A sales tax initiative designed to finance the full vision of the Colorado Connector, commonly known as the CoCo train, appears likely to succeed based on preliminary voting data. As of Thursday afternoon, the proposal, labeled Ballot Measure 7A, had secured approximately 55% of the vote. The measure would apply specifically to residents within the Front Range Passenger Rail district, a region that extends from Fort Collins southward through Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, Sterling Ranch, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.
James Flattum, the director of outreach for the Coloradans for CoCo Campaign, expressed enthusiasm regarding the outcome. He noted that the project has been a conceptual goal for generations and highlighted the significance of voters finally providing a clear mandate. "We are so excited," Flattum said. "I think this is a project that there has been a concept of for generations. Finally, having a plan in place and critically having the voters say, 'Yes.'"
The Front Range Passenger Rail District intends to utilize existing railway infrastructure in partnership with BNSF and Union Pacific to implement the service. Separate from the new tax revenue, the district plans to use existing state funds and FasTracks reserves to launch an initial service phase. This starter service is scheduled to begin in 2029, offering three daily round trips between Denver and Fort Collins. Until that time, the district will focus on securing final approvals and improving signaling systems along the stretch between Westminster and Fort Collins.
Flattum described the approach as exceptionally realistic because it leverages current tracks and established relationships with the host railroads that own the infrastructure. He emphasized that the project is doable and expressed eagerness to see it implemented. The revenue generated by the approved measure will be directed toward Phase 2 of the project, which aims to establish a continuous corridor between Fort Collins and Pueblo by 2032. Flattum characterized this five-year timeline as rapid but achievable due to the use of existing track assets.
To operate on these lines, the district will pay a fee similar to rent to the railroad companies. Capital investments funded by the new tax will focus on enhancing safety and reliability. These improvements include adding double-track sections and crossovers to allow trains to run in both directions without conflict. Flattum explained that these basic infrastructure upgrades are critical for making the service reliable, which is the most important factor for encouraging riders to adopt the train as a regular part of their routine rather than viewing it as a novelty.
Residents within the district boundaries will face a sales tax of 33 cents for every $100 spent. However, the measure includes exemptions for essential items such as food, gasoline, utilities, prescription drugs, and medical supplies. Robert Fleming, a voter from Boulder, acknowledged the financial impact of the tax. He stated that he was unsure how many people would fully utilize the service, which was a primary reason for his vote against the measure. Despite his initial hesitation, Fleming identified himself as a public transit advocate who wants to see the CoCo project succeed. "If the majority want to give it a try, I'm in with them," he said.
For the initial phase of the service, the design process is expected to be completed around the spring of 2027, with construction slated to begin by 2028. The path to a successful vote was not without administrative challenges. Last month, the Front Range Passenger Rail District provided an incorrect boundary map to the Colorado Secretary of State's Office. This error resulted in approximately 800,000 ballots being sent to voters in parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Weld counties who were not part of the district and thus ineligible to vote on the measure. The Secretary of State's Office addressed the issue in a statement, clarifying that only the votes from eligible voters would be counted in the final tally.
