DENVER, CO — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces a $149.9 million grant award to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, Colorado, a major step forward for the agency’s plans to build a bus rapid transit line along one of the city’s busiest corridors. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the East Colfax Avenue BRT will provide faster, more frequent transit for residents and commuters between downtown Denver and the Colfax light rail station in Aurora, Colorado.

“Americans rely on public transit every day to get to work, go to school, and connect with loved ones — and through our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re making the biggest investments in public transit in U.S. history,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to help deliver Denver’s first bus rapid transit line, which will help riders between Denver and Aurora get where they’re going more quickly and reliably, saving riders about half an hour each day, while reducing traffic congestion and pollution.”

The 8.6-mile BRT line will improve the experience for transit riders with several miles of dedicated bus-only lanes, traffic lights that will automatically turn green for buses, and faster boarding. Some 22,000 riders use the two current Colfax Avenue bus routes each weekday. The BRT is expected to shorten their trip by about 15 minutes each way.