RTD SYSTEMWIDE
FARE STUDY & EQUITY ANALYSIS
In response to customer feedback that fares are expensive and difficult to understand, RTD launched a Systemwide Fare Study and Equity Analysis. The study reexamines the fare structure with the goal of making fares more equitable, affordable and simple.
FARE STRUCTURE ALTERNATIVES
During the first two phases of the study, RTD engaged with customers and other stakeholders to hear what they think of RTD’s fares, identify challenges with the current fare system and receive input on fare structure preferences. As part of the third phase of the study, RTD developed two distinct fare structure alternatives which consider customer and community feedback, financial and operational feasibility and impacts on minority as well as financially burdened customers. To learn more about how the study incorporates fare equity, visit the Fare Equity page.
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Explore the two alternatives below and learn more about how the alternatives will impact you as a Local, Regional, Airport or discount program customer. RTD is also considering creating or changing additional policies and programs to achieve the study’s goals of equity, affordability and simplicity. Learn more on the Other Policies and Programs page.
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These alternatives, policies and programs are examples of what a future fare structure may look like. Please note that these alternatives are not finalized; RTD will use customer and community feedback to develop a final recommended fare structure that will be available for public comment in early 2023. RTD will incorporate pieces of Alternatives A and B as well as other policies and programs under consideration into the final recommendation.
FARE COMPARISON
ALTERNATIVE A
Alternative A lowers fares for customers overall while retaining Local, Regional and Airport fare levels.
ALTERNATIVE B
Alternative B simplifies the fare structure by combining Local and Regional fares while maintaining an Airport fare.
Feedback that helped shape Alternative A:
Feedback that helped shape Alternative B:
Maintain current levels of service without raising fares
Reward frequent RTD customers
Decrease the price of fares with an emphasis on Local fares and the Monthly Pass
Lower the Airport fare
Price paid reflects distance traveled
Maintain current levels of service without raising fares
Remove distance-based fares
Simplify the fare structure to make fares easier to pay
Reward frequent RTD customers
Lower the Airport fare, particularly for employees and frequent customers
CURRENT FARE STRUCTURE (FULL FARE)
ALTERNATIVE A (FULL FARE)
ALTERNATIVE B (FULL FARE)
For customers paying discounted fares, visit the Discount Fare (LiVE, seniors and individuals with disabilities) or Youth Fare pages.
ALTERNATIVE A HIGHLIGHTS
ALTERNATIVE B HIGHLIGHTS
All customers pay less, including customers using Local service
Rewards frequent customers by lowering the Monthly Pass prices
Retains price difference between Local, Regional and Airport fares
Simplifies fares by having a single fare for customers using Local and Regional services
Regional fare customers pay significantly less than currently. However, no benefit for Local 3-Hour and Day Pass customers
Maintains higher-priced fares for longer-distance trips and trips to/from the airport
Rewards frequent customers by lowering the Monthly Pass price
Customers who travel to the airport 2-3 days or more per week pay significantly less than currently
REGIONAL FARE ALTERNATIVES
How would the fare structure alternatives impact Regional customers?
AIRPORT FARE ALTERNATIVES
How would the fare structure alternatives impact customers who ride to and/or from the Airport?
DISCOUNT FARE ALTERNATIVES
How would the fare structure alternatives impact customers who are eligible for discount fares?
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.
