Down with RTD? Denver RTD Unveils ‘Zero Fare for Better Air’ Final Report
North Central RTD Introduces New Branding for Blue Bus
The newly branded buses will begin rolling out throughout the District over the coming months and over the next couple of years.

The new logo and vehicle branding was created by Studio Six Branding after a series of Discovery sessions with area stakeholders.
Photo: North Central RTD
The North Central RTD introduced a new look for its RTD Blue Buses, which are known as the Blue Bus.
The newly branded buses will begin rolling out throughout the District over the coming months and over the next couple of years, according to North Central RTD's news release.
As part of the rebranding, the District said it will modify referencing to itself as North Central RTD rather than North Central Regional Transit District. Over the years, users of the service have commonly referred to it as the Blue Bus or RTD Blue Bus. The new branding will make use of that naming with the brand as the Blue Bus.
The new logo and vehicle branding was created by Studio Six Branding after a series of Discovery sessions with area stakeholders. It incorporates elements of the land and presents a celebration of cultural diversity and inclusivity that has been inspired by the northern New Mexico landscape and symbols of the communities it serves.
The new bus design incorporates mountains, mesas, and blue skies featured in the northern New Mexico landscapes. It also incorporates elements of eagle feathers, symbols that were raised by area Pueblos during a Discovery session with the North Central RTD Tribal subcommittee and members of their Pueblos.
Along the top of the bus are translations of the word Blue in various languages commonly spoken in the region with Spanish, Tewa, and Tiwa, as well as French and German. The Tewa translations were provided by Nambè Pueblo and Ohkay Owingeh, and the Tiwa translation was by Picuris Pueblo.
North Central RTD is in the process of purchasing 19 new buses including 10 electric vehicles. All of the buses will feature the new branding.
More Bus

People Movement: Dan Dipert Coaches Adds Third-Generation Leader, Keolis Names New Valley Metro VP/GM, and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at the Wabtec, SilverRide, HNTB, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
New York MTA Plans Largest Bus Fleet Upgrade in More Than a Decade
The agency is seeking manufacturers for 650 new CNG buses to replace aging vehicles, improve reliability, and advance its broader fleet modernization strategy.
Read More →Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve
LA Metro’s Obed Mejia discusses technician training, evolving maintenance technology, fleet replacement, and strategies for getting the most out of today’s transit fleets.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
People Movement: Holly Arnold Joins Transdev and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at Pace, CamTran, MCI, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform
Transit leaders and policymakers examine how standardized bus designs, streamlined procurement, and predictable funding could help agencies stretch budgets and deliver better service.
Read More →
The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation
As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Read More →From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →