Several individuals from young to old gather at Union Station to sign the 50th Anniversary wrapped, commemorative RTD bus, which was then placed into fleet service for the remainder of 2019

RTD SYSTEMWIDE

FARE STUDY & EQUITY ANALYSIS

In response to feedback from customers that fares are expensive and difficult to understand, RTD launched a Systemwide Fare Study and Equity Analysis. The study is reexamining the fare system holistically, with the objective of creating a fare structure that is more equitable, affordable and simple.

FARE STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS

After more than a year of engagement with customers and stakeholders, RTD is recommending a new fare structure, changes to existing discount and pass programs as well as the introduction of new programs.

An overview of the recommendations is below. Explore more about the structure, policies and programs - and how they will impact you - on this site or by attending an upcoming public event. Submit a comment to share your opinions about the recommendations and the fare equity analysis during the public comment period, open through May 22.

FARE STRUCTURE

The recommended fare structure lowers fares for all customers and simplifies the fare structure by combining Local and Regional fares.

Highlights of the Recommended Fare Structure

Customers would pay an Airport fare for SkyRide and A Line trips that begin or end at Denver International Airport. All other destinations in the RTD service area would use the Standard fare, which combines all current Local and Regional services.
Monthly Pass customers would travel anywhere, including to and from the airport,
for one price.

CURRENT FARE STRUCTURE
(FULL FARE)

RECOMMENDED FARE STRUCTURE (FULL FARE)

Current Full Fare Table. Local Fare 3-Hour Pass $3, Day Pass $6, Monthly Pass $114. Regional Fare 3-Hour Pass $5.25, Day Pass $10.50, Monthly Pass $200. Airport Fare 3-Hour Pass $10.50, Day Pass $10.50. Monthly Pass $200

Recommended Full Fare Table. Standard Local and Regional Fare 3-Hour Pass $2.75, Day Pass $5.50, Monthly Pass $88. Airport Fare A-Line and Skyride 3-Hour Pass $10, Day Pass $10, Monthly Pass $88

FEEDBACK THAT INFORMED THE NEW FARE STRUCTURE

Customers and community members asked RTD to:

Decrease the price of Local fares to benefit the majority of customers, especially transit reliant, financially burdened and minority customers
Encourage transit use through lower fares for long distances/Regional routes
Reward frequent RTD customers through a lower Monthly Pass price
Lower the Airport fare, particularly for employees and frequent customers
Simplify the fare structure to make fares easier to understand and use

A woman with dark skin using a walker and wearing a mask gets off an RTD Access-A-Ride bus with the help of the bus driver who is also wearing a mask.

POLICIES & PROGRAMS FOR CUSTOMERS

RTD is recommending policies and programs that would lower costs for customers, including:

Increasing the discount for LiVE Income-Based Fare Discount Program customers
Further reducing the Monthly Pass price for all customers enrolled in Discount programs
A single-price fare to anywhere in the system for all customers enrolled in Discount programs
Expanded access to LiVE through higher income limits and the removal of in-district address requirements
No-cost transit for youth ages 19 and under through the Zero Fare for Youth pilot
Discounted transit for post-secondary students with a new SemesterPass

POLICIES & PROGRAMS FOR ORGANIZATIONS AND EMPLOYERS

RTD is recommending programs and passes for organizations and employers, including:

Offering a transit assistance grant program for nonprofit and community-serving organizations
Creating new discounts on bulk purchases
Simplifying Pass Program pricing

An RTD commuter train approaches Union Station while others are seen approaching other tracks in the background. The iconic Union Station sign can be seen in the far background.

LEARN MORE

Click the links below to explore the recommended fare structure, policies and programs, and how equity was included in the study. Learn more by attending a public event.

FARE STRUCTURE

How would the new
fare structure impact customers?

EXPLORE

A group of RTD FlexRide passengers board. One woman is using the lift with the help of the bus driver.

POLICIES & PROGRAMS

How would the new & updated policies and programs impact customers & organizations?

EXPLORE

A young girl with light skin pulls the stop cable while sitting next to her mother on an RTD bus.

FARE EQUITY

How did equity influence
the design of these recommendations?

EXPLORE

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

RTD will take steps to ensure that communication with members of the public with disabilities is effective throughout the study. Persons who require materials in alternative formats, need sign language interpretation, or require other communication consideration for participation, please contact RTD’s ADA Manager at Gabe.Christie@rtd-denver.com. Please provide three business days notice for services to be arranged.