Resident asks council whether Aspen has abandoned 1998 light‑rail plan, urges transit work session

Tony Kronberg told the Aspen City Council during the June 9 citizens’ comment period that he is concerned the city has effectively sidelined a light‑rail alignment approved in the 1998 Record of Decision and asked council to schedule a work session to reexamine mass‑transit options.

“For the record, my name is Tony Kronberg,” Kronberg said, and he noted Jacobs Engineering’s current reevaluation did not include a light‑rail reassessment. He also pointed to a recently approved airport layout plan and a county board approval that reserve space for a high‑speed aerial gondola the presenters say could move about 4,500 passengers per hour.

Kronberg urged council to consider Brush Creek Park & Ride as the first stop on a potential Aspen connection and asked which council member would bring forward a work session on innovative mass‑transit approaches, including aerial options. Mayor Richards thanked Kronberg for his comments and said the council would consider the request.

The council did not take immediate action or announce a specific follow‑up date at the June 9 meeting. Kronberg’s remarks were recorded during the general public‑comment portion of the meeting; no staff report or formal agenda item on light rail or an aerial gondola appeared on the June 9 agenda.