Committee advances transit‑access bill after narrowing amendments to avoid new costs

Representatives Ricks and Joseph presented House Bill 12‑69 to the committee as a package of modest changes to improve transit access, rider information and language access across covered transit agencies. "This bill takes a thoughtful, targeted approach to improving transit access," Rep. Joseph said, arguing that clearer maps, fare transparency and reporting would make it easier for riders to use systems.

Sponsors originally proposed low‑income discounts and a partner pass program but said they removed those elements before the hearing to avoid new costs for regional transit districts. After extensive agency and rural operator testimony, the committee accepted sponsor amendments that narrow which agencies are covered and drop the pass/discount elements (amendments L002, L004, L007), measures sponsors said would remove the fiscal note.

Transit agencies and rural operators — CASTA, the Colorado Municipal League and Mountain Metro Transit among them — urged caution and asked for carve‑outs to avoid unfunded mandates. Mountain Metro told the committee that some provisions could create annual costs in the millions for medium and large agencies unless the scope is narrowed.

Proponents including rider advocates, environmental justice groups and legal aid organizations emphasized improved rider communication, language access and reporting on use as low‑cost steps to increase ridership and equity. "When RTD provided free rides in July and August 2023, we saw increases in appointment attendance and service engagement," testified Jenna Fleiner on behalf of parents and legal aid organizations.

The committee adopted the sponsor amendments and voted 9‑4 to send HB 12‑69, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation.

Next steps: HB 12‑69 advances to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.