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Colorado Invites Public to Name Front Range Passenger Rail Ahead of Funding Decision

Leaders are using the naming drive to build momentum before deciding by August on a half‑cent sales tax for the November ballot.

Overview

  • An online vote running through March 23 asks Coloradans to choose among four finalists: Colorado Connector (CoCo), Colorado Ranger, RangeLink, and Front Range Express Destinations (FRED).
  • Voters will be entered into a drawing for two tickets on the inaugural trip, which planners currently target for 2029.
  • A possible half‑cent sales tax to fund the multi‑billion‑dollar project could go to voters in November, with officials setting an early‑August go or no‑go decision after spring and summer outreach.
  • An RTD board vote expected in April or May would address financing for joint service between Denver and Longmont, a key milestone for the broader plan.
  • Initial service is planned to use existing BNSF tracks at up to 79 mph on a corridor linking Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, Denver, Lone Tree, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, with estimated total costs of $2 billion to $14 billion and about $76 million a year to operate.