Colorado DOT seeks input on Front Range passenger-rail plan analysis

Starting today, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Front Range Passenger Rail District (FRPR) are inviting the public to view an alternatives analysis online of the proposed passenger-rail service.

Available for review and comment through June 15, the "Online Open House" of the alternatives analysis is a guided opportunity to learn about progress made to advance FRPR and read about the recommended alternative for full build FRPR service and provide comments that will help inform and guide future planning decisions, district officials said in a press release.

The analysis is a component of the project's service development plan, a Federal Railroad Administration requirement to advance service planning. Reaching a recommended alternative is an important milestone for FRPR as it defines the service frequency, travel time and maximum train speed, district officials said.

The FRA under the President Joe Biden administration selected the route as part of the new Corridor Identification and Development Program, which aims to drive future passenger-rail expansion.

The Front Range plan calls for initial service from Fort Collins through Denver and south to Pueblo, Colorado. Long term, the plan calls for connecting Colorado to New Mexico and Wyoming.