On Friday, August 16, our Transportation Connections Associate Executive Director, Darcy Kitching, testified before the Transportation Legislation Review Committee (TLRC) at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. She joined a panel on state support for commute-trip reduction programs, featuring presenters from the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), and West Corridor Transportation Management Association.
Kitching made the case for a strong foundation for effective commute-trip reduction (CTR) in the form of more funding for Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) that provide critical skilled resources for employers, increased state support for local and regional transit services, and a solid commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions enabled by a robust array of sustainable transportation options and land-use reforms.
“The stage is being set for effective commute-trip reduction programs with state support for the development of transit-oriented communities, increased funding for transit through fees, and reduced parking requirements for new developments,” Kitching said in her testimony. “All of these legislative decisions will enhance the economic vitality of our cities and towns by creating more accessible jobs, housing, and amenities and by reducing requirements on developers and property owners, saving everyone money.”
Members of the panel highlighted the role of transportation demand management (TDM) strategies such as EcoPasses, carpool and vanpool programs, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, telework, and other tools to incentivize reduced rates of driving alone on both commute trips and other trips throughout the work week. Transportation Management Associations, including Transportation Connections, work directly with employers to provide a tailored menu of TDM options for their workforce transportation needs.
The TLRC will draft bills for the 2025 legislative session based on testimony brought forward during the interim committee meetings this summer.
Interested in more transportation policy issues? Click here to register for Transportation Connections’ next Connect Boulder meeting on September 19 to get the inside scoop on two transportation issues that will be on the ballot in November:
- Boulder Chamber Community Affairs Council Member Bob Yates and City Council Member Matt Benjamin will discuss the Boulder Municipal Airport ballot issues and what’s at stake for our community.
- RTD Board Member Lynn Guissinger will talk about the Keep Colorado Moving campaign, designed to help RTD stay on track and maintain its funding sources.