Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery Act of 2009 (FASTER) FASTER Transit Grants Program

The Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery Act of 2009 (FASTER) Transit Grants Program is a statewide initiative administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Enacted as Senate Bill 09-108 and signed into law on March 2, 2009, the FASTER legislation established a long-term funding mechanism for road safety, bridge repair, and public transit improvements throughout Colorado. The legislation emerged as a response to sustained underinvestment in transportation infrastructure, particularly due to declining revenues from state general funds and the erosion of gas tax purchasing power. FASTER introduced several new funding streams through incremental fees and surcharges on motor vehicle registrations. These include two annual surcharges on vehicle registrations—the Road Safety Fund and Bridge Special Fund—as well as daily rental car fees, fines for late registration, and fees for overweight or oversized vehicles. These fees generate approximately $200 million annually, with $80 million allocated for road safety, $100 million for bridge infrastructure, and $15 million dedicated to transit projects. The transit portion is distributed through the FASTER Transit Grants Program to support transit capital projects across the state. The FASTER Transit Grants Program is one of three key CDOT initiatives funded by the FASTER legislation, alongside the Colorado Bridge Enterprise and the FASTER Safety Program. Since its inception, the Transit Grants Program has allocated $15 million annually and supported 138 transit-related projects statewide. These projects are aimed at expanding and modernizing Colorado’s transit systems, improving mobility options, and enhancing access to safe and reliable transportation alternatives. Although the legislation is not structured with an expiration or sunset clause, the flat fee structure may reduce the program’s purchasing power over time, especially in the context of inflation and growing transportation demands. Eligibility for the FASTER Transit Grants Program includes a range of public entities, although specific categories are not explicitly defined in the provided documentation. It is implied that recipients are public or quasi-public entities responsible for operating or managing transit services in Colorado. CDOT administers the grant process, which is not described in detail in the source materials; therefore, application procedures, timelines, evaluation criteria, and specific submission formats require further clarification from CDOT or supplemental program documents. While the legislation ensures consistent funding for transportation infrastructure, it has also enabled CDOT to maintain operations during periods of financial shortfall. From fiscal year 2007 to 2013, CDOT’s budget declined from $1.6 billion to $1.2 billion, reinforcing the need for dedicated funding streams like FASTER. The program supports CDOT’s shift to a maintenance-focused organization amid rising demand and a projected population growth of 48 percent over the next two decades. In summary, the FASTER Transit Grants Program is a key component of Colorado’s transportation funding strategy, providing ongoing support for critical transit infrastructure. Its focus on safety, accessibility, and modernization positions it as an essential tool in addressing the state’s evolving mobility needs. The stable, fee-based funding model underpins CDOT’s efforts to ensure sustainable, safe, and equitable transportation options for residents across Colorado.