The New Mexico House has passed funding for the Southwest Chief

Now it is the Senate's turn.

HB 241, sponsored by Rep. Roberto "Bobby" Gonzales (D-Taos), would fund repairs to the New Mexico portion of the Southwest Chief's route through the issuance of severance tax bonds. The bill passed 47-12, but may die in the Senate because of a lack of time to consider it. New Mexico's legislative session is over at the end of this week.

Here is Rep. Gonzales talking about maintaining funding for bus service among other things:

RTD Central Rail Extension Mobility Study Public Meeting

Wednesday, February 26 at 5 - 7 pm (Presentation at 6 pm)
Blair-Caldwell African-American Research Library
Large Conference Room (to the right on the first floor)
2401 Welton Street
Denver
Light Rail: D Line
Bus: 38

So RTD has given in to public pressure and will after all be connecting the existing central line that runs through Five Points to the East Line. This meeting is the kickoff of a study about how to do this. I am concerned that the groups that RTD have opposed transit in the past. I am hoping that there will be broader public involvement that what is being proposed now.

Amtrak is moving back to Union Station soon!

It looks like the return will not be delayed this time.

The California Zephyr returns to Denver Union Station the evening of Friday, February 28. The temporary station will be closed permanently after the departure of the morning train, including the bathrooms. The main entrance will be closed, and it looks like the temporary path through the construction will lead to and from the direction of the 16th Street Mall. Please follow the signs. Buses that run to downtown from the west side stop about two blocks away on Wazee. From the east, the closest bus stops are on 15th at Wynkoop. Take the free Mall Shuttle from either the light rail or regional buses.

You will not be able to walk directly to intercity trains from light rail for another two or three months. Regional buses will not move to the bus box inbetween the two stations until May.

Want to find out what is happening with US36?

Public Meetings on the US 36 Public Private Partnership

Wednesday, February 12, 6:30-7:30
City Park Recreation Center
10455 Sheridan Boulevard
Westminster
Bus: 51

Thursday, February, 6:30-7:30
Closed Sam's Club
550 S. McCaslin Boulevard
Louisville
Bus: 228
Almost walkable from the regional buses.

This would be a good meeting for people who would like to know what is happening along the corridor.

RTD's February Board Meeting

Tuesday, February 19 at 5:30 pm
RTD Administrative Offices
1600 Blake Street
Denver
Bus: most that go downtown

As always, anyone can speak for three minutes before the meeting starts.

The Colorado House will be hearing testimony on maintaining rail

Wednesday, February 12, at 3 pm
State Capitol
200 E. Colfax, Room 107
Bus: 6, 15, 15L
Within walking distance of Civic Center Station and the bus stops at the corner of Colfax and Broadway.

The House Local Government Committee will be hearing testimony on a bill to fund the Southwest Chief. This bill may extend service to Pueblo. It is my understanding that anyone is welcome to testify.

Olde Town Arvada Station Parking and Bus Facility Meeting

Notice that RTD considers parking to be more important than buses.

Tuesday, February 11 at 6 pm
The Vineyard
5445 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard
Arvada
Bus: 52
This location should be within walking distance of the Arvada Park-n-Ride, but a lack of sidewalks and snow may make that impossible. Even the half a block from the 52 could be tricky.

I have been hearing complaints about what is happening in downtown Arvada. I am wondering if this meeting has anything to do with these complaints.