CDOT Press Release

A new Interim Transit and Rail Advisory Committee has been formed to advise the Colorado Transportation Commission and Colorado Department of Transportation on how to initially focus its new Division of Transit and Rail.

Earlier this year, the Colorado Legislature signed Senate Bill 94 (sponsored by state Senator Suzanne Williams-District 28 and Representative Claire Levy-District 13), creating a Division of Transit and Rail within CDOT. The new division has the authority to promote, plan, design, build, finance, operate, maintain and contract for transit services including bus, passenger rail and advanced guideway systems services. Creation of an Interim Transit and Rail Advisory Committee was included in this legislation.

“We’re very pleased to see CDOT working quickly to get this new division in place,” said Senator Suzanne Williams. “The creation of the Division of Transit and Rail will allow Colorado to be more focused and strategic in its planning of transit systems. Bringing together such a wide array of interests to serve on this committee is the first step in helping to set up the structure that will move transit in Colorado forward.”

This interim committee is tasked with recommending a long-term advisory structure, including the advisory structure’s purpose and role, in support of the transit and rail-related functions of CDOT. It is also anticipated that the interim committee will provide input to CDOT and the Transportation Commission on the mission and organization of the new division.

The Interim Transit and Rail Committee will hold its first meeting in September. Members include:

Tom Allen, Transit Director, South Central Council of Governments, Trinidad

Gary Beedy, County Commissioner, Lincoln County

Harry Dale, County Commissioner, Clear Creek County, and Chairman of Rocky Mountain Rail Authority

Tom Fisher, Regional Service Director, Mesa County Transportation, and State Transportation Advisory Committee

Richard Hartman, Director of Public Affairs, Union Pacific

Michael Ogborn, Managing Director, OmniTRAX, and Executive Committee Member American Short Line & Regional Railroad Assn.

Ruben Peña, Director of Government Security Projects, Transportation Technology Center, Inc., Pueblo

Mark Radtke, Legislative Liaison, Colorado Municipal League

Ann Rajewski, Executive Director, Colorado Assn. of Transit Agencies (shared position)

Elena Wilken, Executive Director, Colorado Assn. of Transit Agencies (shared position)

Peter Rickershauser, Vice President of Network Development, BNSF Railway Co.

Sherre Ritenour, Director, Mountain Metropolitan Transit, Colorado Springs

Vince Rogalski, Chairperson, State Transportation Advisory Committee; Member, Gunnison Valley Regional Planning Commission

Marlys Sittner, General Manager, TransFort/Dial-A-Ride, Fort Collins

Paul Smith, Citizen, Retired Railroad Industry

William Van Meter, Acting Asst. General Manager, RTD Planning, FasTracks Team

Stan Zemler, Executive Board Member, I-70 Corridor Coalition