TransportationWednesday, November 4
Front Range voters were leading toward a sales tax for a train to Pueblo
The Good Day Pueblo team
If you've ever wished for a train from Pueblo to Denver, Tuesday night's returns leaned your way. Voters in the Front Range Passenger Rail District were deciding Ballot Issue 7A, a 0.333% sales tax. As of 10:25 p.m., Westword reported 453,474 votes in favor and 368,746 against, though it called the race too close to officially call.
Ballot Issue 7A led 453,474 to 368,746 as of 10:25 p.m.
Unofficial results as of 10:25 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3
Ballot Issue 7A: 0.333% sales tax for passenger rail
Source: Westword
View as table
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Issue 7A: 0.333% sales tax for passenger rail | Yes | 453,474 | 55.2% |
| Ballot Issue 7A: 0.333% sales tax for passenger rail | No | 368,746 | 44.8% |
The tax is projected to raise about $295 million a year and would let the district sell $580 million in bonds. Colorado Public Radio says the southern route to Pueblo is proposed to begin service in 2032, with a new Amtrak station in Trinidad. Starter service north of Denver is set for 2029 either way.
Train service to Pueblo is proposed for 2032, after a 2029 start up north
- Nov. 3Voters decide Ballot Issue 7A, the 0.333% sales tax.
- 2029Starter service of three daily round trips between Denver and Fort Collins is scheduled.
- 2032Southern service between Denver and Pueblo is proposed to begin.
Sources: Denver Gazette, Colorado Public Radio
- Cost: 33 cents on each $100 spent
- Exempt: food, gasoline, residential electricity and gas, prescription drugs, medical supplies
- South service: two daily round trips from Union Station to Pueblo
Critics say the permanent tax, which has no sunset, would cost too much for a lightly used service. Opponents also recalled FasTracks' failure to deliver to Boulder and Longmont.
Sources: Westword, The Colorado Sun, Colorado Public Radio, Denver Gazette, BizWest