General questions

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What is smart card?

The RTD smart card is a reusable, plastic card the size of a credit card that contains a chip for passengers to buy, electronically load, and manage RTD passes and fares. Just tap the card on the smart card reader while boarding a bus or prior to boarding light rail to validate your trip.

Why did RTD change to a smart card system?

Smart card technology will allow RTD to capture more accurate ridership data to ensure fares, passes, and pass programs are priced appropriately.

How does smart card technology work?

Smart cards have an embedded chip that can process information. Smart card readers are installed on all buses and at all light rail stations. Tapping a smart card on the reader can validate the card, update information on the card, define the correct fare, and validate a transfer.

Using your CollegePass

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When can I begin using my CollegePass smart card?

You can begin using your smart card as soon as you receive it.

On what services can I use my CollegePass smart card?

All participating colleges receive Local, Express, and Regional bus and light rail service. A credit may apply for SkyRide service to DIA, depending on your school. CollegePass is not valid on special services, including but not limited to, Access‑a‑Ride, BroncosRide, BuffRide, RockiesRide, RunRide, and SeniorRide.

How do I use my CollegePass smart card?

To use the smart card, you must tap your card on the smart card reader every time you board a bus or at light rail stations prior to boarding a train. Listen for a tone and watch for a light to appear.

Yellow Light: Card is valid. Please show your EcoPass to the bus driver or to the fare inspector on light rail.
Red Light: Card is not valid. Use other form of fare payment.

See step-by-step instructions

How do I find the validators at the light rail stations?

Smart card readers are conveniently located at all light rail stations. Many stations have more than one reader. Most often, readers are located in high traffic pedestrian areas at the station or next to the light rail platform where the train arrives.

Do I need to tap when I exit the bus or train?

You do not need to tap your card when exiting a bus or train. Validation is only required upon boarding.

Why is it important for me to know if I am traveling on a regional, express, or local trip on buses and/or light rail?

The ridership data collected through smart cards will help us to more accurately price our programs and passes in the future. Knowing and selecting the correct level of service for your ride will ensure we have accurate data for contract pricing.

How will I know what level of service to select on the smart card reader at the light rail stations?

All smart card readers at light rail stations are set at default fare settings used by the majority of passengers at that station. In this instance, you do not need to select a fare level. If you are traveling to a location other than the default setting, you must select the level of service (Local, Express, or Regional) that corresponds to the station to which you are traveling. Signage is located at all light rail stations behind each card reader to help you determine which level of service you should select for your trip.

What happens if I don't tap my card?

Failure to tap or to select the correct service level may result in the following:

• First Offense: Written warning
• Second Offense: Seven day suspension of card
• Third Offense: Thirty day suspension of card
• Fourth Offense: Pass is confiscated and suspended for the remainder of the contract period.

No refunds or credits will be issued. If a CollegePass is suspended or confiscated, the pass holder is required to pay full fare during the suspension period. Failure to pay the fare during a suspension period is considered fare evasion and a ticket may be issued.

Troubleshooting and more information

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What if I tap and receive a red light or my card doesn't work?

Your card must be validated properly in order to ride bus or light rail. If your card does not work as expected, contact your CollegePass card issuance office or call 303.299.CARD for assistance. You may be asked to pay your fare until your card is operational.

What if my card is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Please contact your CollegePass card issuance office as soon as possible. They will provide you with instructions for replacing your pass.

Does RTD have a smart card privacy policy?

Yes. Read the smart card privacy policy.

I have a smart card question that is not listed here. What should I do?

Please email us at smartcardsupport@rtd-denver.com or call our smart card Customer Service Center at 303.299.CARD Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – noon.