I ride the train on a regular basis and I find it is unusual to meet somebody from Durango unless they are showing an out of town relative. Unless somebody knows my craziness when I mention that I am going to ride the train the standard response is "Who is in town?" You won't find many residents on the train (or Mesa Verde) or checking out the t shirt or art stores downtown. Best place is in Walmart, at the Post Office, waiting rooms for the hospital or jail (amazing who you find there!) or the wait line for the dump. Or in other words about where you are actually find residents in anytown.
Hank Wright
Durango CO