Transportation & RTD

Jake has seen firsthand how RTD has hung Longmont out to dry. When he worked in the State Senate, he took RTD busses every day to the Capitol. At that time, the service was reliable, and Longmont had a genuine connection to the regional transit system. However, over the years, as Longmont has grown, RTD has consistently reduced services to the city. The most obvious example is the commuter rail that was promised to Longmont over 20 years ago—a promise that remains unfulfilled despite continuous payments from Longmont residents.

RTD has made excuses for these cuts, citing low ridership. However, the low ridership they cite is often a result of the cuts themselves. When service is reduced, it creates a cycle where ridership drops, and the reductions are justified by that drop. This isn’t working for Longmont, and it’s clear that the city deserves better.

Jake is committed to ensuring that Longmont gets what it’s paying for. Longmont residents have been patient, but the time for action is now. He supports the Northwest Rail project and is grateful for the leadership of Karen Benker, Mayor Peck, and so many others in advocating for it. It’s time for RTD to put shovels in the ground. The progress being made on the issue is a step in the right direction, and he’s committed to seeing that process through and doing all he can to support the efforts of the policy leaders and stakeholders who have been working on this project for years. However, if Front Range Passenger Rail or a similar alternative doesn’t move forward, and service isn’t ultimately restored, Jake will advocate for Longmont to explore all possible options to ensure the city gets the service it deserves.

Longmont has waited long enough, and Jake is determined to make sure that the city finally gets the transportation infrastructure it has paid for and been promised.