Service Development Plan

The SDP process defines the where, when and how for the future rail service.

Coloradans are working together to advance the vision and define the plan for passenger rail in our great state. Over the years, a broad range of stakeholders across the region completed studies and actions that brought passenger rail closer to reality.

Alternatives Analysis

In 2020, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission (predecessor to the current Front Range Passenger Rail District) completed an Alternatives Analysis that evaluated corridors for passenger rail service to the major population centers, considered governance options, and conducted stakeholder outreach. The Alternatives Analysis showed that FRPR is technically feasible and can be implemented using existing transportation corridors. It also demonstrated overwhelming public support for FRPR.

The Alternatives Analysis recommended a system whereby passenger trains operate on shared track with freight operations, which would decrease the initial investment capital needed to implement future FRPR service. In conjunction with this effort, CDOT and metropolitan planning organizations along the Front Range incorporated FRPR into their planning documents, and the Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission secured a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to develop a formal Service Development Plan (SDP).

Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan Fact Sheet

SDP Process

The SDP evaluates route, stations, service, infrastructure, operations, costs, and financing, culminating in an implementation plan for initial train service. The SDP considers how to use existing rail infrastructure and leverage railroad and community partnerships and multimodal connections to create a train service people are excited to ride. A completed SDP makes the project eligible for millions of dollars in federal funding, which will be crucial for bringing safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail to the Front Range.

After the SDP is completed, FRPR will enter the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) stage. NEPA is a decision-making process for all federal actions. It involved public involvement and requires that a project consider alternatives and measures to minimize harm to the surrounding environment. NEPA determines mitigation measures to offset the impacts. After NEPA approval, FRPR enters final design and construction.

The SDP process will answer:

How often would trains run?
Where would trains stop?
What infrastructure upgrades and financial support are needed?
What amenities are future customers interested in?
What railroad and community partnerships are needed?
How can pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections foster a train service people are excited to ride?

Visit the FRA website for more resources, including a presentation on the Corridor Identification and Development Program.

Development Timeline

Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan Process

Public and Stakeholder Involvement

CDOT and the District are committed to an inclusive, transparent, and collaborative planning process with everyone interested in, affected by, and involved in FRPR. Throughout the SDP process, there will be online and in-person engagement opportunities where the public and communities can share what they need and want from passenger rail service along the Front Range.

Read the transcript of this video presentation.

The SDP 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.

Key stakeholders will be informed throughout the SDP and consulted on specific topics including service frequencies, speeds, station locations, fleet options, and infrastructure improvements needed to support the service.

Comment on the SDP

Outreach Materials

Legislation

Front Range Passenger Rail District Act (Colorado Senate Bill 21-238)
Bylaws and Policies

FRPRD Bylaws and Board Policy Manual FRPRD Procurement and Purchasing Policy for Goods and Services FRPRD Director Reimbursement Procedure
Resolutions

Resolution 22-E001 Public Meeting Disclosure Resolution 22-F001 Recognition of Prior Fiscal Commitments Resolution 23-01 Adopting the 2023 Budget Resolution 23-02 Ratifying Contracts for the Administration of District Start-Up Business Resolution 23-03 Authorizing Director and Employee and Reimbursements Resolution 23-04 Amending the District's Notice Policies Resolution 23-05 Adopting a Colorado Open Records Act Compliance Policy Resolution 23-06 Adopting a Procurement and Purchasing Policy for Goods and Services Resolution 23-07 Joining the Colorado Retirement Association Resolution 23-08 Ratifying Contract to Participate in COLOTRUST Resolution 23-09 Regarding Participation in the Colorado Local Government Liquid Asset Trust (COLOTRUST) Resolution 23-10 Adopting a Contract with HNTB Resolution 23-11 Adopting a Contract with CDR Resolution 23-12 Regarding District Policy Direction for 2024 Resolution 23-13 Adopting a 2024 Budget Resolution 23-14 Approving a Contract for Financial Advisory Services Resolution 23-15 Renewing a Contract with Andrew Karsian Resolution 23-16 Route Determination Resolution 24-01 Annual Administrative Resolution Resolution 24-02 Approving a Contract for Professional Services and Task Order Number 1 with Novitas Communication Resolution 24-03 Approving a Contract for Services with WPAI Resolution 24-04 Approving a Contract for Professional Services and Task Order Number 1 with CDR Associates Resolution 24-05 Approving a Contract for Professional Services and Task Order Number 1 with Linhart Public Relations Resolution 24-06 Approving an Amendment to Task Order No. 1 and Task Order No. 2 with Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors, LLC Resolution 24-07 Approving Contract for Services with Aspect Strategies, LLC Resolution 24-08 Adopting an Updated Reimbursement Policy Resolution 24-09 Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cheyenne Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Resolution 24-10 Approving an Engagement for Legal Services with Nossaman LLP Resolution 24-11 Approving a Contract for Marketing and Communications Services with HDR Engineering, Inc. and Approving Task Order No. 1 Resolution 24-12 Approving the Primary Station Locations for Front Range Passenger Rail and Establishing Criteria for Secondary Station Locations Resolution 24-13 Providing Further Policy Direction for 2024 and Beyond Resolution 24-14 Approving a Contract for Planning and Project Development Services with HDR Engineering, Inc. Resolution 24-15 Approving Task Order No. 1 with HDR Engineering, Inc. for Planning and Project Development Services Resolution 24-16 Approving a Contract for Professional Services with Communication Infrastructure Group, LLC Resolution 24-17 Approving a Contract for Professional Services with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. Resolution 24-18 Approving Task Order No. 3 for Professional Services with Linhart Public Relations, LLP Resolution 24-19 Accepting an Audit of the District's Financial Statements for the 2022 Fiscal Year Resolution 24-20 Adopting Amended and Restated Bylaws
Adopted Budgets

FRPRD 2023 Final Budget FRPRD 2024 Final Budget
Annual Reports

2023 Annual Report