Denver RTD is exercising an option on an earlier contract for 54 commuter coaches delivered in 2013. The agency purchased 59 additional MCI Commuter Coaches in 2015 for its new Flatiron Flyer Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service between Denver and Boulder. The newest coaches, to be delivered later in spring, will operate on RTD regular-route express service.
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“The new coaches are replacing 12- to 15-year-old models that have reached the end of their useful lifespan,” said Bruce Abel, Denver RTD’s assistant GM, bus operations. “MCI has been a great vehicle for us, and they were the successful bidder in our original RFP. We look forward to providing exceptional service to our passengers with these latest coaches.”
The MCI Commuter Coach features plush, forward facing seating and overhead parcel racks with individual reading lights and airflow controls. Engineered to provide a comfortable, safe ride on express and highway routes, Denver RTD’s new Commuter Coaches are each equipped 110V / USB outlets at each seat, bike racks, a wheelchair lift and the latest clean-diesel engine technology for near-zero emissions. The model, 2015’s best-selling coach, also offers ease of maintenance and low total cost of operation. MCI’s data shows the model to be 10 times more reliable than the closest competitor, according to MCI.
MCI
“Denver is often lauded for its excellent public transportation system, which takes riders nearly anywhere in the Mile High City by light rail, bus or on our Commuter Coach,” said Tom Wagner, MCI VP, public sector sales. “We’re honored to serve Denver as RTD continues to expand and offer an upscale passenger experience, helping to get commuters out of their cars and fight traffic congestion.”
Denver RTD is constructing the voter-approved FasTracks transit expansion that will add 122 miles of new commuter rail and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, 21,000 new parking spaces at rail and bus stations, and enhanced bus service across the eight-county district. All together, Denver RTD operates more than 1,000 buses and has a fleet of 119 MCI Commuter Coaches.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.
