Colorado is outlining a new strategic framework to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state’s transportation sector and enhance transit options and accessibility for residents.
This comprehensive plan, titled the Colorado Transportation Vision: 2035, outlines the state’s coordinated effort to protect public health and environmental justice by developing public transit programs, creating housing and expanding safe travel infrastructure. The plan, led in-part by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), will take steps towards the state’s broader goal of reaching net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
For the next 10 years, Colorado Transportation Vision: 2035 will blueprint the state’s climate goals and trigger transformative change in transit systems and developments. Officials anticipate these changes will fund new transportation projects, limit emissions and, ultimately, save residents money.
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As the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in the state, the new vision features a shift away from reliance on cars, calling for a coordinated effort to increase multimodal transportation options and supporting infrastructure. By 2035, the state will commit to an economy-wide climate goal of 65% GHG emission reductions from 2005 levels.
To achieve Colorado’s climate vision for 2035, the plan will include a variety of strategies and policies to reduce emissions, improve infrastructure and transit-oriented developments and encourage safe multimodal travel for all Coloradans.
To help reduce the number of cars on the road, the vision will authorize upgrades for two long-distance bus services to connect passengers from the slopes to the western plains.
The state will increase the frequency and reach of Bustang, a long-distance bus service connecting rural areas to urban centers, and Snowstang, a ski bus service aimed at alleviating congestion during the winter months. Offering an alternative to driving, these public bus programs feature low-cost and free tickets for lines out of Grand Junction, Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, mountain locations and ski resorts.
The state also envisions sustainable multimodal transportation as a solution to residents’ current, emissions-heavy travel options.
As one of the healthiest states in the country, Colorado plans to build out over 1,300 miles of sidewalks and over 3,500 miles of new bicycle lanes, providing residents an easier option when it comes to long traffic delays and public transportation.
In addition to transportation infrastructure improvements, the vision outlines the state’s commitment to constructing more transit-oriented communities that efficiently connect residents to jobs, housing and services.
These new developments, built near bus stops and train stations, seek to foster the creation of accessible and sustainable neighborhoods, especially in high-density urban areas and underserved communities.
By 2035, officials anticipate the vision will guide state decisions that create healthier communities, improve public and vehicle safety, enhance equity and access to opportunity and save residents thousands annually.
The plan will build on previous transportation initiatives, including investments in long-distance buses and an intercity passenger rail line, to offer residents comprehensive transportation options and sustainable public transit solutions.
As the vision guides future planning, CDOT and several state agencies anticipate federal support to advance future transportation initiatives, primarily from the Infrastructure Jobs and Investment Act, Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants, the Clean School Bus Program and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
Beyond developing affordable transit programs and nearby accessible housing, the vision’s GHG emissions reduction strategies compliment previous climate action framework developed in the state earlier this year – the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0.
Regarding policy, Colorado recently amended Executive Order B 2021-001, legislation requiring transparency as the state pursues climate change action, to include this vision and roadmap 2.0 in state agencies’ submittal of annual reports.
Guided by these initiatives, Colorado Transportation Vision: 2035 will demonstrate legislative and organizational commitment to reduce GHG emissions, increase travel alternatives and improve public health statewide.
Combined, Colorado’s strategic vision for the transportation sector in 2035, new comprehensive policy updates and previous transportation funding initiatives will set the groundwork for operational and environmental change in the state’s transportation sector.
Photo courtesy Xnatedawgx, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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