[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6058045,"mediaKeyId","3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9","parentId",3298885,"title","CTIO launches I‑70 Mountain Express Lane text alerts; about 500 subscribers during soft launch","audioSeconds",180,"startMs",623000,"endMs",803000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9&start=623&end=803","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9/thumbnail_623000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6058045/Colorado/CTIO-launches-I70-Mountain-Express-Lane-text-alerts-about-500-subscribers-during-soft-launch","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058045-9d37808c621368c2e721bf92ebc87d51/orig.mp4?Expires=1770583386&Signature=dDf7bYNHJfoRo9OxtFT7C~5WtDRv5AEIKpHOfs5CuzGS6iv~GeyNTD-UomNIokahszxOnLIu0mpcP38tgfTpSj~3W8KQfGOMfu0R5mC7BqqnTY9hlCCjzWvxHInFP2fQdtISAEEYUTWZ3jrmuMhT~2jABxRqWpXarD4WBKqLrtfA-3l-nKsJYCoe-pq78yMPBFkQ311jluyxdsXU05gzCBCNUTxHky8UFINt2oaOzlLQ~uA1vx1fLrGhR58td02~Sc7bJcVeM6LCUtPDFYNENhehXWQrcesGcoboC~TZSSbFZYIyov0E0j2D1lPBJpe7RlUo6flCWNEVJ07nL7LOfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Colorado Department of Transportation","date","2025-05-15T06:20:21Z","article","CTIO staff reported at the May 14 meeting that a text alert system for the I‑70 Mountain Express Lane is live and in a soft launch phase.

Alex (staff) said the system mirrors technology used by Boyd Hill for closures and will notify the public and stakeholders of unexpected openings or lane closures, delays and schedule adjustments. Alex said the system was launched in response to stakeholder requests for clearer, real‑time communication as the agency implements new and flexible hours for the express lane.

Staff said the soft launch has nearly 500 subscribers and that CTIO will continue outreach through its website and social media (no paid promotion at this stage). Alex noted a publicly accessible calendar on the CTIO website shows the planned fixed days the express lane is open for the current and following months.

Directors praised the communication improvement; Director Cook said he has signed up for Boyd Hill alerts and found them “very well maintained.” CTIO staff said the text alerts will be integrated with other corridor alerts to make communications consistent for drivers who subscribe to multiple notifications.

No board action was taken; staff said they will continue to expand outreach and report any significant operational changes to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) Board of Directors Meeting (May 14, 2025)","oneSentenceSummary","CTIO staff said a text alert system to notify drivers and stakeholders about I‑70 Mountain Express Lane openings, closures and delays launched in a soft opening with roughly 500 subscribers; staff will continue outreach via website and social media and maintain a calendar of planned open days.","taxTitle","Transportation Commission, Governor's Boards and Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Colorado","taxId",27826,"location","Colorado","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6058050,"CTIO advances commercial back‑office contract; board extends transition flexibility with E‑470",1556,2613000,4169000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9&start=2613&end=4169","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9/thumbnail_2613000.jpg","/articles/6058050/Colorado/CTIO-advances-commercial-backoffice-contract-board-extends-transition-flexibility-with-E470","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058050-d6b6b16a40f80ee623a740be92aa34f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770583386&Signature=QXFDdiPmIqUB~e8gFTkEDWUw2Rm25w4Ccdh6Mbt6nNr7yIA-XPb2lg3mg78il5wOVplkmGjrBhGECrxwXi2S2XniXoR1MY4CWcGBcccoz~lajFkge6xHGycDVtAh1t8nlqacyjbakxWkmFS2MLuUvmsJtrtmNngMDak5fmlHBseTz4HBs626IQyO-LG7Hyqyxfks9vUqgdIFkvuOL-BlZ~5vMPM6BHEiPIXVwVn~ANH443Snx-6rI5dODds4IV4YkK-qA5KY6ZadgtWZESeyb-oehkRnDOJ94X2O6BaXa1wD2m3BE41UJGjhDJMSAQyr5WXDRmNgId3NlC6GLlAtkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CTIO staff and the board discussed progress on implementing a new commercial back‑office system with the vendor Emovis (MOBIS) and agreed to additional flexibility in the transition from E‑470’s existing services.

Jason McElderly, CTIO project lead, reviewed the procurement history and current implementation schedule. He said procurement ran roughly 2022–2024, notice to proceed occurred in January 2025, and staff currently target a go‑live in January 2027, subject to design, testing and onboarding. McElderly said the project is performance‑based with contract KPIs and a robust compliance regime. He described recent activities — requirements workshops, baseline schedule refinement, and the vendor opening a local project office — and said further strategic planning workshops would be held to refine schedule and testing approaches.

McElderly said CTIO and E‑470 are negotiating a wind‑down/transition plan. Staff explained E‑470 requires roughly 12 months’ notice for cessation activities and that CTIO and E‑470 agreed more time is needed to finalize detailed swim‑lanes and transition responsibilities. To allow the transition plan to be tied to project milestones rather than a fixed calendar date, the board considered and approved an amendment (Resolution 4‑70) that gives staff the flexibility to align the formal notice and wind‑down timing to CTIO’s back‑office go‑live schedule. The resolution passed unanimously.

Staff described other program elements: a physical customer service/walk‑in center and CTIO administrative space will be needed; more than 40 candidate properties were evaluated and eight sites were shortlisted. Emovis and CBRE are finalizing responses from shortlisted properties, and CTIO expects to select a location in Q2. McElderly said the upcoming work will emphasize testing rigor and phased system turn‑up to manage schedule and delivery risk.

Directors asked detailed project‑management questions. Director Adams urged board workshops focused on milestones, slippage reporting and contingency planning; staff said they will schedule a summer workshop to present the refined schedule, swim‑lanes and risk‑management approach.

The board did not change the contract or budget at the meeting; it approved Resolution 4‑70 to give staff authority and transparency to continue negotiations and to align the E‑470 wind‑down with the back‑office go‑live timeline. Staff will return to the board with a deeper dive once there is an agreed transition plan with E‑470.","CTIO staff updated the board on the commercial back‑office (MOBIS/Emovis) implementation, reported a target go‑live of January 2027, outlined site selection for a customer service/walk‑in center and won unanimous board approval for a resolution that gives staff flexibility on the E‑470 transition timeline tied to the back‑office go‑live date.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6058055,"CTIO approves budget amendment to fund new express lanes operations center build‑out",235,2396000,2631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9&start=2396&end=2631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9/thumbnail_2396000.jpg","/articles/6058055/Colorado/CTIO-approves-budget-amendment-to-fund-new-express-lanes-operations-center-buildout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058055-227b062688abf58196d4874227d864fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770583386&Signature=L3bAHWYMlkTRCsDko4OEFl4Vy77LmxnSFl-9juHhvNdDR6BaVoJ9PeQXDwwF1Nqry2RxAmspMLDc-Eet-U4UDdmbOlpPtKh9O7KLi6SKU8kRE2NGvq3VKiFeXbq7q~QrhLzJ8E2e5QeSUtxeZTnM9mLs0kzadzQ9ht6CGj5U9OkyGx6UOG82oHXIkQQGVoP3JI9xf75zoyxw6KucQ4MhUjAoHKz7QneYgcWff-y-YzjwfeZ2soNgMKAXteeY5lq-cCVu2rH2gNvsEgDGWMg5WXFB8Js~XYzkOtp~B5ChKEIQxpOaa2n5HwREMrq~CJz24SVUD1WKXx23YpFALbl2wQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 14 meeting CTIO directors approved a fiscal amendment to fund construction and occupancy of a new express lanes operations center.

Piper (staff) briefed the board about the project, saying the build‑out cost is roughly $1,000,000 and the plan includes prepaying the first five years of rent for the new operations center next to CDOT’s existing traffic operations center in Golden. Piper said the amendment memorializes those expenditures and that staffing costs for the center had already been included in prior budget allocations; CTIO will allocate build and operating costs on a pro rata basis to corridors with higher revenue.

The amendment (resolution 4‑69) was presented as part of the FY 2025–26 budget update; staff explained the timing aligns with the new fiscal year beginning July 1 and that actual cash outlays will occur in the next fiscal year. The board discussed the funding source and Piper clarified there is no Senate Bill 184 money being used for the operations center; the costs will be paid from tolling revenues and corridor allocations.

