Second Regular Session
Seventy-fourth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
REREVISED
This Version Includes All Amendments
Adopted in the Second House
LLS NO. 24-0242.01 Nicole Myers x4326
SENATE BILL 24-032
Senate Committees House Committees
Transportation & Energy Transportation, Housing & Local Government
Finance Finance
Appropriations Appropriations
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING METHODS TO I NCREASE THE USE OF TRANSIT .101
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
http://leg.colorado.gov/.)
Transportation Legislation Review Committee. Statewide
transit pass exploratory committee. Section 1 of the bill creates the
statewide transit pass exploratory committee (committee) within the
department of transportation (department) to produce a viable proposal
for the creation, implementation, and administration of a statewide transit
pass. The committee is required to meet as necessary to produce a viable
proposal by July 1, 2026, with the goal of implementing a statewide
transit pass by January 1, 2028.
HOUSE
3rd Reading Unamended
May 7, 2024
HOUSE
Amended 2nd Reading
May 6, 2024
SENATE
3rd Reading Unamended
April 24, 2024
SENATE
Amended 2nd Reading
April 23, 2024
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Priola and Winter F., Cutter, Exum, Jaquez Lewis, Buckner, Hansen, Hinrichsen,
Michaelson Jenet, Sullivan
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Vigil and Marvin, Froelich, Lindsay, Lindstedt, Mabrey, Mauro, Parenti, Amabile, Bird,
Boesenecker, Brown, Duran, English, Garcia, Hamrick, Hernandez, Herod, Jodeh, Joseph,
Kipp, Lieder, McCluskie, Ortiz, Ricks, Rutinel, Sirota, Valdez, Velasco, Willford, Woodrow
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. The committee consists of 15 members appointed by the executive
director of the department and is required to include representatives of a
diverse group of transit agencies throughout the state, a representative of
an entity or interest group involved in passenger rail systems, a
representative of an organization with a statewide perspective regarding
transportation, and 2 representatives of the department, one who is
knowledgeable about the department's inter-city regional bus service and
one who is knowledgeable about innovative mobility.
In conducting its work and in producing a viable proposal for the
creation, implementation, and administration of a statewide transit pass
the committee is required to consider:
! Various specified logistics of creating a statewide transit
pass;
! A method for determining the price of a statewide transit
pass;
! A structure for the sale of the statewide transit pass to
individuals and to employers for their employees;
! The services that will be offered to statewide transit pass
holders;
! The types of statewide transit passes that would be offered,
including different options for the duration of the pass to
accommodate Colorado residents and visitors to Colorado;
! Additional opportunities for collaboration across transit
agencies in the state to make it easier and more appealing
for people to use transit;
! The technology that would be necessary to monitor the use
of the statewide transit pass and track ridership across
transit agencies;
! Local, tribal, state, and federal laws, rules, or regulations
that need to be considered in connection with the creation
of a statewide transit pass;
! The best method for advertising and marketing a statewide
transit pass;
! The potential impacts that a statewide transit pass will have
on transit pass programs that are currently offered by transit
agencies;
! The potential impacts of section 20 of article X of the state
constitution to local governments in connection with
revenue generated by the sale of a statewide transit pass;
! A proposal for the structure and composition of a
permanent advisory board to oversee the creation,
implementation, and administration of a statewide transit
pass; and
! Any other issues that need to be discussed or addressed, as
deemed necessary and appropriate by a majority vote of the
032
-2- members of the committee.
In producing a viable proposal for the creation, implementation,
and administration of a statewide transit pass, the committee is required
to solicit input from specified subject matter experts and interested parties
across the state.
The committee is required to submit its proposal for the creation,
implementation, and administration of a statewide transit pass, including
recommendations for any necessary legislation in connection with the
proposal, to the executive director and the members of the transportation
legislation review committee of the general assembly on or before July 1,
2026.
Ozone season transit grant program. The ozone season transit
grant program was created in the Colorado energy office in 2022. Section
2 makes the following changes to the ozone season transit grant program:
! Relocates the ozone season transit grant program to the
department;
! Requires the transit association that receives money from
the state and uses the money to make grants to transit
agencies to consider grants that have been or will be
awarded to the transit agency through the youth fare free
transit grant program, created in the bill, when making
grants to ensure that transit agencies do not receive grants
through the ozone season transit grant program for services
that are paid for with grants from the youth fare free transit
grant program;
! Requires the state treasurer to transfer $7 million to the
ozone season transit grant program fund on July 1, 2024,
and on July 1 of each year thereafter; and
! Makes the ozone season transit grant program permanent
by repealing the statute that would repeal the ozone season
transit grant program on July 1, 2024.
Youth fare free transit grant program. Section 3 creates the
youth fare free transit grant program in the department to provide grants
to the regional transportation district (RTD) and a transit association to
provide fare free year-round transit services for individuals who are 19
years of age or younger (youth).
To receive a grant, a transit association or the RTD must submit
an application to the department in accordance with the policies
established by the department. A transit association that receives a grant
may use the money to make grants to eligible transit agencies. The
eligible transit agencies and the RTD may use the grant money to provide
operating support for its transit operations and general transit programs,
so long as the eligible transit agency or the RTD provides uninterrupted
fare free year-round transit services for youth riders.
The RTD is required to report to the department and an eligible
032
-3- transit agency that receives a grant from a transit association is required
to report to the transit association regarding the estimated change in youth
ridership during the year in which fare free services were offered
compared to previous years, any changes that the RTD or the eligible
transit agency would make in how it provides fare free transit services to
youth or in its use of the grant money based on its experiences, and how
the RTD or the eligible transit agency marketed the fare free transit
services for youth. The transit association is required to submit to the
department a summary of the reported information for all eligible transit
agencies that received a grant through the transit association.
The bill creates the youth fare free transit grant program fund
(fund) and transfers $7 million from the general fund to the fund on July
1, 2024, and on July 1 of each year thereafter. The money in the fund is
continuously appropriated to the department for the youth fare free transit
grant program.
