Bill to Increase Use of Transit Clears Committee
Legislation would extend the popular Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program, create a tax credit for purchasing a transit pass, and establish a free transit program for youth
DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, to increase the use of transit cleared the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee today.
SB24-032 would create the Youth Fare Free Transit Grant Program to provide grants to transit agencies around the state for fare free year-round transit services for Coloradans ages 19 and younger. The bill would also extend the successful Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program that funds Colorado’s free transit rides during peak ozone season, which is set to expire without further legislative action.
“During my time in elected office, Colorado has taken leaps and bounds forward when it comes to smart, successful transportation policy,” said Priola. “Now in my final legislative session in the General Assembly, I’m proud to sponsor new legislation that will improve upon our past work while continuing to innovate. Senate Bill 32 will streamline a statewide transit system to increase usage and save people money.”
“This important bill from the Transportation Legislation Review Committee will make it even easier for Coloradans to opt for a bus or train instead of a car, helping reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” Jaquez Lewis said. “The Ozone Season Grant Program and the Youth Fare Free Transit Grant Program will help lower costs for working families, while the tax credit will help Colorado businesses offer their employees reliable and discounted transportation.”
Finally, the bill would create a statewide transit pass exploratory committee within the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to produce a proposal for implementing a statewide transit pass. The committee would be created by October 1, 2024, and offer a proposal by July 1, 2026. The committee members would be appointed by the executive director of CDOT and must include representatives of transit agencies from throughout the state.
SB24-032 will now move to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.