"The point is, it's not going to reduce congestion, but they have convinced people it would, and that's how they've sold it," said O'Toole, whose institute tries to protect the environment without government regulation. "I see it as based on a lot of flimsy premises and dreams and hopes, and when you look at the numbers, how can you spend this money when you get so little in return, except for the people building it? It's just a way of taking money from the poor and giving it to the rich."

Denver business leaders, however, say interest in their city has increased since voters passed the FasTracks plan. The measure was approved despite opposition from Colorado's governor, Bill Owens, and its Department of Transportation director, Tom Norton. Both said the plan would do little to increase mobility and improve air quality in the Denver area.

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce put $750,000 into a campaign supporting FasTracks. Joseph Blake, the chamber's president, said the measure passed because the campaign was specific, people knew what they were getting and the alignment of politics was right.

By 2016, the transit system will add 119 miles of new rail to the Denver metro area and 31 park-n-ride lots. All the rail lines will converge at a central downtown location: Union Station. High-rise buildings are already being built behind the historic rail hub. The 16th Street Mall, a mile-long, pedestrian-only shopping district, is just blocks from the station.

In Utah, UTA says it is ready to build whenever funding comes. The Salt Lake County Council has yet to see a specific proposal for a tax hike, but Councilman Joe Hatch said the council is likely to put an item on the ballot this fall — given the right proposal. Work could then begin within a year on all four TRAX extensions.

"If we do this," said Hatch, "we will improve our quality of life and standard of living. I think that's a cost we've got to recognize."

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com