Director questions confirmed staffing and operating costs had been previously approved through the budget and that the amendment covers only build‑out and prepayment for rent. A motion to approve resolution 4‑69 carried unanimously.

Staff said the operations center will support CTIO’s growing tolling operations team and planned traffic management responsibilities for current and future express lanes.","Directors unanimously approved a budget amendment to cover approximately $1 million in build‑out costs and prepayment of the first five years’ rent for a new express lanes operations center co‑located with CDOT in Golden; staffing costs were previously budgeted and will be allocated pro rata across corridors.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6058060,"CTIO staff recommends 3% toll increase citywide, targeted hikes for I‑25 and Central 70",423,1767000,2190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9&start=1767&end=2190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9/thumbnail_1767000.jpg","/articles/6058060/Colorado/CTIO-staff-recommends-3-toll-increase-citywide-targeted-hikes-for-I25-and-Central-70","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058060-fba6b5e321a3c0d701952e5fe1afc94b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770583386&Signature=LbGU0Q0~vQTwRSAcay3C~Via2YjbkZy7ubIReCIJHggV1jBr--riFax9l4hpQWqVpLH~c9rxS6UdF8UNgFksStV9r9N6quS2zCZzzfXsbd536XZLlwqCxS4yN7woJkTlxkaAUaMt1NPMzdu2s1SfPABo8n7N7faNCr1-ebF16gKWDp-BzWelSkhAqCFPkzJ6ysFCwvn8dyRgITWCS9z5KCZGLqwmFt6NzlhD6Acn9X43rxhPdWsAYgC9YIU3G~ae5L6bbJy2GJXV3iK~iXr2Jf9~REx6KjKwF-KOHPk~81GDuPU2kiYkqaDG5dq1vm5twO3QVfNCwkWwGlqKZu8~pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CTIO staff presented technical findings and recommended toll rate adjustments for fiscal year 2026 at the May 14 board meeting.

Nathaniel Benton, CTIO tolls staff, told the board that staff’s comprehensive analysis evaluated traffic speeds and volumes, levels of service, operations and maintenance costs, inflation, transaction costs and debt obligations. Benton said staff recommends a 3 percent increase in toll rates across all express lanes except the I‑70 Mountain Express Lane, which staff judged not to need an increase under the tolling policy.

Benton said two corridors showed speed declines during peak periods and require targeted changes. For I‑25 Segment 2 southbound, staff recommended increasing tolls in the morning window (5:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m.) from $1.45 to $1.90 to reduce congestion in the express lane. For Central 70, staff recommended increasing the maximum dynamic toll cap in both directions from $5.50 to $6.00 to address decreased peak speeds. Benton said those targeted changes would not alter the maximum caps elsewhere and that the proposed 3 percent increase would generally affect minimum dynamic price levels.

Staff summarized technical benchmarks: the federal criterion CTIO uses seeks to maintain express lane speeds of at least 45 mph at least 90 percent of the time; Central 70 westbound and I‑25 Segment 2 southbound fell below 45 mph more than 5 percent of the time during peak periods. Benton said debt covenants and forecasting were reviewed and did not require adjustments. Staff used a Denver‑area consumer price index estimate of about 2.3 percent and modeled a 3 percent increase in operations and maintenance costs as an input to the recommendation.

Benton told directors the analysis was completed in April and early May; the toll rate package was introduced to the board May 14 and will return June 18 with a resolution for board approval. Staff said approved toll changes would take effect July 1.

Board members asked about behavioral responses to higher tolls; staff explained that tolling is used as a congestion‑management tool — raising rates can reduce express‑lane demand to restore target speeds, while lower rates can attract drivers when under‑used. Benton and other staff said the recommendation is subject to editing after board feedback and that detailed per‑corridor tables and the technical memos are available in the packet.

