RTD staff propose exploring ballot measure to raise operating revenue
The proposed 2027 legislative program would create a working group to consider a measure and seek state help reducing ballot costs; no tax, fee or other revenue source has been selected.
RTD staff are asking the board to consider a 2027 legislative program that would explore a ballot measure to increase operating revenue, seek state help lowering the cost of ballot measures, oppose state legislation that adds operating costs without new money and pursue increased federal transit funding. The RTD agenda packet says the program is being advanced earlier than usual after discussions with board members about legislative revenue options.
The packet identifies two ballot-related concepts. One would create a small committee or working group to recommend whether RTD should seek a measure to raise operating revenue. The other would seek legislative approval for the Colorado secretary of state to assist RTD with ballot measures, which the packet says could reduce the financial and administrative costs of referring a measure to voters.
The proposal does not specify the working group’s size or makeup, the timing of a ballot campaign or the tax, fee or other revenue source a measure would seek. It also does not authorize a ballot question or a fare increase. The program would oppose legislation that increases RTD’s operating costs without new revenue and supports new revenue for the federal Highway Trust Fund, including revenue distributed through the traditional 80% federal and 20% state-and-local split.
The legislative strategy would operate alongside RTD’s near-term fare and service planning. A separate item in the packet directs staff to build the 2027 budget around $8 million to $12 million in additional annual fare revenue from a possible fare increase, potentially with the May or June 2027 service changes. Staff are to develop three fare-modification options for the September board cycle, along with a fare study and equity analysis. The packet also includes separate planning for budgeted service reductions; none of those actions establishes that a fare increase or service reduction has occurred.
RTD’s Executive Committee was scheduled to consider the program July 23, followed by a July 28 Board of Directors meeting. The recommended action is for the full board to adopt the program. Records available as of July 22 did not show whether the committee would make a recommendation, whether the board would approve the program or whether a separate public hearing was planned. RTD’s public meeting portal provides access to the scheduled meetings and later records.