Colorado Connector Releases Delivery Plan Detailing Construction, Costs, and Future Passenger Rail Vision
DENVER, CO — Colorado Connector has released a comprehensive new delivery plan outlining how Colorado's proposed Front Range passenger rail system could be built, funded, and operated, while also unveiling a new collection of conceptual renderings showing what the future service may look like.
Colorado Connector CoCo Station Concept Rendering | Renderings Sourced from Colorado Connector Delivery Plan
The 75-page plan provides the most detailed roadmap to date for restoring intercity passenger rail along the Front Range. Rather than constructing an entirely new rail corridor, the proposed system would primarily utilize existing freight rail lines, with targeted infrastructure improvements including new passing sidings, upgraded signal systems, track improvements, and passenger stations designed to accommodate both freight and passenger operations.
The first phase, known as Starter Service, would connect Denver and Fort Collins with stops in Westminster, Broomfield, Louisville, Boulder, Longmont, and Loveland. Service is currently targeted to begin in 2029 with three daily round trips.
Colorado Connector CoCo Concept Photo | Renderings Sourced from Colorado Connector Delivery Plan
According to the delivery plan, Starter Service is estimated to cost approximately $332 million to construct and between $30 million and $36 million annually to operate. The project states that this initial phase would be funded through existing state and Regional Transportation District revenue sources, including previously approved transportation funding, meaning no new taxes are currently proposed to launch service.
Future expansion would extend the line south through Littleton, Sterling Ranch, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. That second phase carries an estimated construction cost of approximately $1.7 billion and would require a dedicated funding source, which could be presented to eligible voters as early as November 2026.
Colorado Connector CoCo Concept Rendering | Renderings Sourced from Colorado Connector Delivery Plan
Alongside the delivery plan, Colorado Connector released new conceptual renderings illustrating proposed trains, station environments, onboard passenger amenities, and public gathering spaces. The visuals also depict potential special event service to destinations such as the proposed Denver Broncos stadium at Burnham Yard and Denver Summit FC's planned stadium near Interstate 25 and South Broadway.
The project would initially operate on existing rail infrastructure through partnerships with BNSF Railway, Union Pacific, RTD, CDOT, and Amtrak, which is expected to serve as the initial operator for the service. By relying largely on existing rail corridors instead of constructing an entirely new railroad, project leaders say the phased approach reduces costs, minimizes land acquisition, and allows passenger service to begin sooner.
Colorado Connector CoCo Station Concept Rendering | Renderings Sourced from Colorado Connector Delivery Plan
If fully implemented, Colorado Connector would ultimately provide passenger rail service to 12 Front Range communities stretching approximately 190 miles between Fort Collins and Pueblo, with additional long-term expansion envisioned beyond the current corridor.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
4 minute read • Colorado Connector has released new conceptual renderings showing its vision for future passenger rail across Colorado's Front Range, including trains, stations, and the planned route.