Riding the ‘Ghost Train’ into the past, and into the future
There’s been massive investment in passenger rail lines in Metro Denver over the last 15 years. But these billions of dollars have done little to shift how people move around here. Why is that? It’s one of the questions driving a new podcast from CPR News. “Ghost Train” is out now. It’s about building a greener transportation system in Colorado – both the obstacles and new thinking. It’s the brainchild of CPR transportation reporter Nathaniel Minor, who’s here to share the first episode.
Part 1: The Vote
Denver had dreams of becoming a world-class city. But it wasn’t until the turn of the millennium that it found a way to get there: trains.
‘Ghost Train’ Explores How Denver’s Vision For A Better Transit System Jumped the Track
Ghost Train is the story of how one polluted, traffic-choked city went all in on trains, and what happened when that plan jumped the track.
RTD proposes massive overhaul: Fewer suburban buses, more service where riders remained during the pandemic
By 2027, about 30 percent of the bus network will have changed — the most significant overhaul since the late 1970s.
Colorado lawmakers try again to reduce traffic emissions with a ‘clean commute’ bill that favors incentives over penalties
The bill will incentivize shifts toward carpooling, telecommuting, and public transit.
RTD board elects a Boulder train champion to be its new leader as it reimagines a post-pandemic future
After voters elected Vince Buzek to the RTD board in 2018, he became a vocal advocate for completing that now-underfunded and unfinished program.
Less funding for road expansion, billions for greener transportation projects possible with CDOT rule change
The Colorado Department of Transportation’s new rule was approved by a 10-1 vote Thursday. It could shift $6.7 billion to greener modes of transportation by 2050.
As transportation climate vote nears, car-friendly communities worry it will reduce funding for sought-after road projects
If approved, the rule that could shift resources away from polluting highway expansion projects — and would be sharply felt in quickly growing communities along the Front Range.
Colorado is getting around $1 billion from the federal infrastructure bill for transportation projects
That money will go toward expanding highways like Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill, construction work at DIA, and more.
Polis’ 2022-2023 budget plan includes money to make public transit free during Colorado’s ozone season
The announcement comes after residents in the Front Range experienced the worst ozone season in decades.
After dispute with RTD, Boulder County will get $34 million in federal money
The money comes from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, which Congress passed earlier this year.
CDOT will withhold $34 million in federal money from RTD — unless it’s spent on services to Boulder and Longmont
Local governments in the northwest corner of the Denver metro are already pushing RTD to provide more transit services there.
Better air, less climate impact possible if companies, government switch to cleaner fleet vehicles
A state-commissioned analysis projects that a big reduction in greenhouse gases is possible through aggressive zero-emissions vehicle policies.
Colorado bicyclists could legally roll through stop signs (sometimes, anyway) under a new bill
Electric scooters would also get to make the so-called “Idaho” stop.
Colorado’s love for SUVs is stronger than ever, even as pedestrian deaths rise and the climate warms
The benefits of SUVs — higher clearance, spacious interiors, and often, four- or all-wheel drive — can gloss over the dangerous downsides.
Boulder County Pushes RTD For A Binding Agreement To Provide More Transit Service
Boulder County officials say their effort to engage with the Regional Transportation District “seems to be at an impasse.”
