Vehicle accessibility
Accessible bus fleet
All RTD buses, including the FREE MallRide, are accessible for mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, segways, walkers, and crutches. Drivers are trained to assist disabled passengers boarding or exiting the vehicle. Here are some tips when trying to board a bus:
- Wait in line with other passengers and inform the driver you wish to board the bus.
- A driver will use a lift or ramp when necessary for boarding or exiting. The total weight of a wheelchair and passenger cannot exceed 600 pounds.
- For your safety, drivers may suggest that a passenger back a wheelchair onto the lift.
- Passengers using the lift or ramp may exit at any designated stop, unless the lift cannot be deployed or other conditions make the stop unsafe.
- All mobility devices should be properly stored, outside the aisle and in the securement area as necessary, for the safety of all passengers.
On rare occasions when a lift is inoperable or the securement and priority seating areas are full, a disabled passenger may be unable to board. In either situation, if the next bus is not due to arrive for more than 30 minutes, the driver will offer the passenger a transfer, and arrange alternative transportation. Customers taking advantage of the Night Stop program can request someone wait with them until other alternative transportation arrives.
RTD's Access-a-Ride program provides local bus transportation for individuals with disabilities who are unable to access our fixed-route bus and light rail system. Learn more about Access-a-Ride.
Accessible light rail trains
Light rail is wheelchair accessible. Ramps are located at each station. Wait at the top of the ramp for the train to stop and the operator will help you board and exit the train.
Discounted fares and special discount cards
Individuals with disabilities are entitled to a discount fare on fixed-route, Call-n-Ride, and light rail service. See a list of discounted fares and learn how to obtain a special discount card.
Personal attendants and service animals
Passengers with disabilities who are traveling with attendants, aides, or trainers are not required to provide proof of eligibility. Personal attendants, aides, or trainers traveling with a fare-paying disabled passenger are not required to pay a fare. Service animals may accompany disabled passenger. For safety reasons, please keep service animals clear of the aisle. The driver or operator may deny boarding or request that you remove the animal if it becomes violent, disruptive, or poses a threat to other passengers.
Respirators and portable oxygen
You may board any RTD service with a respirator or portable oxygen supply. When calculating the amount of oxygen require, plan to include more than two hours of travel time.
Stop announcements
To assist customers with visual impairments, drivers or operators will announce all transfer points, major intersections, destination points, and other intervals along the route. He or she will also announce any stop at the request of a customer. If you have difficulty hearing or understanding the announcements, please notify the driver. In locations where more than one route serves the same stop, the driver or operator will announce the route and destination for passengers with visual impairments or other disabilities seeking a ride on a particular route.
Securement area and priority seating
Passengers with disabilities are not required to use priority seats; however, if you’re a disabled passenger needing to sit in priority seating, the operator will ask individuals sitting in the area to move. Other disabled or elderly customers may remain seated, while all other passengers should comply with the operator’s request. While RTD makes every effort to inform passengers of the policy regarding the securement and priority seating area, an operator cannot force passengers to move.
Customers traveling with children in strollers may sit in the securement and priority seating area, but should comply with the operator’s request to collapse the stroller or relocate to other seating to accommodate an elderly or disabled passenger.
Wheelchair securement
Customers using a wheelchair must use the designated securement area and may secure or unsecure their wheelchair without assistance from the operator. RTD provides “Secure Here” stickers and “Stoke Straps” for the customer to indicate how and where securement straps should be attached to the wheelchair. To obtain stoke straps, ask the operator or call 303.299.4056.
Passenger information and training
Accessible information
RTD’s trip planner is accessible for passengers using voice-enabled software. The Google Trip Planner is compatible with wireless devices and can be accessed at m.rtd-denver.com. Schedules and route information can be printed in braille, large print, or sent electronically via email. For special requests, contact RTD’s ADA Coordinator at 303.299.2451 or ADA.Coordinator@rtd-denver.com.
Accessible transit centers
Elevators and ramps are located at transit centers for rider accessibility. In the event of an elevator outage, information will be posted online under rider alerts. Passengers can sign up to receive email notifications of these outages as well.
Emergency telephones
Disabled customers needing assistance at RTD Transit Centers may use the emergency telephones inside elevators. Once the button is pushed, the phone will automatically be connected to RTD’s Security Command Center.
Web Accessibility
The RTD website incorporates accessibility standards for persons with disabilities including guidelines from the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. We are dedicated to providing the best transit experience to each and every rider, and will continue to takes steps to improve rtd-denver.com.
Rider training
Customers with disabilities who want to learn how to ride transit can contact RTD Training at 303.299.6071 or alice.osner@rtd-denver.com.
Comments, complaints, and commendations
RTD wants to hear about your experiences and welcomes your feedback. To submit complaints, commendations, suggestions or questions contact the Telephone Information Center or use the customer comment form.
Comments, complaints, and commendations
RTD wants to hear about your experiences and welcomes your feedback. To submit complaints, commendations, suggestions or questions contact the Telephone Information Center at 303.299.6000 (TDD/TYY 303.299.6089) or use the customer comment form.
Contact RTD's ADA Coordinator
303.299.2451
ada.coordinator@rtd-denver.com
