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DENVER, CO – The Transportation Legislation Review Committee today advanced bills to improve air quality, make Colorado’s transit systems more accessible for people with disabilities, and help communities create long-term transit goals.
“We’ve spent the summer hearing from statewide transit professionals, environmental groups, community members, and disability advocacy organizations to give us a well-rounded picture of the transportation issues our communities are facing, and I am excited with the policy solutions we advanced today on these issues,” said Vice Chair Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of Bills 2 and 6. “From improving transit accessibility to expanding transportation options in our neighborhoods, our committee is focusing on solutions that will have a positive impact on all Coloradans so people can safely get where they need to go in a way that works for them.”
“For years, lawmakers, local governments, and transportation advocates have been working to expand transportation options that decrease our reliance on cars,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, sponsor of Bills 2, 4, 5, and 6. “This year’s slate of bills developed by the Transportation Legislation Review Committee will help support transformative transit projects that will make travel throughout Colorado faster, safer, and more efficient. From increasing transportation options and enhancing safety measures for vulnerable road users and rail systems to improving paratransit services, we’re on the road to a transit future that serves the needs of all Coloradans.”
Bill 2 would require the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), metropolitan planning organizations, and certain transit providers and local governments to create and implement plans that would expand transportation services for Coloradans. In developing those plans, it would require CDOT to present a statewide mode choice assessment to the Transportation Legislation Review Committee, the Transportation Commission, and the Colorado Energy Office with recommendations for some of these targets for future years.
“Coloradans want transportation options, and our bills could help us find ways to cater transit expansion to meet the unique needs of our communities and improve road safety infrastructure to protect all road users, not just drivers,” said Rep. Steph Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bill 2 and 4. “Strategies to decrease road accidents, like protected bike lanes, have proven to work and make our roads safer for vulnerable road users. I’m excited that we’re one step closer to increasing mass transit options, improving bike lanes, and making other transportation improvements to help us reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.”
“Multimodal transportation options like pedestrian infrastructure and bike lanes can save lives by getting vulnerable road users off of dangerous roads,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of Bills 2 and 5. “With new funding, local governments will be able to implement safety infrastructure projects that will decrease vehicle accidents and make our streets safer for every Coloradan. Additionally, I’m proud to sponsor new legislation to increase rail safety by making investigative reports of railroads available to the public. Greater transparency around railroad’s safety information will help ensure any problems are brought to light and, ultimately, resolved.”
Bill 4 would allow local governments to impose registration fees on light trucks and passenger cars to fund transportation safety improvements for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
“From biking to work to running for exercise, Coloradans deserve safe streets to walk and ride,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of Bill 4. “By advancing this bill today, we’re closer to allowing local governments to secure more funding for their communities to better protect cyclists, pedestrians, and other people on the road.”
“Whether in a car, on foot or on a bike, every Coloradan deserves to move around our state safely and efficiently,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of Bill 4. “Local governments have led the way in creating safe infrastructure for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, but they need our support to further expand these safety initiatives. I’m excited to continue to work alongside local leaders and transportation advocates to ensure we’re building infrastructure that keeps every Coloradan safe, regardless of their preferred transportation mode.”
To improve transparency in railroad safety, Bill 5 would repeal a requirement to keep investigative reports of railroads confidential allowing public inspection of critical safety information. The Public Utilities Commission would still be able to make certain ongoing investigations and security information confidential.
“We’re making substantial progress in railroad transportation and safety in Colorado, and we all benefit from transparency of our rail systems,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of Bill 5. “Under our new bill, more details in investigative reports would be available to the public to help us better identify areas of improvement so we can create a safer transit system for Coloradans.”
Aiming to create more accessible transit options, Bill 6 would create the Paratransit Task Force to make recommendations on standards and best practices for paratransit services. The bill would also require certain transit providers to coordinate with disability advocates on how to improve paratransit services, including providing accessible fare payment technology and consulting with impacted community members before reducing services.
“Certain disabilities make it difficult to drive a car, bike, or walk, and public transit is often the best option to get around,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of Bills 5 and 6. “Our transit providers have made changes to make it easier for Coloradans with disabilities to access our buses and trains, but there is always room for improvement. Our bills will help ensure Colorado’s disabled community has a voice in transit decisions and improve transparency in railroad investigations to create more inclusive and safe transit options for all.”
The committee also approved one additional bill. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.