As has been well documented by RTD staff and well covered in the local media . . . the price-tag for the FasTracks program continues to rise at the time that available revenue to pay for it recedes. 

In its most recent projections, admittedly based on the most conservative cost and revenue estimates, RTD staff reports that full build-out of the FasTracks rail and BRT systems has risen from the original $4.7 billion to to $7.9 billion.  The following link to the FasTracks web site gives the most detailed account of the problems RTD is facing: http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/main_138 (scroll to the check the bottom of this page for the complete RTD Board presentation and other explanatory documents).

In addition to detailing the challenges, RTD staff also outlined four options for proceeding:

1. Build only what we can afford, with a focus on first completing the rail lines that will be most competitive in the bid for public funds (the West, Gold and East lines, specifically);
2. Reduce service frequency on certain FasTracks systems, like our Northwest Commuter Rail line and the North Line, which will entail lower infrastructure investment;
3. Extend the build-out period for the full FasTracks system, which could reach to 2034; or,
4. Seek additional funding to cover the current budget shortfall.

None of these options is pleasant, entailing uncomfortable trade-offs or additional resource commitments.  It is not surprising, therefore, that we are all looking for alternative solutions that will entail less severe impacts, but still help us achieve our goals for the FasTracks program.  Also not surprising is that some of the original FasTracks opponents have taken this opportunity to reassert their case against the program, which was well-rebutted by RTD General Manager Cal Marsella in a recent opinion piece: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/sep/19/marsella-a-solution-will-be-found-for-fastracks/.

That being said, RTD Board and staff know that we will get nowhere in our efforts to overcome the current challenges without public support.  It is for that reason that RTD is reaching-out directly to citizens of the RTD region with a series of public hearings on the FasTracks program.  These hearings will be our opportunity to better educate the public on the current circumstances and solicit feedback on the best path forward, including other options that we have yet to consider.

The District O hearing will occur at 6:00 p.m. this Thursday, September 25 in the West Boulder Senior Center.  I look forward to hearing your input as we forge ahead in our effort to protect the promise of FasTracks.