(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Front Range Passenger Rail’s (FRPR) Interim General Manager, Chrissy Breit, met with the Colorado Springs City Council during the Aug. 11 Work Session to give an update on the railway’s progress and the continued potential for a station in Colorado Springs.

Breit estimated that 3 million additional residents will have moved into the state by 2050, adding to the over eight hours of daily traffic congestion. FRPR aims to alleviate some of Colorado’s, specifically I-25’s, ever-increasing congestion and traffic issues by reducing the commuting burden on the interstate.

FRPR will use existing freight rail lines, with nine primary stations from Fort Collins to Pueblo. The Rail’s long-term vision will even connect to New Mexico and Wyoming. Breit estimated that the travel time using the train from Colorado Springs to Denver will take about an hour and 45 minutes.

Recently, FRPR conducted a location study of the proposed Southwest portion of their plan. One of the locations in this study was Colorado Springs. According to Breit, there are 11 sites in the city limits that are eligible for a station, but America the Beautiful Park is the primary choice for a train station. The criteria for this choice range from proximity to city activities and the potential for economic development to environmental and transit considerations.

Breit’s presentation said that the project is still five to 10 years away from expanding from their demonstration train, currently running from Denver to Longmont, to a starter service offering routes from Denver to Fort Collins as early as 2029.

FRPR holds district meetings, which have opportunities for the public to ask the Board questions regarding the project. More information can also be found at their website or by emailing [email protected]

Funding for this and other passenger railway projects comes from Senate Bills SB24-184 and SB24-230, which are fees placed on vehicle rentals and oil and gas production, respectively.