The department is required to establish policies governing the
youth fare free transit grant program and to report to the house of
representatives transportation, housing, and local government committee
and the senate transportation committee, or their successor committees,
by December 31 of each year of the program.
Income tax credit for the purchase of a transit pass. For income
tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, but before January 1,
2029, section 4 creates an income tax credit allowed to any taxpayer in
an amount equal to 30% of the amount spent by the taxpayer to purchase
one or more transit passes for use by the taxpayer during the income tax
year for which the credit is claimed.
To claim the credit a taxpayer is required to include a credit
certificate issued by the department with the income tax return filed with
the department of revenue. The credit certificate that the department
issues must identify the taxpayer and certify that the taxpayer purchased
one or more transit passes for the taxpayer's use during the income tax
year for which the credit is claimed.
The amount of the credit not used as an offset against income taxes
in the current income tax year is refunded to the taxpayer.
No later than January 1, 2025, and no later than January 1 of each
year thereafter through January 1, 2029, the department is required to
provide the department of revenue with an electronic report of the
taxpayers receiving a credit certificate.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 43-1-132 as2
follows:3
032-4- 43-1-132. Statewide transit pass exploratory committee -1
legislative declaration. (1) T
HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY FINDS AND2
DECLARES THAT:3
(a) (I) O
VER-RELIANCE ON PERSONAL PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR4
TRANSPORTATION CONTRIBUTES TO POOR AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE5
CHANGE AND HAS A NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON FAMILIES IN THE6
STATE;7
(II) (A) N
ATIONWIDE, THE NUMBER OF JOBS WITHIN THE TYPICAL8
COMMUTE DISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS IN MAJOR METROPOLITAN AREAS HAS9
DECLINED OVER TIME ACCORDING TO A REPORT BY THE BROOKINGS10
I
NSTITUTION TITLED "THE GROWING DISTANCE BETWEEN PEOPLE AND11
J
OBS IN METROPOLITAN AMERICA";12
(B) C
OLORADANS DRIVE MORE MILES PER PERSON T HAN THEY13
USED TO, IN PART DUE TO STRESS ON TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE14
AND INCREASING HOUSEHOLD COSTS ; AND15
(C) S
INCE 1981, PER CAPITA VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN16
C
OLORADO HAVE RISEN BY OVER TWENTY PERCENT ACCORDING TO DATA17
FROM THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION;18
(III) H
IGH TRANSPORTATION COSTS IMPACT LOW -INCOME19
HOUSEHOLDS IN PARTICULAR , WITH HOUSEHOLDS MAKING LESS THAN20
FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS PER YEAR IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES21
SPENDING OVER TWENTY -FOUR PERCENT OF THEIR INCOME ON22
TRANSPORTATION, WHEN SPENDING MORE THAN FIFTEEN PERCENT OF23
INCOME ON TRANSPORTATION IS CONSIDERED COST BURDENED ,24
ACCORDING TO DATA FROM THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS25
C
ONSUMER EXPENDITURE SURVEYS;26
(IV) (A) I
N ADDITION TO ECONOMIC IMPACTS , THE INCREASE IN27
032
-5- VEHICLE TRAFFIC HAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ;1
(B) T
HE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY2
HAS CLASSIFIED THE DENVER METRO/NORTH FRONT RANGE AREA AS3
BEING IN SEVERE NONATTAINMENT FOR OZONE AND GROUND LEVEL4
OZONE, WHICH HAS SERIOUS IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH , PARTICULARLY5
FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS ;6
(C) A
CCORDING TO THE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION REDUCTION7
ROADMAP, PUBLISHED BY THE COLORADO ENERGY OFFICE AND DATED8
J
ANUARY 14, 2021, THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR IS THE SINGLE LARGEST9
SOURCE OF GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION IN COLORADO;10
(D) N
EARLY SIXTY PERCENT OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS11
FROM THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR COME FROM LIGHT -DUTY VEHICLES,12
WHICH CONSTITUTE THE MAJORITY OF CARS AND TRUCKS THAT13
C
OLORADANS DRIVE EVERY DAY ;14
(E) A
S PART OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION REDUCTION15
ROADMAP, A STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN TO ACHIEVE LEGISLATIVELY16
ADOPTED TARGETS OF REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION17
ECONOMY-WIDE BY FIFTY PERCENT BELOW 2005 LEVELS BY 2030 AND18
NINETY PERCENT BY 2050, THE STATE COMMITTED TO REDUCING19
EMISSIONS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR BY FORTY -ONE PERCENT20
BY 2030 FROM A 2005 BASELINE; AND21
(F) T
HE GREENHOUSE GAS TRANSPORTATION PLANNING22
S
TANDARD ADOPTED BY THE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION IN 2021 SET23
A TARGET TO REDUCE TRANSPORTATION GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS24
THROUGH THE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS BY ONE MILLION FIVE25
HUNDRED THOUSAND TONS BY 2030;26
(b) T
HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FURTHER FINDS AND DECLARES THAT :27
032
-6- (I) THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES THAT RESULT1
FROM INCREASED RELIANCE ON PASSENGER VEHICLES AND AN INCREASE2
IN THE NUMBER OF MILES TRAVELED PER PERSON IS A MATTER OF3
STATEWIDE CONCERN;4
(II) O
NE OF THE KEY FINDINGS OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS5
POLLUTION REDUCTION ROADMAP IS THAT REDUCING GROWTH IN DRIVING6
IS AN IMPORTANT TOOL TO ACHIEVE THE STATE 'S CLIMATE GOALS AND7
THAT EXPANDING PUBLIC TRANSIT IS AN IMPORTANT NEAR -TERM ACTION8
THAT CAN HELP ACHIEVE THOSE GOALS ; AND9
(III) I
