Train line from Denver to Longmont becoming more of a reality

Westminster hears update on Northwest Rail Study

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

RTD o cials told Westminster councilors on March 20 that they have not given up on plans for train service to Boulder via Westminster, but said there are questions about funding the service and how often those services would operate.

RTD District J Director Vince Buzek and Patrick Stanley, project manager of northwest rail study, presented the item.

One of their biggest limitations is money. at’s because most of RTD’s budget is provided by sales tax, which means it’s highly a ected by the economy.

“Our budget is dependent upon something that is incredibly variable and out of our control,” Buzek said. Buzek said that most U.S. transit agencies receive 23% of their money from state funding. RTD receives less than 1% from the state.

Buzek noted that RTD is looking to lower fares in the rst quarter of 2024.

According to Brandon Figliolino, a spokesperson for RTD, the Board of Directors is looking at a plan to combine local and regional fares, and lower the airport fare. A threehour pass would cost $2.75, a day pass $5.50 a monthly pass $88 and the airport fare would be $10, under e rst six miles were built, which is the current day B Line. e 35-

According to Stanley, Northwest Rail comes from the FasTracks, which was passed by voters in 2004. It was a proposed commuter rail service from Denver Union Station to Boulder.

Now, RTD is conducting a Peak Service Study for the extension, which will assess how a schedule of three weekday morning trips and three weekday evening trips will work, as well as placing six new stations and other factors for the extension.

Louisville, Boulder Junction at Depot Square and Downtown Longmont. Tracks owned by BNSF will be used.

When the train service will start isn’t nailed down yet. RTD is still