Voters keep RTD transit moving by approving ballot measure 7A

DENVER — Voters in the Denver metro region approved the Regional Transportation District (RTD) 7A ballot question, allowing the transit agency to keep the revenue it raises every year instead of refunding some of it under Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). At risk was as much as 10% of RTD’s budget, about $60 million a year. 

A broad coalition came together as part of the Keep Transit Moving campaign to help pass 7A.

“From Nederland and the Foothills to the edge of the Great Plains, RTD’s buses and trains give people more freedom and options to go to work, school, shopping or a Broncos game,” said Danny Katz, CoPIRG executive director. “Transit cuts pollution and is a safer and cheaper way to travel without a car. We started the year with the legislature and Governor investing historic funding in transit and we’re ending the year with voters across our region saying yes to keep transit moving forward. 2024 has been the year of transit.”

Every year, RTD raises about $600 million from a 0.6% sales tax paid in the eight counties in which the agency operates. That money supports the trains and buses from Boulder to Aurora to Denver to Littleton. By approving 7A, voters ensure that all the money RTD raises can fund operations, maintenance, safety programs, services for people with disabilities and innovative programs such as allowing people 19 and younger to ride buses and trains for free.

In addition to CoPIRG, more than 100 organizations, business groups and elected officials endorsed 7A, including:

• Several Chambers of Commerce, including Denver, Boulder and Broomfield
• every elected RTD board member
• the Metro Mayors Caucus, including mayors from Arvada, Denver, Golden, Littleton and Boulder
• AARP,
• Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition
• NAACP CO/WY/MT State Conference
• Commuting Solutions
• Downtown Denver Partnership
• Greater Denver Transit
• Servicios de la Raza
• Denver Streets Partnership.

“The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition is grateful that voters in the district think we are all worthy of the ability to be active contributing citizens,” said Julie Reiskin, Co-Executive Director for the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition. “Transit makes this possible for many in the disability community.”

“For 30 years, the Metro Mayors Caucus—38 mayors strong—has united to secure essential funding for Colorado’s transportation needs,” said Heidi Williams, President & CEO – Civic Results & Executive Director – Metro Mayors Caucus. “Current resources fall short, impacting quality of life, equitable access, the environment, and our economy. We view access to public transportation as essential to achieving equitable outcomes statewide and remain committed to advocating for modernized revenue structures, rebalanced spending, and fairer allocation of transit funds across Colorado.”

“Public transit is an affordable, environmentally friendly, and efficient way to travel, and we’re eager to partner with RTD to expand bus and train services to connect more communities across our region and state,” said Matt Frommer, Transportation & Land Use Policy Manager for Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP).

“Supporting Ballot Measure 7A also means supporting efforts to make RTD’s service area more livable and accessible,” said Sara Schueneman, AARP Colorado state director. “An overwhelming number of the 50-plus want to stay in their homes and communities as long as they can, and access to transportation is a major factor in their ability to do so. The passage of 7A is a step in the right direction to ensuring older Coloradans have the ability to choose where they live as they age.”

“Servicios de La Raza thanks YOU for supporting 7A,” said James Gillespie, Vice President of Development, Servicios de La Raza. “Our Latino community, and all community members, deserve a safe and affordable way to connect to their family, friends, work, recreation, grocery stores, medical appointments, and…well…life!” 

“The Bouler Chamber is thankful to our voters for their demonstration of support for regional transit service in their passage of Ballot Measure 7A,” said Boulder Chamber President and CEO John Tayer. “Preserving RTD’s funding is a vote of confidence in achieving further enhancements to our transit system as we work to meet the regional mobility needs of our workforce and residents.”

“Today’s passage of 7A means that RTD can continue to maintain and expand transit service, allowing all Denver metro residents to more reliably use transit for their everyday needs,” said June Churchill with Greater Denver Transit. “Once combined with new state transit funding it means RTD will be able to run new routes, enhance existing services, and move more people.”

“Thank YOU – the voters! – for voting Yes on 7A,” said Leslie Welch with Greater Denver Transit. “Public transit is key to keeping Colorado moving, and ensuring everyone has the ability to participate in their communities. We look forward to seeing you on the bus and/or train!” 

“As a grassroots project that centers the dignity of all who walk, use a wheelchair, and take transit, Pedestrian Dignity thanks our communities for voting YES on 7A,” said Alejandra X. Castañeda from Pedestrian Dignity.