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 to the reader can validate the card, update information on the card, define the correct fare, and validate a transfer.

Using your EcoPass

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When can I begin using my EcoPass smart card?

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

On what services can I use my EcoPass smart card?

Your EcoPass smart card is valid for unlimited rides on all regular bus and light rail service. There is an upcharge for SkyRide service to DIA. EcoPass is not valid on special services, including but not limited to, Access-a-Ride, BroncosRide, BuffRide, RockiesRide, RunRide, and SeniorRide.

What is the EcoPass upcharge to ride SkyRide to DIA?

Effective January 1, 2013, EcoPass holders will pay a $2.50 upcharge for SkyRide service to and from DIA. EcoPasses issued by DIA employers are exempt from this fee. No fee is charged when traveling from the Airport Blvd./40th Ave. or the Stapleton Park-n-Rides to DIA.

How do I use my EcoPass 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 wait 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

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. Tapping is only required upon boarding.

How do I find the smart card readers 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.

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: Rider is issued a 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 calendar year.

No refunds or credits will be issued. If an EcoPass 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 ticket may be issued.

Can I share my smart card with my family members or friends?

No. The EcoPass is not transferrable and has a photo so the driver or fare inspector can verify the card with the rider. RTD drivers and fare inspectors will confiscate EcoPasses when the photo does not match the person with the pass.

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 activated properly in order to ride bus or light rail. If your card does not work as expected, 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?

Contact your EcoPass coordinator or call 303.299.CARD as soon as possible. Once approved by your employer, cards may be replaced at any of the EcoPass Customer Service Centers listed below. The cost to have a card replaced is $10.00.

RTD Administrative Offices
1600 Blake Street
Denver, CO
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Thursday: Noon - 3:00 p.m.

Boulder - RTD Boulder Transit Center
1400 Walnut Street
Boulder, CO
Monday: Noon - 4:00 p.m. • Wednesday: Noon - 4:00 p.m. (September–February only)

Denver International Airport (DIA)
Level 5
Wednesday: 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Smart Card Customer Service Center
1444 Wazee, Ste. 110
Denver, CO
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

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.