en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Front Range Passenger Rail District has announced a plan to launch the Colorado Connector passenger rail service between Denver and Fort Collins by 2029.

The Colorado Connector (CoCo) is planned as an intercity passenger service for the Front Range region, with a core corridor spanning approximately 190 miles, connecting Fort Collins and Pueblo, with Denver Union Station serving as the central hub.

The first phase plans to serve eight stations, including Denver Union Station, Westminster, Broomfield, Louisville, Boulder, Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins. The service will utilize existing freight rail infrastructure and upgrade it to shared passenger-freight lines.

Colorado has signed a term sheet with BNSF Railway for a 25-year agreement covering passenger service between Denver and Fort Collins, with a formal agreement planned for 2026. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) owns the rail corridor between Westminster and Denver and is participating as a partner for the initial northern service launch.

Amtrak is planned as the initial operator of the Colorado Connector, responsible for train crews, ticketing, maintenance, and federal safety compliance. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is involved in technical, delivery, and oversight roles.

Later phases will extend service south of Denver to Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Union Pacific has been identified as the host railroad south of Denver, with the corridor operating along the Consolidated Main Line and Joint Line, jointly owned by Union Pacific and BNSF.

The second phase is planned for 2032, subject to funding availability. This phase will add five stations: Littleton, Sterling Ranch, North Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. Two additional daily round trips will be added to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, along with increased frequency between Fort Collins and Denver.

Full corridor construction is expected to take approximately 20 years. The Front Range Passenger Rail District plans to offer up to 10 daily round trips between Fort Collins and Denver Union Station, and up to 8 daily round trips between Denver Union Station and Pueblo.

Full service phases depend on new dedicated funding. The district noted that a vote may be held in November 2026 for communities closest to permanent stations. The 2029 launch service can be funded without new taxes.

Core corridor daily stops include Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, Louisville, Broomfield, Westminster, Denver Union Station, Littleton, Sterling Ranch, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. Trinidad is not included in core daily service, but new station infrastructure is planned on the existing Amtrak Southwest Chief route.

The Front Range Passenger Rail District is still finalizing rolling stock. The project website indicates a preference for proven, bidirectional trains that do not require turning, with options including diesel, onboard battery, and overhead catenary power being evaluated.