Denver to Construct a Better, Faster Bus Service for East Colfax Ave
Federal representatives present $150M for implementation; project team and community launch campaign to back small businesses
City, state and federal representatives gathered on Friday, Oct. 4 at City Park Esplanade in Denver to kick off construction of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service line for East Colfax Avenue that will transform how people move along the corridor, making travel by bus faster and more reliable and providing an attractive alternative to driving that’s safer, and better for the environment. At the event, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) officially awarded $150M toward implementation of the bus rapid transit system - the maximum allocation allowed in the FTA’s Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grant program.
Federal representatives in attendance spoke to the importance of transit infrastructure and investing in our region’s efforts to improve and enhance its public transportation system.
“FTA is happy to ‘Back the Fax’ by supporting Lynx bus rapid transit, which will transform how people move on the busiest bus corridor in the region,” said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, whose agency provided $150 million in federal funding for the project. “It’s just the latest transit transformation under the Biden-Harris administration, demonstrating our investment in American communities from the ground up – making more jobs, schools, parks, and so much more accessible through high-quality public transportation.”
“Investing in our public infrastructure means investing in our community, and the East Colfax Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Project will improve the quality of life for our region, create jobs, and increase access to vital transportation options,” said Congresswoman Diana DeGette. “This project is high quality, and it speaks to the work done by all the partners who have made this a reality. I look forward to seeing how this project will provide safe, reliable, and efficient transit for all who use it.”
State and local leaders emphasized the positive impact a future BRT system will have on the area, providing greater convenience, improved travel times and a safer and more sustainable way for residents and visitors to travel.
“This new bus service on Colfax Avenue will provide the transit opportunities Coloradans deserve along one of our busiest corridors. The state was proud to support this effort and I’m excited to see work begin on construction. Soon Coloradans can take advantage of this new service, saving people money and time spent in traffic,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“Connecting people to and from Aurora more efficiently along this vital mass transit corridor will help us in our efforts at revitalizing East Colfax,” said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman. “The CU Anschutz Medical Campus is at heart of this region’s health care, medical education, and an emerging bioscience industry, and the East Colfax BRT will improve the travel experience for the people who live, work and seek care here.”
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to the FTA Deputy Administrator Vanterpool and the Biden administration for investing in Bus Rapid Transit in the Mile High City,” said Amy Ford, Executive Director of Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. “East Colfax Avenue will be open and accessible throughout construction, and we’re encouraging the public to back small businesses on the corridor as we build a better tomorrow.”
The implementation of bus rapid transit on East Colfax Avenue from Civic Center Station to I-225 in Aurora will offer dedicated, center running transit lanes from Broadway to Yosemite Street, more efficient travel through signalized intersections and faster boarding operations, reducing transit travel time along the full stretch by up to 30 minutes. In addition to improving travel times, the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit system will feature an enhanced pedestrian experience with more trees and lighting and improved sidewalk and transit stops.
“BRT on East Colfax will strengthen and reinforce connections across the region,” RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “For the single mother getting her newborn to a medical appointment, or the high school senior making it to school on time, or the new arrival to the United States starting a new job, this project will make life better for each of them. Generational transit projects like this one demonstrate how mobility can have far-reaching outcomes for society.”
The City and County of Denver has established a small business assistance program to support businesses during construction and, at today’s groundbreaking, project partners joined the local business community in launching “We Back the Fax” – a community driven initiative encouraging Denver residents and visitors to support local businesses along East Colfax Avenue before, during and after BRT construction. People can learn more about it at www.denvergov.org/webackthefax
"It took the conviction and courage of hundreds of people to bring us to today's groundbreaking; our Colfax businesses are the embodiment of courage and conviction and keep the heart of Colfax vibrant and bustling,” said Frank Locantore, Executive Director of the Colfax Ave Business Improvement District. “While bus rapid transit will bring great benefits to the corridor when complete, during the BRT construction, we ask the public to spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues through our We Back the Fax campaign, to support local businesses along East Colfax so the street remains a dynamic and engaging throughout construction.”
Construction of East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit is estimated at $280M, with the U.S. Department of Transportation committing $150M toward the improvement project. Other funding sources including $88M from Denver, including $55M from the Elevate Denver Bond, $28.4M from the Denver Regional Council of Governments and $14M from the City of Aurora.
The City and County of Denver is partnering with Kraemer, N.A. for implementation of the BRT. Work crews will begin mobilizing the week of October 7, starting at Broadway and East Colfax Avenue. The public is encouraged to visit the project website at www.denvergov.org/colfaxbrt for project information and to sign up for construction updates. The project is expected to be complete in Q4 of 2027.