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. From April 2022 – July 2023, the study examined the fare system holistically, with the objective of creating a fare structure that is more equitable, affordable and simple. See an overview of the process and the fare changes here.

FARE STUDY OVERVIEW

FARE STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS

After more than a year of engagement with customers and stakeholders, RTD recommended a new fare structure, changes to existing discount and pass programs as well as the introduction of new programs. The recommended fare changes were passed by the RTD Board of Directors on July 25, 2023.

A summary of the fare changes is below. Explore more about the structure, policies and programs - and how they will impact you - on this site. The Zero Fare for Youth pilot program begins September 2023; all other fare changes will be implemented in early 2024.

FARE STRUCTURE

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

Highlights of the New Fare Structure

Under the new fare structure,

Customers 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 use the Standard fare, which combines all current Local and Regional services.
Monthly Pass customers travel anywhere, including to and from the airport,
for one price.

2023 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

NEW FARE STRUCTURE, EFFECTIVE 2024 (FULL FARE)

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

Under the new fare structure, the following policies and programs lower costs for customers:

An increased discount for LiVE Income-Based Fare Discount Program customers
A further reduced 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
Fare-free 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

Under the new fare structure, the following programs and passes expand transit access for organizations and employers:

A transit assistance grant program for nonprofit and community-serving organizations
New discounts on bulk purchases
Simplified 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 new fare structure, policies and programs, and how equity was included in the study.

FARE STRUCTURE

How does 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 do 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 new
fare structure?

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.