The Front Range Passenger Rail District unveiled the new brand for the Colorado Connector, or “CoCo,” giving Colorado’s future Front Range e passenger train a bold, recognizable personality as the project moves toward service in 2029.
CoCo is designed to reflect the culture, character and communities of Colorado’s Front Range with qualities including trustworthiness, purpose and a fun, lighthearted personality, according to a press release from Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR). The new brand gives Coloradans their first look at the personality behind the future passenger train they helped name. And its mascot is an illustrated and animated fox wearing a Colorado flag bandana.
“Nearly 26,000 Coloradans gave us more than a name. They gave this train a personality,” said Sal Pace, general manager of the Front Range Passenger Rail District. “CoCo is approachable and full of life, while reflecting the serious purpose behind what we are building. It gives Coloradans a brand they can recognize, make their own and grow with as we create a new way to connect our state.”
CoCo’s new brand made its public debut July 12 at a launch event in Denver with community partners, elected officials, including Gov. Jared Polis, and supporters.
The unveiling comes as Colorado builds momentum toward passenger train service through a unique approach. For the first time in the nation, Amtrak, BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, the Regional Transportation District and state leaders have come together behind a groundbreaking approach to delivering intercity passenger train service. The concept is to rent existing track from these railroads, rather than building from scratch.
According to Front Range Passenger Rail, the project is prioritizing the hard work upfront, forging critical partnerships, using existing tracks and advancing service in phases. The goal is to build the foundation for delivery before construction begins.
CoCo is on track to launch its first phase of service in 2029, connecting Denver and Fort Collins with stops in Westminster, Broomfield, Louisville, Boulder, Longmont and Loveland. With additional funding, service is planned to expand south to Colorado Springs and Pueblo within five years, ultimately connecting 12 communities along the Front Range.
As the project advances, the new CoCo brand will begin appearing across digital platforms, public materials, community events and future passenger communications, giving Colorado’s future passenger train a recognizable identity well before the first train leaves the station.