No vote on the toll rate recommendations was taken at the meeting; staff requested board feedback ahead of the June 18 approval vote.","Staff recommended a 3% toll rate adjustment across most express lanes for FY26, with no increase for I‑70 Mountain Express Lane and targeted higher charges on I‑25 Segment 2 southbound morning hours and maximum caps on Central 70; the board will consider final approval June 18 to take effect July 1.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6058064,"Ski Train drew about 44,000 riders but required a six‑figure subsidy, CTIO hears",957,837000,1794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9&start=837&end=1794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3298885-acea5abe7c8cb989296005783a5d00c9/thumbnail_837000.jpg","/articles/6058064/Colorado/Ski-Train-drew-about-44000-riders-but-required-a-sixfigure-subsidy-CTIO-hears","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058064-5fa138dc4a56654fd1a7a0eccdda21ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770583386&Signature=i4fJLmNotjpwxmAPOg3J3hhD2TG7Oug0EqPZ1Q-VY-wBtL5t4iOWFW~n4vaH85SO9j6qpglrc4HigzgqwDmim54r6VbIquQ~sC-wT3X1eMdq~1uM0cBOQ31m4vb8Pr26UKJAzMSy2LxkCaXl2AAifoeO972WQg6XvpEUL90rLAVsHDMCwHbvM05sCnhaTBVFqtKfpRZYPK4QkMUti~McVfGolD~JbVku47wT6C4-QC9d~ZCPAnbLEEp85Asdw2tgYyBmRiwtxsMOBz-1l-BZFWlw68RhvocWqqWzzMPMphJc6kcEGSnMTMx3CdpoDfB6NUW3UnEpkgFJBtU~3VJNFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 14 CTIO board meeting, a Ski Train representative reported that the seasonal Ski Train operation carried roughly 44,000 riders during the winter season after an expanded schedule and lower fares.

The Ski Train representative said the season was “an outstanding success,” noting the service began Dec. 20 and for part of the winter ran five days a week (Thursday through Monday) instead of the program’s historical Friday–Sunday schedule. The presenter said ticket pricing was reduced this year — at times to $19, $29 and $39 one‑way and in the final weeks as low as $9 one‑way on Mondays — and that children under 12 rode at half price.

CTIO’s presenter said those changes, combined with the longer season and a longer train in January–March, produced high seat occupancy (about 95 percent on some December runs and roughly 75–82 percent across January–March) and overall ridership of about 43,000–44,000. The presenter said ticket revenue for the season was about $1,100,000 and food and beverage sales added about $115,000; the program’s revenue target had been roughly $1.4 million.

But the board was also told the operating cost paid to Amtrak for the season was about $2,482,000, leaving a net shortfall of about $1,135,000. The board’s presenters noted the CTIO had previously authorized up to $2,300,000 to support the Ski Train partnership, and that the subsidy was used to keep fares lower and drive occupancy: “we put occupancy ahead of revenue for this year,” the presenter said.

Board members asked about punctuality and operating reliability. The presenter said morning runs were roughly 90 percent on time (within 15 minutes) and afternoon returns were less reliable because of priority conflicts with the Zephyr. The presenter also flagged a new operational change: this season riders could board or disembark at Fraser (the town where the train stages), and about 6 percent of riders used Fraser as an origin or destination.

Directors discussed how the Ski Train might be integrated with the proposed Mountain Rail service. The presenter said planners expect the Ski Train to remain a weekend/winter “surge” service while Mountain Rail would provide more frequent, year‑round trips, and staff will continue working with CDOT and Amtrak on scheduling and operational coordination.

The board did not take a formal vote on the presentation. Staff said negotiations with Amtrak about next season are already underway and that CTIO will update the board as contract talks and planning continue.","CTIO board was briefed May 14 on the Ski Train season: expanded schedule and lower fares raised ridership to roughly 44,000 but produced $1.1 million in ticket revenue against roughly $2.48 million in Amtrak operating costs, leaving a net shortfall that the board previously agreed to subsidize.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CTIO launches I‑70 Mountain Express Lane text alerts; about 500 subscribers during soft launch

CTIO advances commercial back‑office contract; board extends transition flexibility with E‑470

CTIO approves budget amendment to fund new express lanes operations center build‑out

CTIO staff recommends 3% toll increase citywide, targeted hikes for I‑25 and Central 70

Ski Train drew about 44,000 riders but required a six‑figure subsidy, CTIO hears