Denver RTD Orders 47 Buy America-Compliant Buses from New Flyer for East Colfax BRT
Event summary
- New Flyer of America Inc., a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., secured a firm order from Denver RTD for 47 Xcelsior® 60-foot clean-diesel heavy-duty transit buses, with options for up to 80 additional buses.
- The order, added to New Flyer’s second-quarter 2026 backlog, is funded through local sources and is Buy America-compliant, supporting U.S. manufacturing and jobs.
- The buses will support the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, one of Denver’s largest transit investments, with passenger service anticipated to begin in early 2028.
- The articulated buses feature a three-door configuration, level boarding, and interior bicycle racks to enhance passenger flow and accessibility.
- NFI and RTD have a long-standing partnership spanning over 50 years, with New Flyer delivering nearly 500 buses and motor coaches to the agency.
The big picture
This order underscores the strategic importance of Buy America-compliant manufacturing in securing public transit contracts, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects like the East Colfax BRT. The deal highlights NFI’s long-term partnership with RTD and its role in modernizing transit fleets, while also supporting domestic job creation and economic benefits. The focus on clean-diesel technology reflects ongoing investments in sustainable transit solutions, aligning with broader industry trends toward greener transportation options.
What we're watching
- Order Expansion
- Whether RTD will exercise options for up to 80 additional buses, potentially doubling the order value and backlog impact.
- Project Timeline
- The pace at which the East Colfax BRT project progresses and its impact on New Flyer’s delivery schedule and future orders.
- Regulatory Compliance
- How Buy America compliance requirements may influence future contracts and supply chain strategies for NFI.