Yes on Issue 7A (Boulder Daily Camera)

The Front Range Passenger Rail, now known as CoCo, is finally on its way. The train is set to begin service in 2029 whether or not Ballot Measure 7A passes. But a “yes” vote on 7A would create a 0.333% sales tax in the district to raise $295,000,000 for the operation and maintenance of the new rail. (The district includes Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Longmont and Loveland, among other cities along the rail.)

For those of us in Boulder County who have been paying the FasTracks tax for more than 20 years, the promise of a train can feel dubious. But this time, it is actually happening — and the district running the show is not, thank goodness, RTD.

The tax that 7A is asking for is minor for most transactions, just 33 cents on every $100 spent. But the money it would raise would help CoCo start strong. Some of the funding would be used to increase service above the guaranteed three round trips per day. Some would go to localities to help them build train stations. And some would simply be used to make sure maintenance costs are looked after and not left to fester (as too many government entities often forget to do).

We understand the hesitation of many who have been bitten before by our hope for a train. But this time it is actually happening, with or without 7A. But voting “yes” on 7A will help ensure that CoCo succeeds.

In our changing world with our changing needs and our changing climate, we need to start investing in a future that is less defined by cars. Single-occupancy vehicles are likely not going anywhere anytime fast — this is America after all. But a reliable train service is a step toward a real alternative. That’s worth our investment.

Vote “yes” on 7A.

— Gary Garrison for the Editorial Board