Political Pressure Reinvigorates B Line Extension Plans in Colorado

The CEO of the Regional Transportation District speculated recently about whether a planned extension of the B Line to Boulder was necessary or desirable. The governor doesn't think the speculation was necessary or desirable.

1 minute read

February 11, 2021, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Denver Regional Transit

A G Line train at Union Station in Denver. | jenlo8 / Shutterstock

"The Regional Transportation District is drawing up plans to kickstart its dormant Boulder and Longmont rail project," reports Nathaniel Minor.

The project would extend the B Line 41 miles from Denver to Boulder and Longmont, according to Minor. The B Line currently only reaches Westminster.

CEO and General Manager Debra Johnson announced the rebirth of the project at a special RTD board meeting this week, after Colorado Governor Jared Polis criticized RTDs lack of progress on the project after Johnson recently made comments questioning whether the project should move forward.

According to a separate article by John Aguilar, Gov. Polis spoke to the board meeting, saying that the projected completion date—20 years from now—is not "a legitimate date for discussion."

Now RTD is committed to delivering an accelerated plan for development in 60 days.

The B Line extension is a component of the 2004 FasTracks regional transit expansion plan, "which has resulted in a half-dozen new rail lines and a speedy bus line across the metro since then," according to Minor. Most recently, the N Line opened commuter rail service on a pandemic-subdued day in September 2020.

See also: Previous Planetizen coverage of the FasTracks program. 

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 in CPR News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog