Colorado Front Range Passenger Train Service Seeks Public Input on Name
Colorado leaders are in the process of developing a Front Range passenger train service that will connect cities from Fort Collins to Trinidad. As part of this initiative, they are inviting the public to vote on a name for the service from a list of four options. This comes ahead of a potential sales tax ballot measure to secure funding for the multi-billion-dollar project.
The finalists for the train service name were unveiled following a series of brainstorming sessions held by the Front Range Passenger Rail District. After considering 100 ideas, the shortlisted names are:
- Colorado Connector (CoCo)
- Colorado Ranger
- Rangelink
- Front Range Express Destinations (FRED)
According to district director Sal Pace, a clear winner from the public vote will be chosen. This decision is crucial, as the chosen name will serve as the brand for the service and represent Colorado and its Front Range region. The goal is to create a name that resonates with communities along the Front Range and stands the test of time for future generations.
Starting Monday, Governor Jared Polis will launch the voting process, allowing Coloradans to cast their votes online until March 23. The public’s input, combined with feedback gathered from stakeholders across the Front Range, will play a significant role in finalizing the name for the train service.
The decision on whether to include a half-cent tax increase on the November ballot is expected to be made by August. If approved, municipalities along the 180-mile corridor would receive a share of the tax revenues generated over 25 years. These funds would support local train-related development projects.
Planning for the Front Range service is well underway, with a “starter service” set to launch in 2029 connecting Denver, Boulder, Longmont, and Fort Collins. The full service from Trinidad to Fort Collins is estimated to cost between $2 billion and $14 billion, including operating expenses. Trains are projected to run at speeds up to 79 miles per hour, providing a competitive alternative to driving along Interstate 25.
The naming process involved collaboration with marketing experts and legal professionals to avoid trademark conflicts. For example, the name “Colorado Eagle” was discarded due to similarities with existing entities. The goal is to create a distinctive and memorable name that captures the essence of Colorado’s Front Range.
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