In a significant move aimed at bolstering Colorado’s transportation infrastructure, state lawmakers have given initial approval to Senate Bill 24-184, which proposes a $57 million annual boost for the development of a passenger rail system. This initiative, funded by a new fee on rental cars, marks a pivotal step in the state’s long-term transportation strategy.
How the legislation works
The bill adds a daily fee of $2 for electric rental cars and $3 for gas rental cars. While this might not seem like a lot of money, the fees will make a big impact. The 2021 federal bipartisan infrastructure law allocated $66 billion for freight and passenger rail projects. Federal funding requires state matched dollars, so this new pot of funding in Colorado opens up the possibility for big rail projects, like the Front Range Passenger Rail and new services to the northwest corner of the state, to come to fruition.
The impact on the I-70 mountain corridor
The proposed Front Range Passenger Rail and passenger rail service to the northwest corner of the state will not have significant impacts to the I-70 mountain corridor, but the development of these rail lines will help inform a future I-70 high speed transit system. The I-70 Coalition serves on the Front Range Passenger Rail advisory board and those lessons-learned will be valuable to future I-70 transit discussions.
Passenger rail
As coal plants close and the freight business tied to them winds down, existing rail lines have the potential to be repurposed for passenger rail routes from Union Station to West Jefferson County, Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Craig, and Hayden.
Expanded Transit Options
Building on the success of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang, Snowstang, and Pegasus bus services, the legislation aims to expand statewide bus systems, particularly on I-70. This expansion will make public transportation more convenient and accessible, further reducing the number of vehicles on the highway.
The new transportation initiatives are expected to foster economic development and improve the overall well-being of Colorado’s residents. By reducing travel times and making transportation more reliable, the state hopes to enhance accessibility to jobs, education, and recreational activities. The improved transit infrastructure will also support tourism by making travel easier and more enjoyable for visitors, which in turn benefits local economies along I-70.
The focus on transit and rail investment ensures that I-70 can continue to serve as a vital artery for the state while adapting to the growing demands of its population and economy.