RTD Officially Debuts Center-Running Busway on East Colfax as Mayor Johnston Introduces $1.68 Billion Municipal Budget

RTD Inaugurates Bus-Only Lane Operations on Historic East Colfax Avenue

DENVER, Colorado — Marking a decisive operational milestone along the Rocky Mountain region's most heavily traveled commercial corridor, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the City and County of Denver formally launched Bus-Only Lane Operations (BOLO) on East Colfax Avenue in early October 2026. The initial operational phase covers the stretch between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard, redirecting high-ridership Routes 15 and 15L into dedicated, red-painted center-running transit lanes.

The project debuts innovative raised center-island boarding platforms equipped with near-level boarding, modern passenger shade canopies, real-time arrival displays, and transit signal priority. The improvements serve as the working foundation for the full Lynx Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, which will extend rapid bus service east to I-225 by late 2027.

Mayor Mike Johnston Presents $1.68 Billion FY 2027 Balanced Municipal Budget

In tandem with transitway milestones, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston transmitted his proposed $1.684 billion General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2027 to City Council. Reflecting a return to fiscal equilibrium following two years of municipal spending reductions, the budget emphasizes strategic investments in downtown revitalization, neighborhood street safety, and transit-oriented affordable housing without resorting to layoffs or tax increases.

The administration continues to advance its citywide 20,000-Home Transit Land Initiative, partnering with non-profit housing developers to entitle and construct mixed-income residential towers across 150 acres of city-owned parcels situated directly adjacent to RTD light rail and BRT stations.

Forging an Accessible and Dynamic Front Range Metropolis

Business leaders and civic organizers applauded Denver’s synchronized focus on rapid mass transit and disciplined budgeting. By modernizing core transit arteries like Colfax while anchoring new housing near transit stops, Denver continues to foster sustainable, equitable growth across the metropolitan core.