FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR: Xcel and NETC bring on-demand EV shuttles to Aurora Highlands region

Denver — January 19th, 2024 — A partnership between Xcel Energy and Northeast Transportation Connections (NETC) will provide on-demand microtransit shuttles to service the Aerotropolis Regional Transportation Service Area (ARTA) through the I-70/Aerotropolis Interchange TDM project — ARTA and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The shuttles were provided through Xcel’s Partnerships, Research, and Innovation Electric Vehicle Paratransit Fleet Pilot Program, which is focused on creating equitable, accessible, and clean transportation options for the community. Their goal is to build a framework to accelerate electrification efforts for shuttle fleets across Colorado. This shuttle service is scheduled to begin on January 22nd, 2024 and run in through July 22nd, 2024 in its six month pilot.

NETC partnered with Lightning eMotors in Loveland, CO for the purchase of two Ford Transit 350 passenger vans, equipped with wheelchair lifts to accommodate ADA passengers. The EV vans seat an additional seven passengers.

“These shuttles are intended to function as an on-demand microtransit service similar to the highly successful Denver Connector pilot we’ve been running in Montbello, Gateway, Globeville, and Elyria Swansea for the past couple years,” said Jaclynn Streeter, NETC’s Business Outreach Manager. “We hope they will facilitate first/last-mile connections to make it easier for residents and employees to get where they’re going in Aurora and the region at large.”

Northeast Transportation Connections is a sustainability initiative under the Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities. Its mission is to work with the public and private sectors to reduce single occupant vehicle travel, to improve mobility, and to establish sustainable transportation throughout the northeast Denver area by creating, supporting, and promoting an array of transportation options for commuters, residents, students, and visitors.

Contact:
Jaclynn Streeter
JStreeter@NEtransportation.org
7350 E. 29th Ave. Suite 300
Denver, CO 80238

###