RTD faces budget deficit, raising questions about priorities and FasTracks expansion to Boulder and Longmont

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) faces a significant budget deficit, potentially between $100 million and $400 million, despite a record $1.5 billion budget, leading to consideration of service cuts. This financial crisis follows an August 2024 state audit that declared RTD in good financial standing, attributing the current deficit to higher-than-expected maintenance costs and declining sales tax revenues. RTD holds approximately $1 billion in reserves, a substantial amount compared to its budget and other government entities, while still owing $650 million to complete promised train service to Boulder and Longmont.