Gov. Polis' Big New Transit Plan: More Buses, Fewer Cars, and 3,000 Miles of Bike Lanes?
Dec 9, 2024
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Matt Frommer, Transportation and Land Use Policy Manager at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, dives into Governor Polis's ambitious transportation plan aimed at reducing car dependency in Colorado. They discuss the proposed expansion of public transit options, including more buses and 3,000 miles of bike lanes, along with the integration of electric vehicle initiatives. Challenges like the need for better biking infrastructure and the transformation of urban spaces in Denver are also examined, highlighting the balance between safety, accessibility, and sustainability.
Governor Polis' ambitious transportation plan aims to double public transit use and expand biking options by 2035 for a sustainable future.
The proposed increase in bike lanes and efficient transit routes addresses both cost concerns and the growing demand for safer travel alternatives in Colorado.
Deep dives
Governor Polis' Transportation Vision
Governor Polis recently revealed a transportation vision for 2035 aimed at enhancing mobility in Colorado by diversifying transportation options beyond cars. The plan intends to double the current percentage of trips made by public transit, biking, and walking from 10% to 20% over the next decade. Key strategies include increasing the frequency of buses and trains to every 10 to 15 minutes and expanding safe and connected bike lanes. Additionally, the vision emphasizes thoughtful land use planning to accommodate a projected increase of approximately 2 million residents by 2050.
Economic Impact of Transportation Costs
Transportation costs significantly impact Colorado households, often ranking as the second-largest expense after housing. Owning a car can run about $1,000 a month, encompassing expenses such as fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking. In contrast, a monthly pass for public transit is considerably cheaper, at around $88, with reduced rates for seniors. This disparity highlights the need for more accessible and affordable transportation alternatives to reduce overall living costs for residents.
Electric Vehicle Adoption in Colorado
Colorado has achieved notable success in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, becoming the top state in the nation for new EV sales, with 25% of new cars sold being electric. This shift results from effective climate policies and incentives introduced by the Polis administration, including rebates for e-bikes and funding for charging infrastructure. The increasing popularity of e-bikes is also noteworthy, as they're seen as a viable alternative to car trips, reducing emissions more than traditional EVs. However, transitioning to a fully electric vehicle fleet will take time, necessitating a continued focus on expanding alternative transportation methods.
Future of Biking Infrastructure in Colorado
Governor Polis' plan includes an ambitious goal of constructing over 3,000 miles of bike lanes across the state, a significant increase compared to previous efforts. There is a growing demand for safer cycling routes, as surveys indicate that 60% of residents would choose biking if they felt more secure. The report emphasizes the importance of improving existing bike lane connectivity and addressing public concerns about space allocation between parking and bike lanes. Despite challenges in execution, the state's commitment to multimodal transportation is positioning Colorado for a more sustainable future.
Governor Jared Polis is finally turning his attention to an issue guaranteed to divide Denverites: transportation. Last month, he published a beefy new document laying out his vision for how he wants to change the way Coloradans get around over. His ambitious goals over the next decade include reducing the climate impacts of driving, getting more people out of their cars, and making public transit more efficient and useful. So what will this all mean for Denverites’ everyday lives? Southwest Energy Efficiency Project’s Transportation and Land Use Policy Manager Matt Frommer joins host Bree Davies to break down the plan and speculate about how Polis might try to achieve his lofty new goals.
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