More than 1.2 million voters approved the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR) override for RTD by a 69% to 31% margin, according to the Colorado Secretary of State web page.

“Approval of this ballot measure reaffirms the region’s commitment to public transit,” RTD General Manager and CEO Debra Johnson said in a statement Wednesday. “It allows RTD to continue focusing on the Denver metro area’s current and future mobility needs and avoids potential negative impacts to RTD’s current revenue sources.”

Eric Davidson, RTD District I director and RTD board chair said: “I am grateful to the voters for the confidence they have placed in RTD and for seeing the high value it provides to millions of customers. Approval of this ballot measure means RTD can maintain its current operations and continue to deliver the best service possible.”

Voters approved the measure 78% to 22%, as reported by the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s Office.

The TABOR override removes any obligation that RTD return over-collected taxes to taxpayers. It also would authorize RTD to retain all grants and money received from any source, including the State of Colorado.

Created in 1969 by the state legislature, RTD was to provide a mass transit system for seven Front Range counties. Its service area is larger than the state of Delaware, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Voters exempted RTD from TABOR revenue and spending limits in 1995. The exemption expired at the end of 2005. Voters again exempted RTD in 1999 for the purposes of paying off the debt incurred for the construction of the Southeast and Southwest light rail lines. That exemption expires December 31, 2026.

The 0.4% sales and use tax RTD imposes on district residents increased the total sales tax rate from 0.6% to 1 % by ballot initiative in 2004 and went into effect January 1, 2005 to pay for RTD’s FasTracks light rail improvements. When that debt is paid off, the tax rate will be reduced by 0.4%, back to the 0.6% base sales tax and the TABOR exemption will expire no later than 2050. The RTD Board of Directors approved the 2024 permanent TABOR exemption in June.

Public transit supporters argue that allowing RTD to keep what it collects enhances public transit infrastructure.

“Allowing RTD to continue to be exempt from TABOR revenue restrictions will empower the agency to address the growing transportation demands, invest in essential infrastructure projects, enhance service quality, and contribute to the overall economic and environmental health of the region,” said Richard Bamber, Co-founder, Greater Denver Transit, a free-to-join organization of Greater Denver Area residents who advocate for a world-class public transit system.

“As the Denver Metro area continues to expand, ensuring that RTD has the financial capability to meet these challenges is not just beneficial but necessary for the region’s future prosperity,” Bamber added.

“Over the last year, the agency has intensified its efforts to create a welcoming transit environment, with a focus on fostering a convenient and enjoyable experience for all employees and customers. We seek support in diversifying RTD’s financial foundations to guarantee a resilient future,” said RTD on its website.

On RTD’s financial outlook page RTD said: “Operating and maintaining a transit system for the benefit of more than 3.1 million people in a 2,342 square-mile service area is challenging and takes significant financial resources and investment. RTD is impacted by a backlog of deferred maintenance, a competitive labor market, supply chain issues, and high inflation. The agency’s aging rail network and operational facilities require extensive maintenance projects. Disruptive, societal issues brought on by individuals displaying anti-social behaviors are impacting RTD’s current employees and affecting the agency’s retention efforts.”

RTD goes on to say, “Over the last year, the agency has intensified its efforts to create a welcoming transit environment, with a focus on fostering a convenient and enjoyable experience for all employees and customers. We seek support in diversifying RTD’s financial foundations to guarantee a resilient future.”

A May 21, 2024 report titled “Fork in the Railroad” by the Common Sense Institute stated: “In 2014, the system’s operating budget was $477 million. That rose 35% by 2019 to $644 million, then sank to $570 million by 2021 largely in response to COVID-19 interruptions. RTD’s budget has grown rapidly since then. By 2023, it had grown to $856 million, and RTD has proposed a $1 billion budget for 2024.”