Regional Transit Update

Regional Transit Update

John ran through statistics of new construction already occurring along light rail lines and the projections for both residential and commercial developments along transit corridors. We are talking significant development and economic activity. John referred to a recent Denver Post analysis showing homes along the Southeast rail line have maintained a 4 percent increase in value compared with a 7.5 percent decline in the Denver region. This is a real testament to the value and opportunity in these transit areas he said.

While the economic investment angle is worth arguing John said his bigger vision is to spread the community benefits he has seen in Boulder with its multi modal transit efforts to the Denver Metro area. Looking out 50 years from now what if we failed to invest in the system that allows for the opportunity to move people and goods and provide economic opportunity to benefit everyone?

Chuck emphasized the enormity of transportation concerns and the wide scope of officials and experts and citizens involved in efforts to work towards transit solutions. I think we have to broaden this discussion it is a northern Colorado and metro Denver issue he said. According to Chuck working together for solutions is what is needed to ensure additional federal funds are available to complete improvements to US 36 in the next few years. We are in a finger pointing chaos spending time arguing over where money should go and which option is best.

Chuck also conceded the projected expense increases make for tough decisions. However for US 36 we have put in a plan where a lane could be used for bus rapid transit a multi occupant car and a sole occupant could choose to pay to drive in the lane he said. The plan does not have to be only bus or only rail focused. Certainly there have been cost and tax revenue changes but is the northwest line the one to be lampooned of all the segments as being too costly?

Regarding the economic development potential Chuck believes communities along the corridor understand the benefit of growing more densely close to the transit lines and avoid sprawl. We are talking about developing 350 residences plus commercial just to the east of the rail line which will expand and amalgamate our downtown and allow those properties to choose how to be part of this concept. Wont it be great to get on the train to Boulder to downtown Denver to DIA? he asked. Plus the nature of the development will be that each community can control the type of development they want to meet their values and style.

Chuck agreed with John saying this is something to pursue for our children and grandchildren. It is a compelling vision. I would remind you that in 2004 our voters said there will be a northwest rail and there is nothing that has changed to suggest there should not be a rail line said Chuck. That said he understands the hurdle ahead to convince people more money should be directed towards FasTracks. Chuck is a member of the Denver Metro Mayors Caucus which is addressing how to answer the skepticism of voters in case a FasTracks tax is approved for the November 2009 ballot. I am totally committed to seeing this project delivered as described to our voters. Lets find a way to get the darn thing built.

When both were pressed by Ken to defend the northwest rail whose cost per rider projections have jumped to over $60 John reminded the audience that FasTracks is not alone is having increased costs and revenue declines. Plus every time RTD has implemented a rail line they have exceeded by far their projections. And it is challenging to say you will build a rail line through the dense middle of a community so initially the density will be low around rail stations but long term the ridership will skyrocket as development occurs. That is the perspective you have to have. Chuck insisted the numbers do not include the intangible passion for multimodal travel in our area. I suggest the BRT alone does not do as much for the whole corridor as both bus and rail as a total package.

Chuck made the analogy to the concept of open space taxes 40 years ago and how that decision shapes the quality of life today in Boulder County. This is a total project concept with an obligation to the voters I believe will have a positive impact on our communities he said. Right now I'm absolutely committed to the full implementation of FasTracks said John.

The event was generously sponsored by The Colorado Group.