T IS THE STATE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS10
THAT REDUCE THE GROWTH IN DRIVING AND EXPAND PUBLIC TRANSIT .11
(2) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE12
REQUIRES:13
(a) "C
OMMITTEE" MEANS THE STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS14
EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE CREATED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION.15
(b) "S
TATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS" OR "PASS" MEANS A SINGLE16
TRANSIT PASS ON A UNIVERSAL PLATFORM
THAT CAN BE USED ON TRANSIT17
PROVIDED BY TRANSIT AGENCIES ACROSS THE STATE .18
(c) "T
RANSIT AGENCY" MEANS A PROVIDER OF PUBLIC19
TRANSPORTATION, AS DEFINED IN 49 U.S.C. SEC. 5302 (15), AS AMENDED.20
(3) (a) N
O LATER THAN OCTOBER 1, 2024, THE EXECUTIVE21
DIRECTOR SHALL CREATE A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS EXPLORATORY22
COMMITTEE TO PRODUCE A VIABLE PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION ,23
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS .24
T
HE COMMITTEE SHALL MEET AS NECESSARY TO PRODUCE A VIABLE25
PROPOSAL BY JULY 1, 2026, WITH THE GOAL OF IMPLEMENTING A26
STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS BY JANUARY 1, 2028.27
032
-7- (b) THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS1
APPOINTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR :2
(I) T
HREE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FIVE LARGEST TRANSIT3
AGENCIES IN THE STATE;4
(II) E
IGHT REPRESENTATIVES FROM A DIVERSE GROUP OF TRANSIT5
AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE6
REPRESENTATIVE FROM A TRANSIT AGENCY THAT SERVES A RURAL PART7
OF THE STATE THAT IS NOT A RESORT COMMUNITY AND AT LEAST ONE8
REPRESENTATIVE FROM A TRANSIT AGENCY THAT SERVES ONE OR MORE9
RESORT COMMUNITIES;10
(III) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ENTITY OR INTEREST GROUP11
INVOLVED IN THE PROMOTION , PLANNING, OR DEVELOPMENT OF12
PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEMS;13
(IV) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE FROM AN ORGANIZATION WITH A14
STATEWIDE PERSPECTIVE REGARDING TRANSPORTATION ;
15
(V) T
WO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT , ONE WHO IS16
KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 'S INTER-CITY REGIONAL BUS17
SERVICE AND ONE WHO IS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 'S18
INNOVATIVE MOBILITY PROGRAM ;
19
(VI) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE FROM A DISPROPORTIONATELY
20
IMPACTED COMMUNITY . AS USED IN THIS SUBSECTION (3)(b)(VI),21
"
DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITY " HAS THE MEANING SET
22
FORTH IN SECTION 24-4-109 (2)(b)(II).23
(VII) A
NY OTHER MEMBERS DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE
24
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.25
(c) M
EMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE26
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND WITHOUT COMPENSATION .27
032
-8- (4) IN CONDUCTING ITS WORK AND IN PRODUCING A VIABLE1
PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION2
OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS, THE COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIDER THE3
FOLLOWING:4
(a) T
HE LOGISTICS OF CREATING A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ,5
INCLUDING:6
(I) A
VIABLE STRUCTURE FOR THE PASS TO ALLOW PASS HOLDERS7
TO USE SERVICES PROVIDED BY TRANSIT AGENCIES ACROSS THE STATE8
WITH A SINGLE PASS;9
(II) A
PLAN FOR COORDINATION AMONG TRANSIT AGENCIES10
ACROSS THE STATE TO IMPLEMENT AND ADMINISTER THE PASS ;11
(III) A
METHOD FOR COST-SHARING THE EXPENSES IN CONNECTION12
WITH THE CREATION , IMPLEMENTATION , ADMINISTRATION, AND13
ADVERTISEMENT OF THE PASS;14
(IV) A
STRUCTURE FOR SHARING , APPORTIONING, AND15
DISTRIBUTING REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF THE PASS AMONG THE TRANSIT16
AGENCIES THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE PASS; AND17
(V) T
HE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING A FORMULA TO DISTRIBUTE18
REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF THE PASS AMONG THE TRANSIT AGENCIES19
THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE PASS , THE FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN THE20
CREATION OF SUCH A FORMULA, AND A DETERMINATION REGARDING THE21
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH THE FORMULA WOULD BE RECALCULATED ;22
(b) A
METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE PRICE OF A STATEWIDE23
TRANSIT PASS, INCLUDING WHETHER THERE WILL BE OPTIONS FOR24
DISCOUNTED PASSES FOR LOW-INCOME POPULATIONS AND CONSIDERATION25
OF HOW TRANSIT OPERATORS WOULD CONTINUE TO COLLECT A FARE FROM26
THE PASS THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THEIR EXISTING FARE STRUCTURE ;27
032
-9- (c) A STRUCTURE FOR THE SALE OF THE STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS1
TO INDIVIDUALS AND TO EMPLOYERS FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES , INCLUDING:2
(I) A
N OPT-IN OR OPT-OUT PROGRAM WITH A MOTOR VEHICLE3
REGISTRATION OR WITH THE RENEWAL OF A DRIVER LICENSE OR STATE4
IDENTIFICATION CARD ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE ;5
(II) O
NLINE SALES; AND6
(III) S
ALES KIOSKS AT AIRPORTS, TRAIN AND BUS STATIONS ,7
TOURISM OFFICES, AND OTHER PHYSICAL LOCATIONS ACROSS THE STATE ;8
(d) T
HE SERVICES THAT WILL BE OFFERED TO STATEWIDE TRANSIT9
PASS HOLDERS, INCLUDING:10
(I) C
ONSIDERATION OF WHETHER THE PASS WOULD COVER ONLY11
SERVICES ON FIXED ROUTES OR PROVIDE ACCESS-ON-DEMAND SERVICES IN12
ADDITION TO SERVICES ON FIXED ROUTES;13
(II) I
F ACCESS-ON-DEMAND SERVICES WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE14
PASS, HOW THE COST OF THOSE RIDES FACTORS INTO THE COST OF THE15
PASS;16
(III) C
ONSIDERATION OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL17
