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Service Development Plan
The SDP process defines the where, when and how for the future rail service.
Plan Overview
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is working with the Front Range Passenger Rail District to develop the Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan (SDP). The SDP is a comprehensive document that demonstrates a full-build vision for passenger rail, outlining the planning and implementation steps to realize passenger rail along the Front Range. By leveraging existing rail infrastructure, railroad and community partnerships and multimodal connections, the SDP process creates the plan for a train service people are excited to ride. The SDP is the first major federal planning phase for FRPR and a key step to secure federal funding.
The SDP process defines:
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Route
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Major markets for stations
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Service frequency
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Onboard amenities
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Fare structure
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Infrastructure improvements
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Costs and financing plan
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Implementation plan
The SDP is the first major federal planning phase for FRPR. It provides the documentation for the project to move into the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. After NEPA approval, final design and construction begins.
Purpose & Need
The preliminary Purpose & Need statement was developed in the early SDP stages to define the goals for the service.
Reliable Travel
Increase mobility choices for safe, efficient and reliable travel along the Front Range now and in the future.
Connected Communities
Connect to jobs, retail centers, recreational opportunities, health care, leisure, education, entertainment and other regional destinations.
Economic Development
Foster economic vitality and improve transportation equity.
Sustainable Growth
Advance federal, state and local, economic, environmental and equity outcomes.
Schedule
Planning Documents
The project team has developed the following milestone documents that are part of the planning process.
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Please note, documents finalized with the FRA after May 1, 2025 reflect the corrected name for a potential station in Douglas County. References in prior documents to a "Castle Rock" station do not reflect a station location decision by the District.
​Purpose and Need Memo Outlines the needs that FRPR can address within the state.
​Route Options Memo Recommends a route for FRPR along an existing railroad corridor.
Alternatives Analysis Evaluates the performance of different service options and recommends one to carry forward into the final SDP.
Progress Toward a Starter Phase
"Joint Service"
As the Front Range Passenger Rail District advances the long-term vision for the corridor through the SDP’s federal planning process, local partners are working together to advance a starter phase between Denver and Fort Collins. Utilizing funding sources established by the Colorado Legislature through Senate Bill 24-184 and Senate Bill 24-230 and potential contributions from local partners, this starter phase, referred to as "Joint Service," is as an opportunity to introduce a near-term pilot service that fosters collaboration between RTD’s FasTracks Program and FRPR, accelerating the timeline for initiating rail service.
Passenger rail corridors typically begin in phases and expand in geography and frequency as demand increases and resources grow. This starter phase can help to develop the proof of concept that facilitates the expansion for the full corridor.
The Front Range Passenger Rail District, CDOT, Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO), Clean Transit Enterprise (CTE), RTD and the Governor's Office are recently entered an intergovernmental agreement to form an Executive Oversight Committee to jointly develop near-term Joint Service between Denver and Fort Collins.
This Joint Service phase, included in the SDP, proposes using state funds and local partner contributions to initiate a starter passenger rail service while simultaneously constructing the infrastructure needed for the full 180-mile buildout of FRPR.​
Outreach & Engagement
Throughout the SDP process, there have been online and in-person engagement opportunities where the public and communities could share what they need and want from passenger rail service along the Front Range. These will continue throughout all stages of the FRPR planning process.
The SDP process requires coordination with host railroads, state and federal agencies, transit agencies, elected officials, Tribes, local governments, transit and rail advocates, universities, potential travelers, residents and property owners directly adjacent to stations and the corridor, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, special interest organizations and environmental justice stakeholders to gain diverse and comprehensive input. These audiences represent a wide variety of needs and interests on a local and regional scale. As technical findings are developed, smaller focused discussions may be convened.
Get Involved
Starting soon, there will be opportunities to provide input on the Service Development Plan.
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In the meantime, Join our Mailing List or check out upcoming FRPR District Board Meetings.