No to 'CoCo' — the white elephant on rails

When Good Ideas Go Bad

As a city, we have a responsibility to make smart decisions about our future — especially when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars. That's why I was dismayed to see the latest proposal for a light rail system in Colorado Springs, referred to as 'CoCo.' While transit improvements are important, CoCo isn't just bad policy; it's an example of how public projects can become bloated, inefficient, and ultimately wasteful.

The Case Against CoCo

Let's be clear: CoCo is a massive undertaking with no real basis in current or projected demand. The system is designed to carry just 10,000 riders per day — a number that pales in comparison to the hundreds of thousands who already commute through the region. And despite its modest ridership projections, the cost is staggering: an estimated $1.5 billion to build.

Why are we spending this kind of money on something that won't even begin to meet our needs? The answer lies in politics, not planning. CoCo is less about public transit and more about political optics — a flashy project that looks good on paper but fails to deliver real value for taxpayers.

"We must demand better from our leaders, especially when they propose projects that prioritize form over function."

And it's not just the cost that concerns me. The environmental impact of a project like this is also questionable. While light rail systems can be green, CoCo's design lacks sustainability — it's built for a future that may never come.

What Should We Be Doing Instead?

The real issues facing Colorado Springs today are more pressing than a transit system that barely qualifies as an alternative to driving. We need better roads, more reliable public transportation for those who truly depend on it, and investments in infrastructure that actually serve our growing population.

Consider this: $1.5 billion could fund several critical road improvements, or it could be used to expand bus services that are already working effectively. We're spending too much on a system that's not needed — one that will likely end up as a white elephant, forgotten by the very people it was meant to serve.

Public Accountability Matters

We must hold our elected officials accountable for their choices. If they want to pursue projects like CoCo, they need to show how these investments will deliver real benefits — not just empty promises or political posturing. The public deserves transparency, not a project that seems to exist more for the sake of appearances.

CoCo is not just a waste of money — it's a failure of leadership and vision. It's time we start asking hard questions about where our tax dollars go, and whether projects like this truly serve the public interest.

• Cost: $1.5 billion for minimal ridership
• Projected ridership: Only 10,000 per day
• Environmental concerns: Lack of sustainability in design
• Political motives: More about optics than real need

A Call to Action

I urge residents and officials alike to re-evaluate this proposal. If we're going to invest in public infrastructure, let's make sure it's something that actually helps our community. No more white elephants — no more empty promises.