The 6.2 mile, two-station electrified commuter rail line is opening as expected next Monday, July 25, but future service to the northwestern counties of Broomfield and Boulder will be delayed due to an unexpected funding shortfall.
Festivities for the Regional Transit District's (RTD) new B Line are planned at the line's two initial stations, Union Station and Westminster Station, located in the northwest suburb of Westminster, a city of 106,000 (2010 census), located in Adams and Jefferson counties.
"The 11-minute, one-way ride will cost $2.60," reports John Aguilar for The Denver Post. However, residents in Broomfield and Boulder counties will have to wait for some time before they see service.
But for many living farther up the northwest corridor — in communities such as Broomfield, Louisville, Boulder and Longmont — the B-Line opening will feel less satisfying. Louisville Mayor Bob Muckle characterized his invitation to the ribbon-cutting at the new Westminster Station...as “sort of bittersweet.”
Courtesy of Regional Transit District (RTD)
The delay results from a severe funding shortfall due to "tax revenue projections that outstripped collections and higher-than-anticipated construction costs...much of it falling disproportionately on the northwest corridor," adds Aguilar.
It may even take as long as 2042, depending on the cash flow situation at the RTD, before the full line is up and running.
An October 2013 post compares rail vs. bus rapid transit for the corridor. At that time, light rail, not commuter rail, was being considered.
Unlike the 23-mile, eight-station A Line from Union Station to Denver International Airport, with headways of 15 minutes, the initial B Line to Westminster will have half-hour peak and hourly off-peak headways.
RTD will open two more rail lines this year: the G commuter rail line in the fall and R light rail line extension in winter.
Hat tip to Annie Dawid.
FULL STORY: B-Line opening forges rail link to Denver’s northern suburbs for the first time
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program
The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.
Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program
Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.
Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program
A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners