Public dubs Front Range passenger-rail service the 'Colorado Connector'

Coloradans voted to name the state's planned intercity passenger-rail service the Colorado Connector, or "CoCo."

The state's Front Range Passenger Rail District (FRPRD) aims to introduce the intercity service between Fort Collins and Pueblo by 2029, according to the FRPRD website. The district is leading the effort to advance service planning, station development and regional coordination with local governments, state agencies and community stakeholders.

FRPRD launched a "name the train" campaign to encourage broad public participation as planning for the service continues. Nearly 26,000 votes were cast throughout the campaign, with "CoCo" garnering about 37% of the final vote. Colorado Connector reflects the district's vision for a connected, accessible transportation system in Colorado, FRPRD officials said.

The passenger-rail service will run on existing freight-rail rights of way governed by BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad.