The population of the Denver metropolitan region is projected to increase dramatically over the next few decades. Despite the economic downturn, the Denver region will add over a million people by 2025. The sprawling development that currently accompanies Colorado's booming growth will have major impacts on traffic congestion, air and water quality, transportation needs and land use decisions. If nothing is done to provide varied, efficient and readily accessible alternative modes of transportation in the Front Range and around the state, the quality of life of all Coloradans will be in jeopardy.

The increase in vehicle miles traveled (or VMT), is an indication of the growth in traffic and congestion in the metro area. Trends show that VMT are increasing at twice the rate of population growth, indicating that not only do we have more people driving in the region, but they are driving more and longer distances as a result of our sprawling development. The Denver region is now ranked 3rd worst in the nation for traffic and congestion.

The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) has developed a plan to meet the region's transportation needs. Known as "FasTracks", this plan would build light rail and commuter rail throughout the region's major transportation corridors, and expand bus service for better suburb to suburb travel and connections to rail. More.

Reports
Creating Livable Communities Through Transit: An Analysis of the Potential Benefits of Transit Oriented Communities on the Denver Metro Region 10/04

Getting On The Fast Track To A Livable Denver Region 8/03

Links
RTD FasTracks Plan

FasTracks Official Campaign Site