Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) unveiled its new Flatiron Flyer bus rapid transit (BRT) MCI vehicles at the Broomfield Park-n-Ride, the site of one of the stations for the new BRT service, which launches Jan. 17, 2016, along U.S. 36.

The Flatiron Flyer will provide fast and reliable service from Denver to Boulder, with passenger stops at six Park-n-Rides.

The Flatiron Flyer buses, which can carry 57 passengers each, are specially branded with a unique blue-and-sunrise-orange paint scheme designed by RTD and a U.S. 36 corridor stakeholder group. The buses offer amenities that include: 120-volt outlets and USB ports for charging laptops, tablets and smartphones; reclining seats; footrests; overhead reading lights and individual air vents. In addition, each bus can carry up to eight bicycles.

The buses will be delivered this summer and will first operate as part of RTDs regular fleet before the Flatiron Flyer service begins. When fully operational, 59 Flatiron Flyer buses will travel along U.S. 36 and are expected to carry nearly 11,000 passengers daily. By 2035, the ridership is expected to be 20,400.

The Flatiron Flyer will travel on 18 miles of U.S. 36 express lanes being built by the Colorado Department of Transportation. When warranted, Flatiron Flyer buses can drive on the shoulder to avoid traffic delays. Two levels of service will be offered: (1) Express, which will have very few stops between Denver and Boulder; and (2) All-station, which will stop at all six stations. During peak hours and depending on a station’s location, riders can expect a bus to arrive every four to 15 minutes.

In addition to the specially branded buses, the Flatiron Flyer service will include upgraded station amenities such as large modern shelters, digital displays and self-service ticket-vending machines.

The Flatiron Flyer BRT service is part of RTD’s 2004 voter-approved transit expansion program to build 122 miles of commuter rail and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, add 21,000 new parking spaces, redevelop Denver Union Station and redirect bus service to better connect the eight-county District.