Denver RTD Board to consider proposal regarding development of a low/no-emission facilities and fleet transition plan

April 11, 2023

The plan includes the development of a transition feasibility study and a facilities and fleet transition strategy.

The Denver Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) Board of Directors will consider a proposal regarding the development of a low/no-emission facilities and fleet transition plan during its Operations and Safety Committee meeting on April 12.

The plan includes the development of a transition feasibility study and a facilities and fleet transition strategy. Once completed, the plan will also outline recommendations for fixed-route services by fleet type, a replacement schedule and overall cost projections.

“RTD is focused on transitioning to a sustainable energy future,” said Debra A. Johnson, RTD’s general manager and CEO. “The agency is taking a monumental and necessary step to foundationally prepare for a comprehensive transition. This plan will consider all aspects of RTD’s system, including its facilities, infrastructure and transit service delivery model. RTD has been a leader in low/no-emission vehicles for more than 20 years, and that commitment continues.”

RTD’s first steps toward a low/no-emission bus fleet transition was taken in 2000 with the deployment of hybrid-electric buses using compressed natural gas along the 16th Street Mall. In 2008, a subfleet of hybrid diesel-electric fixed-route buses was introduced to the system. Eventually, all previously used MallRide buses were replaced in 2017 by a fleet of 36 zero-emission battery electric buses.

If approved by the board, work on the plan will likely begin in September after a public solicitation and selection process. Retaining a consultancy with specific subject matter expertise will ensure the plan is not only comprehensive, but that it is specific to RTD’s needs and operating environment, and it aligns with the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The anticipated timeline for completing the plan is the fourth quarter of 2024.

Additionally, during next week’s Operations and Safety Committee meeting, the board will consider taking action to terminate a contract with New Flyer of America Inc. for the purchase of 17 battery electric buses. Canceling the contract for convenience will allow RTD to take a temporary pause on acquiring a small sub-fleet of buses until the transition plan is developed.

“Rather than continue down a narrow path that limits the agency to one type of technology, this approach ensures that options can be maximized in a cost-efficient manner. We need to think beyond 17 buses,” Johnson said. “RTD is now planning for tomorrow, and for tomorrows to come.”