"A
MERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990", 42, U.S.C., SEC. 12101, ET18
SEQ., AS AMENDED, REGARDING ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCESS TO TRANSIT ;19
AND20
(IV) C
ONSIDERATION OF FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO21
ANTIDISCRIMINATION, INCLUDING TITLE VI OF THE FEDERAL "CIVIL22
R
IGHTS ACT OF 1964", PUB.L. 88-352, AS AMENDED;23
(e) T
HE TYPES OF STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASSES THAT WOULD BE24
OFFERED, INCLUDING DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR THE DURATION OF THE PASS25
TO ACCOMMODATE COLORADO RESIDENTS WHO MAY USE A PASS26
YEAR-ROUND, FOR A PORTION OF THE YEAR, OR OTHER LONGER DURATION,27
032
-10- AND VISITORS TO COLORADO WHO MAY USE A PASS FOR A DAY , WEEK, OR1
OTHER LIMITED DURATION;2
(f) A
DDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION ACROSS3
TRANSIT AGENCIES IN THE STATE , IN ADDITION TO THE CREATION ,4
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ,5
TO MAKE IT EASIER AND MORE APPEALING FOR PEOPLE TO USE TRANSIT ,6
INCLUDING:7
(I) T
HE POSSIBILITY OF TRANSIT AGENCIES ALLOWING CUSTOMERS8
TO PURCHASE A TICKET IN ONE TRANSACTION FOR AN ENTIRE TRIP THAT9
REQUIRES TRANSIT SERVICES PROVIDED BY MULTIPLE TRANSIT AGENCIES ;10
AND11
(II) T
HE POSSIBILITY OF TRANSIT AGENCIES SUBMITTING THEIR12
TRIP PLANNING DATA TO A CENTRAL SOURCE TO ALLOW CUSTOMERS TO13
CREATE AN ITINERARY THAT REQUIRES SERVICES PROVIDED BY MULTIPLE14
TRANSIT AGENCIES;15
(g) T
HE TECHNOLOGY THAT WOULD BE NEEDED TO MONITOR THE16
USE OF THE STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS AND TRACK RIDERSHIP ACROSS17
TRANSIT AGENCIES TO ASSIST TRANSIT AGENCIES IN DETERMINING AND18
UNDERSTANDING THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PASS IN THE FUTURE ;19
(h) A
NY ADDITIONAL LOCAL, TRIBAL, STATE OR FEDERAL LAWS,20
RULES, OR REGULATIONS THAT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION21
WITH THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ;22
(i) T
HE BEST METHOD FOR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING A23
STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS;24
(j) T
HE POTENTIAL IMPACTS THAT A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS25
WILL HAVE ON TRANSIT PASS PROGRAMS THAT ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED26
BY TRANSIT AGENCIES;27
032
-11- (k) THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF SECTION 20 OF ARTICLE X OF THE1
STATE CONSTITUTION TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH2
REVENUE GENERATED BY THE SALE OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ;3
(l) A
PROPOSAL FOR THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF A4
PERMANENT ADVISORY BOARD TO OVERSEE THE CREATION ,5
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ;6
AND7
(m) A
NY OTHER ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE DISCUSSED OR8
ADDRESSED, AS DEEMED NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE BY A MAJORITY9
VOTE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE .10
(5) I
N PRODUCING A VIABLE PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION ,11
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ,12
THE COMMITTEE SHALL SOLICIT INPUT FROM SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS13
AND INTERESTED PARTIES ACROSS THE STATE , INCLUDING:14
(a) T
HE TRANSIT AND RAIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE CREATED IN15
SECTION 43-1-1104 (1)(b);16
(b) T
RANSIT AGENCIES FROM ACROSS THE STATE , INCLUDING A17
PRESENTATION BY AND DISCUSSION WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE18
REGARDING A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS AT AN ANNUAL MEETING19
ORGANIZED BY A NONPROFIT ENTITY TO PROVIDE TRAINING ON A VARIETY20
OF TOPICS, INCLUDING TRANSIT MANAGEMENT , LEADERSHIP21
DEVELOPMENT, DRIVER SAFETY, SYSTEM SAFETY, HUMAN SERVICES22
ISSUES, MOBILITY, AND POLICY ISSUES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEDERAL23
TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION AND THE DEPARTMENT ; AND24
(c) M
EMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR25
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO FOLLOW THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE AND26
TO PROVIDE WRITTEN COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROPOSAL FOR THE27
032
-12- CREATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE1
TRANSIT PASS OR DISCUSSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSAL .2
(6) T
HE COMMITTEE SHALL SUBMIT ITS PROPOSAL FOR THE3
CREATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE4
TRANSIT PASS, INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ANY NECESSARY5
LEGISLATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSAL , TO THE EXECUTIVE6
DIRECTOR AND THE MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION7
REVIEW COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON OR BEFORE JULY 1,8
2026.9 10
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-38.5-114, add11
(8)(e) as follows:12
24-38.5-114. Ozone season transit grant program - fund -13
creation - policies - report - definitions - repeal. (8) (e) THE STATE14
TREASURER SHALL TRANSFER ANY MONEY REMAINING IN THE FUND ON15
JUNE 30, 2024, INCLUDING MONEY THAT IS OBLIGATED OR ENCUMBERED,16
TO THE ZERO FARE TRANSIT FUND CREATED IN SECTION 24-38.5-114.5.17
ANY MONEY THAT IS OBLIGATED OR ENCUMBERED WHEN IT IS18
TRANSFERRED TO THE ZERO FARE TRANSIT FUND SHALL BE USED FOR THE19
SAME PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS OBLIGATED OR ENCUMBERED PURSUANT20
TO THIS SECTION.21
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 24-38.5-114.522
as follows:23
24-38.5-114.5. Zero fare transit grant programs - ozone season24
- youth fare free - zero fare transit fund - creation - policies - report25
- definitions - repeal. (1) AS USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE26
CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES :27
032
-13- (a) "CASTA" MEANS THE COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF TRANSIT1
AGENCIES.2
(b) "ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY" MEANS A TRANSIT AGENCY THAT3
IS:4
(I) A REGIONAL SERVICE AUTHORITY PROVIDING SURFACE5
TRANSPORTATION PURSUANT TO PART 1 OF ARTICLE 7 OF TITLE 32, A6
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY CREATED PURSUANT TO PART 67
OF ARTICLE 4 OF TITLE 43, OR ANY OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE8
STATE, PUBLIC ENTITY, OR NONPROFIT CORPORATION PROVIDING MASS9
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC OTHER THAN THE10
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT ; AND11
(II) ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE MONEY UNDER A GRANT AUTHORIZED BY12
49 U.S.C. SEC. 5307 OR 49 U.S.C. SEC. 5311.13
(c) "FUND" MEANS THE ZERO FARE TRANSIT FUND CREATED IN14
SUBSECTION (8) OF THIS SECTION.15
(d) "OFFICE" MEANS THE COLORADO ENERGY OFFICE CREATED IN16
SECTION 24-38.5-101.17
(e) "OZONE SEASON" MEANS THE PERIOD FROM JUNE 1 TO AUGUST18
31 OF A CALENDAR YEAR; EXCEPT THAT, IF AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY19
OPERATES IN AN AREA IN WHICH OZONE-CAUSING TRAFFIC LEVELS ARE20
TYPICALLY HIGHEST DURING A DIFFERENT PERIOD THAN JUNE 1 TO21
AUGUST 31 OF A CALENDAR YEAR AND THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY22
IDENTIFIES THE DIFFERENT PERIOD IN AN APPLICATION FOR A GRANT TO23
OFFER FARE-FREE SERVICE DURING THE IDENTIFIED PERIOD THAT IS24
SUBMITTED TO CASTA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS25
SECTION, "OZONE SEASON" MEANS, FOR THAT ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY,26
THE DIFFERENT PERIOD IDENTIFIED IN THE GRANT APPLICATION .27
032
-14- (f) "PROGRAM" MEANS THE ZERO FARE TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM1
CREATED IN SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION.2
(g) "REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT" MEANS THE REGIONAL3
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT ESTABLISHED IN ARTICLE 9 OF TITLE 32.4
(h) "TRANSIT AGENCY" MEANS A PROVIDER OF PUBLIC5
TRANSPORTATION, AS DEFINED IN 49 U.S.C. SEC. 5302 (15), AS AMENDED.6
(i) "YOUTH" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NINETEEN YEARS OF7
AGE OR YOUNGER.8
(2) THE ZERO FARE TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM IS CREATED IN THE9
OFFICE. THE PURPOSES OF THE PROGRAM ARE :10
(a) TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO CASTA FOR THE PURPOSE OF11
PROVIDING GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCIES TO OFFER EITHER :12
(I) FREE TRANSIT SERVICES FOR A MINIMUM OF THIRTY DAYS13
DURING OZONE SEASON; OR14
(II) YEAR-ROUND FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS;15
AND16
(b) TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION17
DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING YEAR-ROUND FARE FREE18
TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS.19
(3) THE OFFICE SHALL ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM AND AWARD20
GRANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION AND THE POLICIES21
DEVELOPED BY THE OFFICE PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (7) OF THIS22
SECTION. SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS, GRANTS ARE PAID OUT23
OF THE FUND.24
(4) (a) TO RECEIVE A GRANT , CASTA OR THE REGIONAL25
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE OFFICE26
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION AND THE27
032
-15- POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION1
(7) OF THIS SECTION.2
(b) THE OFFICE SHALL AWARD A GRANT OF FOUR MILLION FIVE3
HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS TO CASTA AND FIVE MILLION DOLLARS TO4
THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT .5
(c) CASTA, THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT, OR AN6
ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT FROM CASTA IS NOT7
REQUIRED TO EXPEND A GRANT IN THE YEAR IN WHICH IT IS RECEIVED AND8
RETAINS THE GRANT AMOUNT UNTIL IT IS EXPENDED; EXCEPT THAT ANY9
GRANT AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION EXPIRES ON JUNE 30,10
2026.11
(5) (a) CASTA MAY USE THE MONEY TO ESTABLISH A GRANT12
PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS13
SECTION. CASTA MAY USE A PORTION OF THE GRANT MONEY TO PAY ITS14
DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS IN ADMINISTERING THE GRANT PROGRAM15
INCLUDING REASONABLE COSTS TO CREATE A STATEWIDE MARKETING16
CAMPAIGN FOR USE BY ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCIES .17
(b) TO RECEIVE A GRANT FROM CASTA, AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT18
AGENCY MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO CASTA THAT SPECIFIES19
WHETHER IT IS APPLYING FOR A GRANT TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT20
SERVICES FOR A MINIMUM OF THIRTY DAYS DURING OZONE SEASON OR21
YEAR-ROUND FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS. AN22
ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY MAY NOT RECEIVE A GRANT FOR BOTH23
PURPOSES IN ANY CALENDAR YEAR. IN ADDITION THE APPLICATION MUST24
ALSO DESCRIBE, AT A MINIMUM, EITHER:25
(I) FOR A GRANT APPLICATION TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES26
FOR A MINIMUM OF THIRTY DAYS DURING OZONE SEASON , THE FREE27
032
-16- TRANSIT SERVICES THAT WILL BE NEWLY PROVIDED , EXPANDED TO1
INCLUDE ADDITIONAL FREE TYPES OF SERVICE, EXPANDED TO INCLUDE2
ADDITIONAL FREE ROUTES, OR PROVIDED MORE FREQUENTLY WITH THE3
GRANT MONEY, INDICATE TO WHAT EXTENT THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT4
AGENCY WILL MATCH THE GRANT MONEY WITH OTHER MONEY , AND5
COMMIT TO PROVIDING THE NEW OR EXPANDED FREE SERVICES FOR AT6
LEAST THIRTY DAYS DURING THE OZONE SEASON ; OR7
(II) FOR A GRANT APPLICATION TO PROVIDE YEAR-ROUND FARE8
FREE TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS, THE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES9
THAT WILL BE NEWLY PROVIDED TO YOUTH RIDERS WITH THE GRANT10
MONEY, THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY'S CURRENT YOUTH RIDERSHIP,11
AND THE METHOD THAT THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY USES TO TRACK12
YOUTH RIDERS.13
(c) (I) AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT14
THROUGH CASTA MAY USE THE GRANT MONEY AS SPECIFIED IN15
SUBSECTION (5)(c)(II) OR (5)(c)(III) OF THIS SECTION, AS APPLICABLE.16
(II) AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT TO17
PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES DURING THE OZONE SEASON MAY USE18
GRANT MONEY TO COVER THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING NEW19
OR EXPANDED FREE TRANSIT SERVICES WITHIN ITS SERVICE AREA DURING20
OZONE SEASON, INCLUDING OFFERING ADDITIONAL FREE SERVICES OR FREE21
ROUTES OR INCREASING THE FREQUENCY OF SERVICE ON ROUTES FOR22
WHICH THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY CURRENTLY OFFERS FREE SERVICE.23
GRANT MONEY MAY BE USED TO REPLACE FARE BOX REVENUE AND TO PAY24
FOR OTHER EXPENSES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT AND MEASURE THE25
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING REASONABLE MARKETING26
EXPENSES INCURRED TO RAISE AWARENESS OF FREE SERVICE AND27
032
-17- INCREASE RIDERSHIP, EXPENSES INCURRED IN CONDUCTING RIDER1
SURVEYS TO BETTER MEASURE THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM ON2
RIDERSHIP AND VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLES,3
AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASE IN RIDERSHIP AS A RESULT4
OF THE PROGRAM. AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY SHALL NOT USE GRANT5
MONEY TO OFFSET OR REPLACE FUNDING FOR FREE TRANSIT SERVICES6
THAT THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY OFFERS AS OF JANUARY 1 OF THE7
FUNDING YEAR; EXCEPT THAT AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY MAY USE8
GRANT MONEY THAT WAS NOT EXPENDED IN THE YEAR IN WHICH IT WAS9
RECEIVED OR GRANT MONEY FROM A GRANT AWARDED FOR A SUBSEQUENT10
YEAR TO CONTINUE FUNDING FOR ANY SUCH FREE TRANSIT SERVICES THAT11
WERE PREVIOUSLY FUNDED WITH GRANT MONEY .12
(III) AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT TO13
PROVIDE YEAR-ROUND FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS14
MAY USE GRANT MONEY TO PROVIDE OPERATING SUPPORT FOR ITS TRANSIT15
OPERATIONS AND GENERAL TRANSIT PROGRAMS AND TO PAY FOR OTHER16
EXPENSES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT AND MEASURE THE EFFECTIVENESS17
OF THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING REASONABLE MARKETING EXPENSES18
INCURRED TO RAISE AWARENESS OF FREE SERVICE AND INCREASE19
RIDERSHIP, EXPENSES INCURRED IN CONDUCTING RIDER SURVEYS TO20
BETTER MEASURE THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM ON RIDERSHIP AND21
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLES, AND EXPENSES22
ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASE IN RIDERSHIP AS A RESULT OF THE23
PROGRAM SO LONG AS THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY PROVIDES24
UNINTERRUPTED FARE FREE YEAR-ROUND TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH25
RIDERS.26
(d) IN AWARDING GRANTS PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (5),27
032
-18- CASTA SHALL: 1
(I) FOR A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT2
SERVICES DURING THE OZONE SEASON :3
(A) ALLOCATE MONEY AMONG APPLICANTS WITH THE GOALS OF4
REDUCING OZONE FORMATION, INCREASING RIDERSHIP ON TRANSIT, AND5
REDUCING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN THE STATE ; AND6
(B) CONSIDER THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE APPLICANT WILL MATCH7
GRANT MONEY WITH OTHER MONEY ; AND8
(II) FOR A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT TO PROVIDE YEAR-ROUND FARE9
FREE TRANSIT TO YOUTH RIDERS:10
(A) ALLOCATE MONEY AMONG APPLICANTS WITH THE GOALS OF11
INCREASING YOUTH RIDERSHIP ON TRANSIT, REDUCING OZONE FORMATION,12
AND REDUCING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN THE STATE ; AND13
(B) CONSIDER DISTRIBUTING GRANT MONEY USING A FORMULA14
DEVELOPED BY CASTA THAT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT YOUTH RIDERSHIP IN15
THE SERVICE AREA OF THE APPLICANT AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE16
APPLICANT WILL MATCH GRANT MONEY WITH OTHER MONEY ; EXCEPT17
THAT AN APPLICANT IS NOT REQUIRED TO MATCH GRANT MONEY TO BE18
ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A GRANT.19
(e) (I) EACH ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT20
SHALL REPORT ON THE USE OF THE MONEY TO CASTA IN ACCORDANCE21
WITH POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY CASTA AND THE OFFICE. THE REPORT22
MUST INCLUDE THE INFORMATION SPECIFIED IN SUBSECTION (5)(e)(II) OR23
(5)(e)(III) OF THIS SECTION, AS APPLICABLE.24
(II) FOR A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT25
SERVICES DURING THE OZONE SEASON, THE REPORT REQUIRED IN THIS26
SUBSECTION (5)(e) MUST INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM, INFORMATION ON HOW27
032
-19- THE GRANT MONEY WAS SPENT; THE FREE SERVICES THAT WERE OFFERED1
USING THE GRANT MONEY; AND ESTIMATES OF THE CHANGE IN RIDERSHIP2
DURING THE PERIOD THAT FREE SERVICES WERE OFFERED COMPARED TO3
PREVIOUS MONTHS, THE SAME MONTH IN PREVIOUS YEARS, AND THE4
MONTHS AFTER THE PROGRAM CONCLUDED. THE REPORT MAY INCLUDE5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS, TO6
PROVIDE CONTEXT ON THE RIDERSHIP DATA INCLUDED IN THE REPORT .7
(III) FOR A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT TO PROVIDE YEAR-ROUND FARE8
