CO HB1401

Authorizes the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to establish and implement a program offering reduced fares to low-income riders, with a target of 50-percent discount for individuals at or below 185 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

Directs the state transit and rail division to assist in and provide oversight of the low-income fare program establishment and implementation, including convening stakeholders from municipalities, counties, nongovernmental organizations, and low-income riders.

Requires RTD to explore new revenue sources to fund the 50-percent discount and consider offsetting fares to offset reduced revenue from low-income passes.

Appropriates $80,000 from the general fund to the department of transportation for the 2018-19 fiscal year to assist RTD with establishing and implementing the program.

Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly (August 8, 2018) unless subject to a referendum petition, in which case it requires voter approval at the November 2018 general election.