Colorado Names Future Front Range Passenger Rail: Colorado Connector (CoCo) After 26,000 Public Votes

Description: Colorado’s future Front Range passenger rail has been named “Colorado Connector (CoCo)” after nearly 26,000 public votes. The service will connect communities across the state starting in 2029.

Coloradans Choose “Colorado Connector” as Name of Future Front Range Passenger Rail Train

“CoCo” wins public naming contest after 25,000+ votes cast

DENVER (April 6, 2026) – With almost 26,000 votes cast by Coloradans, the Front Range Passenger Rail District and Governor Polis today announced the winning name for the future Front Range passenger rail service: Colorado Connector, or “CoCo.”

The public naming contest invited Coloradans across the state to help choose the name of the express intercity train that will connect communities along the Front Range beginning in 2029. The campaign generated strong statewide participation, with Coloradans submitting videos, sharing posts on social media, and encouraging friends and neighbors to vote for their favorite option.

Among the four finalists, Colorado Connector (“CoCo”) received the most votes, emerging as the clear favorite in a contest designed to engage the public in shaping the future of passenger rail in Colorado. 

“The Colorado Connector reflects exactly what this train is about: bringing communities together and creating a faster, cleaner and more convenient way to travel across our state,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Nearly 26,000 Coloradans stepped up to help name this train, and that level of participation shows just how excited people are about finally delivering modern passenger rail along the Front Range.”

The name Colorado Connector highlights the train’s central purpose: linking communities, expanding mobility, and making travel between cities along the Front Range easier and less stressful. Leaders say the name also reflects a broader vision for the future of transportation in Colorado – one built on connection, accessibility and shared opportunity. The winning name is rooted in the idea that modern rail can strengthen connections between cities, workers, families and visitors across Colorado’s fastest-growing regions.

“This name reflects both the communities this train will connect and the promise of the service we’re building for them,” said Sal Pace, general manager of the Front Range Passenger Rail District. “After years of planning and study, we are seeing real momentum – bringing us closer to  a train Coloradans will be able to ride in just a few years.”

The votes are below:  

#1 – Colorado Connector (“CoCo”):  More than 9500 votes.  [36.8% (9,502 votes)]

#2 – Front Range Express Destinations (“FRED”): More than 8800 votes. [34.3% (8,865 votes)]

#3 – Colorado Ranger: More than 5400 votes.  [21.0% (5,426 votes)]

#4 – RangeLink: Barely over 2,000 votes. [7.9% (2,029 votes)]

The District launched the “Name the Train” campaign to encourage broad public participation as planning for Front Range passenger rail continues. Residents were invited not only to vote but also to share videos explaining their choice and encouraging others to participate. The outreach effort generated strong engagement across the state and helped build public awareness of the project.

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