FREE TRANSIT TO YOUTH RIDERS, THE REPORT REQUIRED IN THIS9
SUBSECTION (5)(e) MUST INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM, ESTIMATES OF THE10
CHANGE IN YOUTH RIDERSHIP DURING THE YEAR IN WHICH FARE FREE11
SERVICES WERE OFFERED TO YOUTH RIDERS COMPARED TO PREVIOUS12
YEARS, ANY CHANGES THAT THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY WOULD MAKE13
IN HOW IT PROVIDES FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS OR14
IN ITS USE OF THE GRANT MONEY BASED ON ITS EXPERIENCES, AND HOW15
THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY MARKETED THE FARE FREE TRANSIT16
SERVICES FOR YOUTH RIDERS. THE REPORT MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL17
INFORMATION, INCLUDING A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS, TO PROVIDE CONTEXT18
ON THE RIDERSHIP DATA INCLUDED IN THE REPORT .19
(IV) EACH ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT20
THROUGH CASTA SHALL SUBMIT ITS REPORT TO CASTA BY NOVEMBER21
1, 2024, AND BY NOVEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR THEREAFTER.22
(f) BY DECEMBER 1, 2024, AND BY DECEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR23
THEREAFTER, CASTA SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE OFFICE COMPILING24
AND SUMMARIZING THE REPORTED INFORMATION FOR ALL ELIGIBLE25
TRANSIT AGENCIES THAT RECEIVED A GRANT THROUGH CASTA.26
(g) (I) CASTA SHALL DEVELOP AND PUBLICIZE POLICIES FOR THE27
032
-20- GRANT, INCLUDING THE PROCESS AND DEADLINES FOR AN ELIGIBLE1
TRANSIT AGENCY TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE A GRANT, THE INFORMATION2
AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION, REPORTING3
REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES, AND ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS4
NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER THE GRANT . 5
(II) IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN SUBSECTION6
(5)(g)(I) OF THIS SECTION, CASTA SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE THAT IF A7
TRANSIT AGENCY IS APPLYING FOR A GRANT TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT8
SERVICES DURING THE OZONE SEASON, THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY9
MUST IDENTIFY ANY PERIOD OTHER THAN JUNE 1 TO AUGUST 31 OF A10
CALENDAR YEAR FOR ITS OZONE SEASON IN THE APPLICATION .11
(6) (a) THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT MAY USE GRANT12
MONEY TO PROVIDE OPERATING SUPPORT FOR ITS TRANSIT OPERATIONS13
AND GENERAL TRANSIT PROGRAMS AND TO PAY FOR OTHER EXPENSES14
NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT AND MEASURE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE15
PROGRAM, INCLUDING REASONABLE MARKETING EXPENSES INCURRED TO16
RAISE AWARENESS OF FREE SERVICE AND INCREASE RIDERSHIP, EXPENSES17
INCURRED IN CONDUCTING RIDER SURVEYS TO BETTER MEASURE THE18
IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM ON RIDERSHIP AND VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN19
PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLES, AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASE20
IN RIDERSHIP AS A RESULT OF THE PROGRAM SO LONG AS THE REGI ONAL21
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT PROVIDES UNINTERRUPTED FARE FREE22
YEAR-ROUND TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH RIDERS .23
(b) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR FOR WHICH THE24
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT RECEIVES A GRANT, THE REGIONAL25
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE OFFICE ON26
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE27
032
-21- POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE. THE REPORT MUST INCLUDE, AT A1
MINIMUM, ESTIMATES OF THE CHANGE IN YOUTH RIDERSHIP DURING THE2
YEAR IN WHICH FARE FREE SERVICES WERE OFFERED TO YOUTH RIDERS3
COMPARED TO PREVIOUS YEARS, ANY CHANGES THAT THE REGIONAL4
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT WOULD MAKE IN HOW IT PROVIDES FARE FREE5
TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS OR IN ITS USE OF THE GRANT MONEY6
BASED ON ITS EXPERIENCES, AND HOW THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION7
DISTRICT MARKETED THE FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH8
RIDERS. THE REPORT MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION , INCLUDING9
A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS, TO PROVIDE CONTEXT ON THE RIDERSHIP DATA10
INCLUDED IN THE REPORT.11
(c) THE STATE AUDITOR SHALL AUDIT THE REGIONAL12
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT'S USE OF THE GRANT MONEY AS PART OF ITS13
PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT14
CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 32-9-115 (3).15
(7) THE OFFICE SHALL ESTABLISH AND PUBLICIZE POLICIES FOR THE16
PROGRAM. AT A MINIMUM, THE POLICIES MUST ADDRESS THE PROCESS AND17
ANY DEADLINES FOR APPLYING FOR AND RECEIVING A GRANT UNDER THE18
PROGRAM, THE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR THE19
APPLICATION, REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES , AND ANY20
ADDITIONAL POLICIES NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM .21
(8) (a) THE ZERO FARE TRANSIT FUND IS HEREBY CREATED IN THE22
STATE TREASURY. THE FUND CONSISTS OF MONEY TRANSFERRED TO THE23
FUND PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-38.5-114 (8)(e), AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO24
ITS REPEAL ON JULY 1, 2024, MONEY TRANSFERRED TO THE FUND25
PURSUANT TO SECTION 43-4-1103 (2)(e), ANY OTHER MONEY THAT THE26
GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATES OR TRANSFERS TO THE FUND , AND ANY27
032
-22- GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS CREDITED TO THE FUND PURSUANT TO1
SUBSECTION (9) OF THIS SECTION.2
