Rocky Mountain National Park is seeking public input on a proposed $15 expanded amenities fee to provide voluntary fast pass automated gate transponders to interested visitors with valid annual or lifetime passes.
In 2004, Rocky Mountain National Park installed a fastpass lane at the Beaver Meadows Entrance, and in 2011, an additional fastpass lane was installed at the Grand Lake Entrance. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the few national parks with rapid transit for visitors. Visitors who purchased an annual park pass or lifetime pass could use their pass to operate the automatic gate.
However, in 2019, the National Park Service changed the format of annual and lifetime passes. The new national passes are not compatible with the park’s existing fastpass system technology, and the fastpass gate has not been operational in recent years. Based on this technological challenge, the park is proposing to switch to windshield transponders for interested annual and lifetime pass holders to access the fast pass lane, outside of the pilot ticket reservation system times.
A transponder is a small credit card-sized device that can be attached to the window of a vehicle. Transponders are not removable or transferable and would function for one year or during the expiration month of an existing valid annual pass. If the park goes ahead with this proposal, the park expects to start transponder sales in late spring 2023.
For more information and a list of frequently asked questions, visit www.nps.gov/romo/getinvolved/proposal-for-expanded-amenity-fee-for-transponder-device.htm
Public engagement is an important part of the park’s planning process. Rocky Mountain National Park is accepting public comments on the proposed voluntary expanded amenities fee from July 1 to July 31, 2022. Please send all comments to: parkplanning.nps.gov/RMNP_FAST-PASS_TRANSPONDER_2022
Comments may also be submitted by post to:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Office of the Chief Inspector
1000 U.S. Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
Please note that before including your address, phone number, email address or other personally identifying information in your comment, please be aware that your entire comment – including your personally identifying information – may become publicly available at any time created. While you may request in your comment that your personal identification information be withheld for public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park information office at (970) 586-1206.