East Colfax BRT project advances with approval of next-generation buses
RTD’s Board of Directors approved the purchase of 47 new 60-foot articulated buses on Wednesday, May 27, marking a significant step forward for East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), one of the region's largest transit infrastructure projects. The newly procured vehicles are designed to operate along East Colfax Avenue between downtown Denver and I-225 in Aurora, helping deliver faster, more reliable service for one of the region’s busiest, most traveled transit corridors.
The contract authorizes RTD to purchase the buses from New Flyer of America, Inc. for a total cost not to exceed $66.9 million, including applicable tariffs and an option to purchase up to 80 additional vehicles over the next five years. The new buses are created specifically for BRT service and will replace existing articulated buses operating in RTD’s fleet. Features such as three-door access, level boarding, and bicycle storage are expected to reduce station wait times and improve accessibility for customers using mobility devices such as wheelchairs, or bicycles and strollers. These vehicles are also expected to improve reliability and reduce long-term maintenance needs across the system.
Recent BRT project updates
The approval comes as construction activity continues to ramp up across the entire East Colfax corridor. Earlier this month, RTD and project partners officially broke ground on the Aurora segment of the project, meaning construction is now underway across all five segments between Denver and Aurora at the same time. Crews are progressing work on stations, utilities, drainage, paving, and streetscape improvements, with customers already seeing major changes take shape along several sections of Colfax. Once complete, East Colfax BRT is expected to reduce end-to-end travel times by up to 30 minutes while improving connections to local jobs, businesses, and community destinations.
Progress is also becoming more visible through the project’s signature station arches, which are now halfway installed along the corridor following a recent arch lift near Quebec Street. Those installations have become community events in their own right, drawing residents and visitors to watch key milestones up close while supporting nearby businesses. RTD and project partners have continued pairing construction updates with community-focused programs like the “We Back the Fax” campaign and Fax Pass initiative, which encourage customers to visit local restaurants, shops, and businesses during construction.
RTD’s role in BRT
Behind the scenes, RTD has also continued operational testing to prepare for future service. Teams have been testing how 60-foot buses interact with the new center-running lanes and level boarding platforms to ensure safe alignment and smoother boarding. That work is especially important for creating a faster, more accessible customer experience while reducing the amount of time buses spend stopped at stations. Testing and construction will continue over the next several years as the project moves closer to full service in 2028.
RTD remains committed to transitioning toward lower- and zero-emission vehicles as funding opportunities, manufacturing availability, and federal requirements allow. For now, clean diesel remains the only federally compliant option currently available for 60-foot articulated buses used in high-capacity corridors like East Colfax BRT.
Customers and community members can stay informed through project updates, construction alerts, and community events at DenverGov.org/ColfaxBRT, by following @WeBackTheFax on social media, or by calling the project hotline at 720.336.0025.