makes a good point in favor of the Rio Grande Plan during an interview.Utah Statewide Passenger Rail, Pt 2 Provo to MoabChristian Lenhart2025-02-21 | Part 2 is finally here - let's go to Moab! Though this is by far the least-traveled leg of our our three-legged Utah Statewide Passenger Rail network, there is still a strong demand for a fast, convenient train. These are my thoughts on the train - what it could look like, what kinds of schedules it would run, and how long the trip could take. Please share your thoughts below!
Follow our Via Rio Grande socials: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Music: Grange Party – Huma-Huma 29 Palms – National Sweetheart Sailing – Anno Domini Beats Sleeper – Steve Adams Empire Seasons – Dan Henig Silky Smooth – Audio Hertz Big River – Telecasted Country Gentleman – Endless Love A Mystical Experience – Unicorn Heads Hitchcock Would Have.... – Chris Zabriskie
Videos referenced: youtube.com/watch?v=6b-cecHEfdU&t=1602s St Regis Funicular: youtube.com/watch?v=Wq090m-4IDYReasons to Restore the Rio Grande Depot #train #saltlakecity #riograndeplanChristian Lenhart2025-02-18 | The Rio Grande Depot is a historic train station in downtown Salt Lake City. Our great city needs a great train station! The only way to make this happen is through the Rio Grande Plan. Learn more about the plan, and how you can help, by following our LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareKimley Horns Rio Grande Plan, Part VIII #riograndeplan #train #saltlakecityChristian Lenhart2025-02-14 | One last segment from my walkthrough of Kimley Horn's version of the Rio Grande Plan. Thank you to Fred Jenny for making these shorts! See the full video here: youtu.be/-eR9cagnX2M?si=FEO3vIGGGJVBtmqV
Connect with us on various social media sites here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareKimley Horns Rio Grande Plan, Part VII #riograndeplan #train #saltlakecityChristian Lenhart2025-02-10 | Another segment from my walkthrough of Kimley Horn's version of the Rio Grande Plan. Thank you to Fred Jenny for making these shorts! See the full video here: youtu.be/-eR9cagnX2M?si=FEO3vIGGGJVBtmqV
Connect with us on various social media sites here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareKimley Horns Rio Grande Plan, Part VI #riograndeplan #train #saltlakecityChristian Lenhart2025-02-04 | Another segment from my walkthrough of Kimley Horn's version of the Rio Grande Plan. Thank you to Fred Jenny for making these shorts! See the full video here: youtu.be/-eR9cagnX2M?si=FEO3vIGGGJVBtmqV
Connect with us on various social media sites here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareKimley Horns Rio Grande Plan, Part V #riograndeplan #train #saltlakecityChristian Lenhart2025-01-31 | Another segment from my walkthrough of Kimley Horn's version of the Rio Grande Plan. Thank you to Fred Jenny for making these shorts! See the full video here: youtu.be/-eR9cagnX2M?si=FEO3vIGGGJVBtmqV
Connect with us on various social media sites here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareKimley Horns Rio Grande Plan, Part IV #riograndeplan #saltlakecity #train #railroadChristian Lenhart2025-01-27 | Another segment from my walkthrough of Kimley Horn's version of the Rio Grande Plan. See the full video here: youtu.be/-eR9cagnX2M?si=FEO3vIGGGJVBtmqV
Connect with us on various social media sites here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareKimley Horns Rio Grande Plan, Part III #riograndeplan #train #saltlakecity #railroadChristian Lenhart2025-01-23 | Another segment from my walkthrough of Kimley Horn's version of the Rio Grande Plan. See the full video here: youtu.be/-eR9cagnX2M?si=FEO3vIGGGJVBtmqV
Connect with us on various social media sites here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareKimley Horns Rio Grande Plan, Part II #riograndeplan #train #saltlakecity #railroadChristian Lenhart2025-01-20 | This short is a clip of my larger walkthrough of the Kimley Horn Screening Analysis of the Rio Grande Plan. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/-eR9cagnX2M?si=dU_GR-PwU-UzYsPr
Follow our Socials here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareKimley Horns Rio Grande Plan, Part I #riograndeplan #train #saltlakecity #railroadChristian Lenhart2025-01-14 | This short is a clip of my larger walkthrough of the Kimley Horn Screening Analysis of the Rio Grande Plan. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/-eR9cagnX2M?si=dU_GR-PwU-UzYsPrHolistic Planning and the RIo Grande Plan #riograndeplan #saltlakecity #uta #burytherails #trainChristian Lenhart2025-01-07 | Another excellent adaptation from a previous Walk and Talk, set to music and visuals by Fred Jenny.