(b) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL CREDIT ALL INTEREST AND3
INCOME DERIVED FROM THE DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEY IN THE4
FUND TO THE FUND.5
(c) MONEY IN THE FUND IS CONTINUOUSLY APPROPRIATED TO THE6
OFFICE FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THIS SECTION.7
(d) ANY MONEY THAT IS TRANSFERRED FROM THE OZONE SEASON8
TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM FUND TO THE F UND ON JUNE 30, 2024,9
PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-38.5-114 (8)(e), AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO ITS10
REPEAL ON JULY 1, 2024, THAT IS OBLIGATED OR ENCUMBERED WHEN IT11
IS TRANSFERRED SHALL BE USED FOR THE SAME PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT12
WAS OBLIGATED OR ENCUMBERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-38.5-114, AS13
IT EXISTED PRIOR TO ITS REPEAL ON JULY 1, 2024.14
(e) ON JUNE 30, 2026, THE STATE TREASURER SHALL TRANSFER15
ANY UNEXPENDED AND UNENCUMBERED MONEY REMAINING IN THE FUND16
THAT WAS TRANSFERRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 43-4-1103 (2)(e) TO THE17
PORTION OF THE MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FUND THAT IS18
ALLOCATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 43-4-1103 (2)(a)(I)(A).19
(9) THE OFFICE MAY SEEK, ACCEPT, AND EXPEND GIFTS, GRANTS,20
OR DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SOURCES FOR THE PURPOSES OF21
THIS SECTION. THE OFFICE SHALL TRANSMIT ALL MONEY RECEIVED22
THROUGH GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS TO THE STATE TREASURER, WHO23
SHALL CREDIT THE MONEY TO THE FUND .24
(10) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31 OF EACH YEAR OF THE25
PROGRAM, THE OFFICE SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION26
OF THE PROGRAM TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSPORTATION,27
032
-23- HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE AND THE SENATE1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENERGY COMMITTEE, OR THEIR SUCCESSOR2
COMMITTEES. THE REPORT MUST SUMMARIZE AND COMPILE THE3
INFORMATION SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS4
(5)(e) AND (6)(b) OF THIS SECTION.5
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 43-4-1103, add6
(2)(e) as follows:7
43-4-1103. Multimodal transportation options fund - creation8
- revenue sources for fund - use of fund. (2) (e) O
N JULY 1, 2024, THE
9
STATE TREASURER SHALL TRANSFER TEN MILLION DOLLARS TO THE ZERO10
FARE TRANSIT FUND CREATED IN SECTION 24-38.5-114 FROM THE PORTION11
OF THE FUND THAT IS ALLOCATED TO THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO12
SUBSECTION (2)(a)(I)(A) OF THIS SECTION.13
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 43-4-605, amend14
(1)(i.5)(I) introductory portion and (1)(i.5)(III) as follows:15
43-4-605. Powers of the authority - inclusion or exclusion of16
property - determination of regional transportation system alignment17
- fund created - repeal. (1) In addition to any other powers granted to18
an authority pursuant to this part 6, an authority has the following powers: 19
(i.5) (I) Subject to the provisions of section 43-4-612, to impose,20
in all or any designated portion of the members of the combination or of21
the members of the transportation planning organization exercising the22
powers of an authority as authorized by section 43-4-622, a visitor benefit23
tax on persons who purchase overnight rooms or accommodations; in any24
amount that would not cause the aggregate amount of the visitor benefit25
tax and any lodging tax imposed on such overnight rooms or26
accommodations to exceed two percent of the price of such overnight27
032
-24- rooms or accommodations; except that the authority shall not impose a1
visitor benefit tax on overnight rooms or accommodations that are in any2
territory:3
(III) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (I) of this4
paragraph (i.5), an authority may derive no more than one third ONE HALF5
of its total revenues from the visitor benefit tax.6
7
8
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-75-219, add (8)9
as follows:10
24-75-219. Transfers - transportation - capital construction -11
definitions - repeal. (8) ON JULY 1, 2022, THE STATE TREASURER12
TRANSFERRED SIX MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE13
GENERAL FUND TO THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION14
(7)(h) OF THIS SECTION, AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO ITS REPEAL ON JULY 1,15
2023, WHICH REQUIRED THAT THE DEPARTMENT USE SUCH AMOUNT FOR16
AN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY ON RELOCATING THE CONSOLIDATED MAIN17
RAIL LINE AWAY FROM INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 25 IN CONNECTION WITH THE18
DEVELOPMENT OF THE BURNHAM YARD RAIL PROPERTY. BEGINNING ON19
THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL INSTEAD20
USE SUCH AMOUNT THAT WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE STATE HIGHWAY21
FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF SITE PREPARATION, SITE ENHANCEMENTS,22
PLANNING, AND FACILITATING A TRACK ALIGNMENT THAT PRESERVES23
BUILDABLE LAND WHILE PROMOTING TRANSIT AND RAIL CAPACITY AND24
INCREASING SAFETY IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE25
BURNHAM YARD RAIL PROPERTY, AS THE DEPARTMENT HAS DETERMINED26
THAT SUPPORTING THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 'S27
032
-25- RIGHT-OF-WAY EXPANSION, RATHER THAN RELOCATING THE MAIN RAIL1
LINE, IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRANSIT NEED ON THE SITE .2
SECTION 7. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,3
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate4
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for5
the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state6
institutions.7
032
-26-