Polis's Audacious $14 Billion Rail Plan: Taxpayer Backlash and Doubts of Underwhelming Use

Governor Jared Polis is pushing for a costly Front Range rail project that would burden taxpayers with a bill of up to $14 billion. The proposed rail system aims to carry more than 2 million passengers annually, but the question remains whether it would garner public support for its funding under the strict Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). Additionally, concerns arise over the potential use of eminent domain to acquire private property for the project.

Critics argue that the practicality and popularity of such a system must be considered. The rail's intended route would connect Pueblo to Fort Collins, with a possible extension linking Colorado Springs to La Junta. Proponents claim it could serve approximately 4,800 to 8,900 weekday riders, but these figures pale in comparison to the staggering traffic volumes on I-25. For instance, in the Larkspur area alone, there are around 66,000 daily commuter vehicles, while near Castle Pines, that number soars to 160,000.

Doubts arise regarding the project's viability, as past public transit usage in Colorado has been significantly low. In Denver, a mere 3.2 percent of workers utilize existing public transport, demonstrating a strong preference for driving. By contrast, cities like Chicago see 26.7 percent of workers relying on public transportation, while New York City's figure stands at 55.6 percent.

Critics worry that if the Front Range rail system is approved and implemented, it may end up underutilized and become an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. The reality is that a vast majority of Coloradans prefer the convenience and flexibility of driving their own vehicles, undermining the demand for an expensive rail project.

With limited public transit usage and significant funding required, it remains to be seen whether such a venture is practical or merely a costly and underutilized endeavor.