Colorado Desk - Colorado: More Service For Half the Cost with No New Taxes: Boards Vote to Support Term Sheet with BNSF to Deliver Starter Passenger Rail Service From Denver to Fort Collins

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The Transportation Commission, Transportation Investment Office (CTIO), Clean Transit Enterprise (CTE), Front Ranger Passenger Rail District Board, and the RTD Boards' Vote Advances Appropriations for Design Phase of the Service

DENVER - Today, after months of negotiations between the Joint Service Executive Committee and BNSF Railway, all governing boards voted in support of the term sheet agreement with BNSF and made needed appropriations to advance to the design phase of the project. This Term Sheet establishes the key terms for a 25-year access agreement, which would be the contract to deliver three round trips of passenger rail service between Denver and Fort Collins, with no new taxes, at nearly half the cost of previous studies. CTIO and RTD also included an initial appropriation to proceed the project into the design phase for the needed capital improvements. The term sheet sets the stage for all partners to finalize a formal access agreement by June, and initiate the design phase. SB24-184 set a goal of commencing service by January 2029, today's vote keeps Colorado on the path to achieve this bold goal.

"Today's agreement is a big step towards delivering three daily round trips between Denver and Fort Collins, giving Coloradans transportation options to save us time and money, while reducing traffic and pollution. With no new taxes, and at nearly half the cost of previous studies, this agreement proves that through partnership and collaboration, passenger rail service across the Front Range is not a far-off dream, but a reality. I thank BNSF for their steadfast collaboration, and the Joint Service Executive Committee and Lisa Kaufmann, our lead negotiator, for putting in the hard work to deliver this long-overdue service for Coloradans," said Governor Polis.

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"Thanks to BNSF for their collaboration and partnership to create a path for delivering joint service by 2029. BNSF was a true partner in these negotiations, working openly to solve problems and help meet the state's objective to deliver cost-efficient passenger rail on a rapid timeline. This term sheet of the key agreements demonstrates this unique partnership we have forged. I also want to thank Governor Polis for his bold vision and appreciate the good-faith efforts from all partners, especially RTD and CTIO's leadership and hard work, that brought us to this historic day," said Lisa Kaufmann, Senior Strategic Advisor to Governor Polis.

"BNSF is proud to take this important step with the state of Colorado, moving us closer to bringing new intercity passenger rail service to communities along the Front Range," said BNSF Assistant Vice President of Passenger Operations Jim Tylick. "As the nation's largest host of passenger rail service, we're committed to working together to deliver safe, reliable transportation that strengthens mobility and opportunity across the region."

The 25-year Joint Service term sheet framework delivers three daily round trips between Denver and Fort Collins, finally fulfilling the promise made to voters in RTD's 2004 FasTracks proposal, and extends service to Fort Collins. By bringing together all six public partners to share resources and expertise, streamline track sharing with BNSF, planning around current and already-planned parking and transportation infrastructure, this agreement created an efficient delivery model at half the cost of previous studies, with no new taxes.

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"Passenger rail service between Denver and Ft. Collins will offer another high-quality, convenient travel option along the northern Front Range," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "Giving people the freedom to choose the best way to make a trip makes travel safer and easier for everyone, and offering three daily round trips between some of Colorado's largest communities and employment centers will quickly deliver benefits for our transportation system. I want to thank the CDOT team that has provided technical assistance throughout this effort and appreciate the strong show of support from the Transportation Commission and the CTIO and CTE boards of directors."

"RTD's Board of Directors has provided clear direction to negotiate alongside state partners on a path forward to delivering passenger rail service from Denver to Longmont," said RTD's General Manager and CEO, Debra A. Johnson. "Approval by the Board to contribute agency funding for 90% design marks another important milestone and establishes the basis for firm cost estimates and a clearer project understanding, both of which are essential for evaluating potential future agency funding contributions."

"Joint Service is a historic step delivering train service by 2029. It reflects a uniquely Colorado approach—partnering with a freight rail partner - BNSF - to deliver faster, more affordable service within a real business model," said Sal Pace, General Manager of the Front Range Passenger Rail District.

This agreement delivers service for Coloradans at half the cost of previous studies, with an estimated $330 million in capital improvements, including track improvements to support faster passenger service and important safety improvements like Positive Train Control.

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