2024 transit legislation being considered by the Colorado General Assembly

The Second Regular Session of the Seventy-fourth General Assembly convened on Jan. 10. On Jan. 11, Gov. Jared Polis delivered the State of the State Address to the General Assembly, outlining priorities for the legislative session. A major theme of the governor’s remarks included transit and building housing near transit stops and corridors. While the governor expressed a desire to improve transit, develop train service through Boulder and Longmont up to Fort Collins, and build on the work of RTD’s Accountability Committee, no legislation has been developed or introduced on any of these topics.

Currently, one bill has been introduced that impacts RTD. Senate Bill 24-032 – Methods to Increase the Use of Transit, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Priola, Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Rep. Stephanie Vigil – addresses several transit-related policies. Included in the bill is the creation of an exploratory committee to produce a viable proposal for the creation, implementation and administration of a statewide transit pass. Second, the bill provided funding for RTD’s Zero Fare for Better Air initiative for future years. Third, a Zero Fare for Youth grant program is created and funded to allow RTD, and all other transit agencies in the state, to apply and fund future zero fare for youth programs. Lastly, SB24-032 creates a refundable income tax credit allowed to any taxpayer in the amount equal to 30% of the amount spent on the purchase of one or more transit passes. RTD’s Board of Directors has supported the agency’s participation in implementing Zero Fare for Better Air initiatives in 2022 and 2023, and it has taken a position to support legislation seeking funding for zero fare for youth programs in the current 2024 legislative and government relations program.

As mentioned above, additional transit-related legislation is anticipated to be introduced later this session. As the legislative session continues, look for updates in Inside Connections on how RTD may be impacted by other legislation considered by the Colorado General Assembly.