Connect with us here:
https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareLife before Salt Lake Central #RioGrandePlan #train #BuryTheRails #saltlakecity #historyChristian Lenhart2025-01-03 | Some historical footage of the Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City, inside and out!
Learn more about the effort to restore rail service to the Rio Grande Depot, called the Rio Grande Plan:
https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareRedevelop the Rail Yards #saltlakecity #riograndeplan #burytherails #uta #train #publictransitChristian Lenhart2024-12-30 | Many civic improvement projects have been paid for via redevelopment. The Rio Grande Plan is no different. Even though the costs are large, the opportunity is larger!The Best Path Forward: The Rio Grande Plan #saltlakecity #riograndeplan #burytherails #utaChristian Lenhart2024-12-26 | The Rio Grande Plan may seem like an oversized solution for Salt Lake City - but once you look at all the aspects of the city that would be improved, the Rio Grande is the obvious best path forward.Lets See your Olympic Idea #train #Riograndeplan #saltlakecity #burytherailsChristian Lenhart2024-12-23 | Another hilarious meme by Fred Jenny! Follow our socials to get all the latest updates and comedy for the Rio Grande Plan!
https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareWalk & Talk: Passenger Trains and Autonomous VehiclesChristian Lenhart2024-12-22 | To everyone who is annoyed when I talk about autonomous vehicles... you may want to skip this one! I think it is pretty clear that the future of transportation is autonomous vehicles, both on road and on rail. This walk and talk is a [admittedly disorganized] overview on the reasons I think autonomous vehicle technology will be a boost to rail travel. These include better ride experience, better connections in cities thanks to robotaxis solving the first/last mile problem, faster train speeds, higher frequencies, and the changed nature of the destinations themselves (cities and national parks). I'm eager to hear your thoughts and discussion in the comments!
Linktree for all things Via Rio Grande: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Hopefully I'll get one more update video complete before the start of next year - if not, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Be safe out there!Time Goes ByChristian Lenhart2024-12-20 | A cool short created by Fred Jenny. Follow the Rio Grande Plan on Instragram or other socials by following this link: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareUtah Statewide Passenger Rail, Pt 1 Provo to LoganChristian Lenhart2024-12-13 | Friday the 13th isn't always unlucky! Here's a video I've been working on for well over a year. Utah is uniquely positioned to build a statewide passenger rail service, connecting the densely populated Wasatch Front with all other corners of the state; however, there are many challenges to solve before trains can start to compete with cars and highways.
Learn more about the Utah Rail Passengers Association here: utahrpa.org
Links to Via Rio Grande's website and socials: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Music: Love on File – Freedom Trail Studios When it’s good, it’s great – the 126ers Speak the truth – Ryan McCaffrey You’re no Help – Silent Partner Homebound – Anno Domini Forgiveness – Patrik Patrikios Phillip Glass Elevator – Ezra Lipp Science Montage – Jeremy Blake Always the Same – SefChol Vital Whales – Unicorn Heads Hitchcock Would Have…. – Chris Zabriskie Featured Videos: youtube.com/watch?v=WbFomLq_rmA youtube.com/watch?v=AvHd70zPbV4&t=612s youtube.com/watch?v=WiLIS2Sl29s youtube.com/watch?v=VDdakciBQVESalt Lake Citys Two Historic Train Stations #riograndeplan #saltlakecity #trainstation #historyChristian Lenhart2024-12-12 | Salt Lake City has two train stations. Don't get them confused! One is the Union Pacific depot, which is now a hotel at the end of South Temple Street. The other is the Rio Grande Depot, which could become a train station once again in the near future, thanks to the Rio Grande Plan. Check out the volunteer groups who are trying to bring rail service back to this historic building: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareWalk & Talk: The Cottonwood Canyons and Holistic PlanningChristian Lenhart2024-12-01 | My bigger video project is taking a few weeks longer to complete than I expected. So here's a quick walk around the parking garage, reviewing a major reason why the Rio Grande Plan, despite all its positive potential, is still facing such an uphill battle.
