Front Range Passenger Rail officials recently unveiled branding for the Colorado Connector,
or “CoCo,” a planned rail service connecting Fort Collins to Denver. With an initial phase expected by 2029, the project aims to expand service across the Front Range, pending voter approval of a tax measure this year.
Branding the Colorado Connector
The project, which aims to provide a rail alternative to the congested I-25 corridor, recently moved from planning to public branding. Following a popular vote to select its name, the rail service—officially the Colorado Connector—has adopted the nickname CoCo
and a visual identity featuring blue and orange colors reminiscent of the Denver Broncos.
According to Colorado Public Radio, the service’s mascot is a fox, intended to symbolize passengers who outfox I-25 traffic.
General Manager Sal Pace, speaking at a July 12, 2026, unveiling event at Bigsby’s Folly in Denver, described the vision of commuting while avoiding the highway’s frequent congestion.
Service Timeline and Expansion Plans
The rollout of the Colorado Connector is structured in phases, contingent on the successful passage of a ballot measure this year. The initial Starter Service
is scheduled to connect Denver and Fort Collins, with stops in Boulder and Broomfield, by 2029.
Pace outlined the long-term expansion goals, noting that if the funding measure passes, the district plans to connect to additional stations within five years.
Beyond the primary Front Range corridor, the district is building a station in Trinidad to support the Southwest Chief line. While long-term plans contemplate a regional network stretching from New Mexico to Cheyenne, these remain outside the immediate five-year window.
Infrastructure and Potential Denver Stops
While Union Station serves as the primary hub for the project, officials are currently evaluating additional stops to maximize utility for special events. Potential locations under consideration include South Broadway, the area near the new Summit soccer stadium, Burnham Yard, and the vicinity of the Denver Broncos stadium.
The project’s fiscal scale is significant. Pace noted that the district has modeled total spending of $1.5 billion over the next 25 years to create connectivity from each of these stations.
Upcoming Public Comment Period
Sources: KRDO.
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