The state is weighing a plan to offer free transit rides during ozone-heavy months in an effort to improve the state's air quality.
A bill proposed in the Colorado state legislature would allocate funding for free transit rides as an effort to curb air pollution in the state and encourage more public transit ridership, writes Sam Brasch for Colorado Public Radio. State Senator Faith Winter (D) said "One of the ways that need to address that pollution is to increase transit ridership, which is a challenge coming out of the pandemic."
Brasch writes that "If the proposed legislation passes, the Colorado Energy Office would oversee a new grant program to help eliminate fares during the summer ozone season, which lasts from June 1 through Aug. 31. It provides enough funding to award $11 million per year to metro Denver's Regional Transportation District and $3 million per year to all other local transit associations."
The proposal received some pushback from the Regional Transportation District (RTD), the Denver-area transit agency. "During negations [sic] on the bill, [Marta Sipeki, RTD’s interim assistant general manager of communications], said RTD leaders pushed for a 'more cautious, incremental approach' to free transit because the agency has struggled to hire enough drivers and handle a surge in crime, drug use and violence at some of its facilities."
As a result, if the legislation passes, the agency will start by offering free rides during the month of August rather than the entire summer over the next two years.
FULL STORY: A new Colorado bill would fund free transit rides in the summer to help improve air quality
Popular Tampa Bus Route Going Fare-Free
The initiative, which starts on January 5, is funded by parking fees.
Tucson Keeps Buses Fare-Free
The city is doubling down on its efforts to boost bus ridership as part of its climate action plan.
Petaluma Transit Eliminates Fares
The agency is offering free bus rides for one year as part of an effort to boost ridership and encourage residents to choose transit over cars.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)