Music: South Street Strut by the Great North Sound Society
At this time of year, I am thankful to everyone who gets involved in the Rio Grande Plan and works hard to make their city a better place!
See you next time, when we will take a tour of the first leg of our future Statewide Passenger Rail network!Status Update November 2024Christian Lenhart2024-11-12 | So many people have reached out to me about the recent federal elections that I thought I would answer them all at once with a quick video update. The short answer is: Everything will be OK. The Rio Grande Plan is proceeding full steam ahead!
Here's how to get involved: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareWalk & Talk: The No-Build OptionChristian Lenhart2024-11-05 | Another casual walk around the roof of my office' parking garage, talking about the Rio Grande Plan.
...What if we didn't build any version of the Rio Grande Plan? What would the consequences be for Salt Lake City? I focus in on 4 areas of concern. Please add your concerns and ideas in the comment section!
Please visit our website or social media sites to learn more, and to get involved in our volunteer group, Via Rio Grande:
https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareTram - Trains & Stadler CitylinksChristian Lenhart2024-10-24 | Exciting news from UTA and Stadler open up future possibilities! New vehicles with new capabilities will have major impacts to how UTA operates and plans for future transit lines.
Join us at Via Rio Grande: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Music from the Youtube Audio Library: "Love Aside" by Patrick Patrikios "Love on File" by Freedom Trail Studio "Community" by Track Tribe
www.RioGrandePlanSaltLakeCity.orgSix Alternative Designs for the Rio Grande PlanChristian Lenhart2024-10-19 | The Rio Grande Plan is a vision for revitalizing public transportation and rail travel in Salt Lake City, Utah. Though the end goal is the same, there are many ways to solve this problem - so let's look at 6 alternate designs for the Rio Grande Plan!
Connect with the Via Rio Grande Volunteers here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Music: Headlands – National Sweetheart Dream it – Track Tribe The Painted Night – National Sweetheart Phillip Glass Elevator – Ezra Lipp The Life and Death of a certain K. Zabriskie, Patriarch – Chris Zabriskie Hitchcock Would Have… Chris Zabriskie Featured Video: San Gabriel Trench Construction Timelapse youtube.com/watch?v=XKwEXMsSV98Ride & Talk: Robotaxis and Vehicle AutonomyChristian Lenhart2024-10-12 | A casual talk about robotaxis and their implications for public transit as my car drives itself through a traffic jam!
Learn more about the Rio Grande Plan here: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareUtah Senate Transportation Committee learns about the Rio Grande PlanChristian Lenhart2024-09-22 | On September 18, 2024, Fred Jenny and I were given 15 minutes to present to the Utah Senate Transportation Committee regarding the Rio Grande Plan. This is the direct result of so many Utahans writing to their elected representatives and making them aware of the growing public interest. Thank you so much, to everyone who has contacted their representatives! If you haven't done so yet, check out our links to figure out who you can write to! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/riograndeplan?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareRio Grande Public EventChristian Lenhart2024-09-13 | ...Christian Lenhart Live StreamChristian Lenhart2024-09-12 | ...The Shanghai MaglevChristian Lenhart2024-09-09 | A quick ride-along with commentary as I take a trip on the fastest train in the world.The Houston Subway, Monorails, and GadgetbahnsChristian Lenhart2024-09-02 | After working hard on the History of the Rio Grande Depot pt 3, I decided to reward myself with a quick video on a subject of interest not related to the Rio Grande Plan. No, I am not proposing a monorail for Salt Lake City!