NAAPME Board Approves $50 Million Commitment for Federal Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit Project

Denver — The board of directors for the Nonattainment Area Air Pollution Mitigation Enterprise has formally approved a major $50 million capital allocation and an ongoing $2.7 million annual maintenance commitment to build and maintain 74 bus rapid transit (BRT) stations along Federal Boulevard.

The funding targets one of the region’s busiest transit corridors, supporting transit improvements along Federal Boulevard between 120th and Dartmouth avenues. The capital funds will construct 74 station platforms equipped with glass windscreens, protective canopies, real-time arrival displays, ticket vending machines, emergency call boxes and pedestrian lighting. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2027.

“We are excited that the enterprise can make such a significant investment in cleaner travel options along one of the busiest corridors in the nonattainment area,” said NAAPME board chair Kristin Stephens, who also serves as a Larimer County commissioner. “Delivering high-quality transit access and cleaner air are central to our mission, and this investment will take a significant step toward better air quality.”

Construction will occur in two phases:

• Phase 1 ($19 million): Covers 28 stations between 52nd and Alameda avenues, with construction scheduled to begin in fall 2027
• Phase 2 ($31 million): Covers the remaining 46 stations, with construction anticipated to begin in summer 2028

The commitment also provides dedicated corridor-wide maintenance starting at $1 million in fiscal year 2029 and scaling to $2.7 million annually. Funds will support routine and long-term upkeep, including platform cleaning, graffiti removal, snow and ice clearance, shelter maintenance and capital repairs. This centralized approach establishes a consistent standard of cleanliness, safety and accessibility across municipal boundaries.

The project aligns with NAAPME’s mission to reduce emissions, ease traffic congestion and improve transit equity across the Denver metro area. This BRT line is projected to:

• Decrease daily traffic along Federal Boulevard by an average of 7%, with localized reductions reaching up to 20%
• Cut peak-period vehicle miles traveled by 9% to 10% and reduce travel times by 15%
• Reduce ozone causing emissions by approximately 14 tons and particulate matter by 28 tons annually from transportation activities
• Eliminate 134,800 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 2030 and 2050
• Boost corridor transit ridership 2.3 times, to over 4 million annual trips by 2045
• Upgrade 57 intersections to enhance safety for pedestrians and transit riders alike

This project is made possible by CDOT in partnership with the Regional Transportation District, Adams County, the City & County of Denver, the Denver Regional Council of Governments and the cities of Englewood, Federal Heights and Westminster.

About NAAPME

Housed within the Colorado Department of Transportation, NAAPME was created by the Colorado General Assembly to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of transportation in nonattainment areas failing to meet federal air quality standards. Through targeted capital investments, community grants and strategic partnerships, NAAPME funds zero-emission infrastructure, traffic reduction programs, and public transit enhancements that protect public health and clean Colorado’s air. Learn more by visiting the NAAPME website.

About Federal Boulevard BRT

BRT is a high-capacity, efficient bus service that incorporates elements of light rail such as enhanced stations, all-door boarding, purchasing tickets before riding and in some locations, dedicated bus lanes. The Federal Boulevard BRT project would span as much as 18 miles on Federal Boulevard between Dartmouth and 120th avenues, extending to both the Englewood Park-n-Ride on the south end and the Wagon Road Park-n-Ride on the north end. Preliminary design, engineering and environmental review are scheduled for completion in early 2026. Final design will continue through 2027. To learn more about the project, visit the CDOT Federal Boulevard BRT project page.