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According to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast and efficient service that may include dedicated lanes, busways, traffic signal priority, off-board fare collection, elevated platforms and enhanced stations. BRT is considered by many transit planners as a cost-effective way to increase transit ridership, reduce wait times, and increase rider safety and comfort.

This issue brief provides an overview of public sector use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, including federal and state regulations, and current applications in Colorado.

This issue brief provides an overview of state law regarding bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric scooters, as well as state and local electric bicycle rebate programs.

This issue brief provides an overview of Colorado laws and regulations related to motor vehicle towing and immobilization with the use of boots.

Transportation infrastructure in the United States is primarily funded through motor fuel (gas) taxes. Facing declining future revenues and increased construction costs, some states have begun to experiment with a new way of funding transportation: the road usage charge.  This issue brief provides background information on road usage charges, along with information on road usage charge programs in Colorado and other states, and highlights trends and future policy considerations.

This issue brief outlines state regulations for bicycle transportation.  It details general safety regulations, the regulations for riding an electric bicycle, and regulations regarding safety stops.

In October 2016, while Coloradans were sleeping, a self-driving semi‑trailer drove 51,744 cans of Budweiser beer from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs down Interstate 25.   With the rise of investment in and the use of autonomous vehicles, governments face new challenges to address this growing field.  This issue brief describes autonomous vehicles, discusses current federal and state policy regarding those vehicles, and notes future policy considerations.

In June 2014, Colorado became the first state to enact a law regulating on-demand transportation network companies (TNCs).  Since then, 49 other states and the District of Columbia have established regulatory frameworks for TNCs.  Unlike the taxicab industry, TNCs — such as Uber and Lyft — use a digital network service to connect riders to drivers.  Drivers use their personal cars and connect with passengers via mobile smartphone application (app).  This issue brief provides an overview of TNC options and regulations in Colorado.   

This issue brief discusses the use of automated vehicle identification systems in Colorado. 

State and federal regulations set standards for the size and weight of commercial vehicles operated on public highways.  A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for commerce that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more.  Commercial vehicles that exceed the established weight standards can receive state permits to travel along certain routes.  This issue brief discusses the regulation, permitting, and routing of oversize and overweight commercial vehicles.

Do you prefer green mountains and white text or white mountains and green text? Whether or not we all agree with the color choices for Colorado’s license plates, every vehicle on the roads is required to have one. This issue brief discusses license plate laws and regulations in Colorado.

Under Colorado law, an electric bicycle is a bicycle with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts.  This issue brief provides an overview of the current state laws related to electric bicycles, as well as an overview of regulations around the country.

The rise in distracted driving, often associated with ever-present smart phones and mobile devices, has been identified as a cause and contributing factor to automobile crashes. This issue brief gives an overview of state and federal regulations on the issue.

This issue brief discusses the vehicle emissions testing program in Colorado.

This issue brief discusses the various offenses related to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Colorado, and their associated criminal and administrative penalties.